How National Grid is
lighting up London
South Africa says yes
to trenchless tech
Prestigious Queen’s
Award for Rhead
Nine new members
sign up to the Guild
Power Tunnels project update P3
TT-UK a hit at Pretoria event P4
International approach praised P6
Full company profiles P14
A newsletter FOR MEMBERS OF the pipeline industries guild
Inthepipeline
Autumn 2014
No Dig Live 2014
Exhibitions. Demonstrations. Debates. Our full report on
the trenchless technology event on P8
A time to
get together
John Ineson, Chairman
WELCOME to the latest edition of In the Pipeline.
We are now into autumn, when it becomes evident
that changes are afoot. However, some things
don’t change and one of those fixed events is the
Guild dinner season where, over the next few
months, each Branch will be holding its annual
get-together. In my role as chairman, I have the
privilege of attending the majority of dinners and
recently went to the South East Branch event in
Egham. A great night was had by all – thanks to
Branch Chair Hayley King (Affinity Water) and her
committee for organising the first of the season’s
dinners. Please book early for these great
networking occasions. And do continue to support
the charities highlighted at the events.
Change is common in our lives and I have also had
a change of employment. I now work for Sweett
Group, who I would like to thank for supporting the
Guild in my year of office and beyond. The Guild has
maintained a good level of membership, particularly
through the recession when many companies
reviewed the benefits of belonging to associations.
But it is new membership that keeps the Guild
growing and developing – if you know a company or
individual that could benefit from membership, do
contact our Director General Dr Cheryl Burgess.
The Guild has also published the directory for 20142015, which will be sent out over the next few
weeks. I would like to thank the HQ team
for their hard work. Feedback indicates
the directory is well used and liked by
members, but we are always looking at
ways to improve it. If you have any
comments, please contact HQ team.
I look forward to seeing you soon
at one of the upcoming Branch
dinners or events.
Nice piece of kit:
guests inspect
the tech at No Dig
Live 2014
P24
Contents
Pipeline news
Cover feature
3 Business updates
8 No Dig Live 2014
News from National Grid’s
London Power Tunnels project.
Also, how trenchless
technology is making inroads in
South Africa, and the latest
industry hardware innovations.
A full report from the
demonstrations, exhibitions
and discussions at this major
trenchless technology event,
held at Peterborough Arena.
5 New projects
Branch & panel news
Morrison Utility Services wins
three major new contracts.
Also, new projects for Technip
and Radius Systems.
11 Regional reports
Technical talks, site visits and
a round up of the latest
networking events.
Awards
Down to business
6 Recognition
14 Welcome
A Queen’s Award for Rhead,
and an Outstanding Women in
Business win for MWH Global.
P.I.G. offers a warm welcome
to nine new Guild members.
We provide a concise
rundown of the products
and services offered by each.
Pipeline people
7 Your stories
Severn Trent Water staff turn
pirate, and bag charity treasure.
15 Diary
The need-to-know dates from
October to January.
‘Over 1500 people from 23
countries visited No Dig Live
2014 – a great occasion’
Cheryl Burgess, Director General, P.I.G, p8
Views expressed in In the Pipeline are not necessarily the views
of the Pipeline Industries Guild. All information correct at
time of going to press. Produced on behalf of the Pipeline
Industries Guild by Indigodog Publishing Ltd.
Tel: 01732 452180 www.indigodogpublishing.co.uk
02
In the pipeline
PipelineNews
Business updates
The latest industry
news, including recently
completed projects,
innovations and more
pump up the volume
Creative energy
Severn Trent Water and NMC Nomenca have
completed a £1 million revamp of a sewage
pumping station in Kenilworth. The station –
which passes sewage to a treatment works in
Finham – can now pump 240 litres of sewage a
second, or almost one million litres per hour.
Firmus energy natural gas is fuelling the thriving
creativity at Raceview Mill in Broughshare, a
15-acre site for arts, crafts, music and local foods.
Businesses were attracted to the site by the low
rents, which were made possible partly through
the savings made by choosing natural gas.
L o nd o n
Keeping London’s lights on
National Grid digs deep during the final stages of its flagship Power Tunnels project
Workers at National Grid
will soon begin digging the last
5.5km of London’s new 32km
electricity superhighway, a
flagship project designed to
help keep Londoners connected
to the energy they use.
The project is due to
be complete and
operational by 2018
Tunnelling the Thames
This final phase of the London
Power Tunnels project between
Earls Court and Kensal Green
comes after the company’s
manned Tunnel Boring Machine
(TBM), operated by a team of
expert engineers, recently
completed a 3.4km stretch of
the tunnel underneath the River
Thames between Wandsworth
and Earls Court.
‘Digging a tunnel under
London is challenging at the
best of times, due to the
presence of so many existing
tunnels,’ says National Grid
project manager John Trounson.
‘However going under the
Thames brought further
challenges, which I’m happy to
say our team was more than
capable of dealing with. With
the Thames behind us we can
now look forward to completing
the last phase of tunnelling.’
Installation of the electricity
cables that will transport power
supplies across the capital
began earlier this year and the
project is due to be complete
and operational in 2018.
Mr Trounson added,
‘London’s one of the world’s
leading cities and this project
will maintain that status by
helping to keep the lights on.’
AT A GLANCE:
n The project includes 32km of
electricity superhighway.
n Work included digging below
the Thames while avoiding
the path of the proposed
Thames Tideway tunnel.
n The final stage of the project
begins this autumn.
Innovative gas pipes arrive
Radius’ product offers big benefits – and won’t cost a penny more than standard pipe
03
In the pipeline
Murphy
microsite is a
bright idea
Site aims to share industry
innovations, showcase
projects and promote a
sustainability agenda
D e r b y sh i r e
Radius Systems has
developed SC gas pipes to
offer enhanced security of
supply with a cost-neutral
transition from conventional
polyethylene (PE) pipe. SC
pipe is an innovative solid-wall
PE pipe, designed to easily
identify the pipe material and
l o nd o n
its application by its external
colour. Manufactured using a
specialist co-extrusion process,
SC pipes are non-peelable
and available in a variety of
materials and sizes. The SC gas
pipe will be introduced from
September, with existing pipes
being phased out.
‘The solid wall PE
pipe is simple to
identify, nonpeelable and
available in many
sizes and materials’
Civil engineering and
construction company J Murphy &
Sons Limited has launched a new
digital microsite to champion
innovation and promote bright
ideas across the industry. The
Murphy Innovation Microsite
celebrates the company’s recent
process and product innovations,
a number of which have been
achieved through collaboration
with third parties, including
clients, partners, suppliers and
academic institutions.
The site focuses on the benefits
of innovation to the sustainability
agenda – economic, environmental
and social – and showcases
projects including Crossrail
Thames Tunnel C310 and
Westermost Rough offshore wind
farm, both of which have
demonstrated the value of sharing
expertise across the industry.
‘We want to promote a higher
degree of learning and
collaboration,’ says John Stack,
Murphy’s CEO. ‘Our Innovation
Microsite provides a pool of
quickly accessible resources to
support this process.’
PipelineNews
Business updates
More news, including
opportunities in South
Africa and WRc’s big plans
for the water industry
Gas FLOWS in Egypt
Ships ahoy for Van Oord
BP Egypt has announced the first gas from its
DEKA project. The start of production from
the Denise South-6 well, approximately 65
kilometres offshore, north of Port Said, is set
at an initial rate of 50 million cubic feet per day,
and will supply the country’s domestic market.
Van Oord has ordered a new subsea rock
installation vessel with DP-3 (dynamic
positioning) system from Sinopacific
Shipbuilding Group. Subsea rock installation
protects and stabilises offshore structures
and is one of Van Oord’s main activities.
Pretoria
South Africa embraces trenchless technology
No Dig South Africa leads to potentially lucrative inroads for TT-UK Ltd and its South African partner
The partnership between
TT-UK Ltd and its exclusive
sales partner Reef Trenchless
Technology SA Ltd has been
strengthened following TT-UK’s
success in July at No Dig South
Africa in Pretoria. The event
was opened by the executive
mayor of Tshwane, councillor K
D Ramokgopa, who visited the
TT stand. He fully recognised
the benefits of trenchless
technologies and personally
endorsed the method.
As a result there is fresh
interest for trenchless technology
equipment in South Africa
(following, incidentally, the
hundreds of kilometres of sewers
that were replaced using TT in
recent years, in Tshwane alone).
TT-UK’s business development &
export manager Roger Atherton
said, ‘In the more dense and
urbanised areas of South Africa,
utilities companies have been
turning towards trenchless
technology. Although at the
moment much of this technology
is situated in Cape Town and the
Eastern and Western Capes, the
interest for our equipment is
there – the signs are good.’
Tech talk: The GRUNDODRILL 15XP
n One of the main exhibits on
the TT-UK/Reef stand was The
Grundodrill 15XP.
n This HDD drill rig has been
specifically designed for the
In t e rna t i o nal
TD Williamson hits the spot
New tool locates hard areas and cracking in pipes
A new improved method
for detecting hard spots in
pipes, and subsequent cracking
within the hard spots, has
been developed by global
pipeline solutions provider TD
Williamson (TDW).
The Multiple Dataset
Platform (MDS) with SpirALL®
Magnetic Flux Leakage (SMFL)
utilises multiple technologies
on the same tool, to provide a
series of unique assessments
of an integrity threat to
potentially damaged pipelines.
First a Low-Field MFL provides
primary detection of hard
spots, then a High Field MFL
04
In the pipeline
TT-UK is seeing
increased interest in
its no-dig equipment
confirms the diagnosis, and
SpirALL® MFL identifies any
crack-like defects within the
hard spots. The MDS platform
can also be used to detect
integrity threats such as hook
cracks, lack-of-fusion, selective
seam weld corrosion and
mechanical damage, and will
help address potential threats
before they lead to a failure.
underground installation of
water, gas and power lines.
n The HDD bore method is an
economical and ecological
alternative to the open
trenching method.
n The Grundodrill 15XP joins
other mainstay TT equipment
such as the Grundomat and
Grundoburst.
SWINDON
Smart collaboration
transforming water networks
WRC set to revolutionise live network management
WRc, the UK based consultancy
known for delivering innovation
to the water, waste and gas
sectors, has launched its latest
collaboration to transform the
management of water networks.
Together WRc, United Utilities,
South West Water and the
University of Manchester, with
support from the Technology
Strategy Board, are finding ways
to improve live water network
management. This includes
dynamic up-to-date models and
scenarios that enable decisions
to be made in minutes, rather
than hours. The rapid availability
of information means that, for
example, in the time it takes a
field operative to park and lift a
valve cover, the customer impact
of their activity is known to the
operations centre and the field
operative themselves. Over the next 18 months the
technology will be adapted and
demonstrated in a large-scale
trial. Water companies that
are interested in joining the
collaboration should contact Leo
Carswell at leo.carswell@wrcplc.
co.uk, 01793 865131.
PipelineNews
New projects
Updates on recently
announced contracts and
ventures from across the
pipelines industry
Rhead EMBRACES BIM
KIER takes to the canals
Rhead Group is supporting an OFGEM-funded
Building Information Management (BIM) pilot
with National Grid, for a gas infrastructure
project beneath the River Humber. BIM closes
the information gap between parties during a
project, by providing a common source for data.
The Kier Group has agreed a new £25m per
annum contract with the Canal & River Trust
to carry out engineering and construction
works on the nation’s 200-year-old canal
network. The contract will initially run for six
years with an option to extend up to 10 years.
In t e rna t i o nal
Technip wins India gas contract
Hi-tech gas complex in Kerala gets the go ahead
H e r t f o rdsh i r e
Hat trick for
Morrison
Utility services provider enjoys water contract
‘waterfall’ as it picks up three lucrative assignments
Morrison Utility Services
has been chosen to support
the delivery of Southern
Water’s water and wastewater
capital delivery framework
contract for the AMP6
regulatory period spanning
2015 to 2020. The contract,
valued at up to £180 million
over the initial five years, is a
joint venture with Galliford Try
and will be known as MGjv.
The infrastructure
framework covers investment
in water and waste water
assets across Southern Water’s
region. These assets include:
raw and treated water supply
and distribution pipework;
service pipes; valves and
meters; wastewater sewer
pipework, including sewer
rehabilitation as well as sewer
outfalls; valves; penstocks and
manholes; mechanical and
electrical plant and equipment;
05
In the pipeline
and instrumentation, control
and automation equipment.
Technip, a world leader in
project management, engineering
and construction for the energy
industry, has been awarded
a contract by Air Products to
provide project management, as
well as engineering, procurement
and construction management
(EPCM) services, for a new
industrial gas complex at Bharat
Petroleum Corporation’s Kochi
Refinery in India. The complex in
Kerala is being constructed on
a ‘Build-Own-Operate’ business
model (BOO), and will increase
the refinery’s crude refining
capacity from 90,000 barrels per
day to 310,000 barrels per day.
Maximising efficiency
The plant will feature the
latest technology, to maximise
energy efficiency and minimise
Crude refining
capacity: set to soar
emissions, and will include
optimal heat integration, which
lowers feedstock consumption
during production.
Nello Uccelletti, president and
COO onshore/offshore of Technip,
said, ‘This is the first project to be
built in India through the global
alliance between Technip and Air
Products. Our long experience of
delivering projects in India will be
an asset for the alliance.’
Further big projects
Anglian Water, meanwhile, has
selected Morrison to support
the delivery of its Integrated
Operational Solutions (IOS)
water and wastewater
programme for the same
AMP6 period. Beginning next
April, the five-year framework
contract is valued at around
£75m, with the potential to
extend for up to 10 more years.
And in a hat trick for
Morrison, it has been awarded
a three-year extension to its
Water Services Agreement
contract with Yorkshire
Water. The contract ensures
Morrison retains sole
operational responsibility for
all water networks repair and
maintenance across Yorkshire
Water’s entire region.
In t e rna t i o nal
Joint venture for Radius
Collaboration brings unique pipe to European market
A new joint
venture
between pipe
specialists
Radius Group
and KE
KELIT, the
leading Austrian pipe systems
manufacturer, will bring a
unique offering of reinforced,
flexible, pre-insulated plastic
pipes, designed specifically for
high-temperature and highpressure networks, to the wider
European market. The new
company will trade under the
name Radius-Kelit.
Andy Taylor, Radius CEO,
commented, ‘District heating is
a core segment for the Radius
Group and this move will provide
all the right combinations
to establish a springboard for
European growth.’
‘Radius-Kelit will
provide a
springboard for
European growth’
Andy Taylor, Radius CEO
Awards&Honours
Recognition
This issue: awards for
growth, environmental
best practice and a
‘woman of excellence’
Morrison on cloud nine
Mouchel top – again
Morrison Utility Services has won the Cloud
Innovation category at the Computer Weekly
European User Awards for Enterprise Software.
The award recognises Morrison’s use of
cloud-based technology to optimise field-team
operations and improve customer satisfaction.
Mouchel has topped the CIHT Consultants
File league table for the second year running.
It is now ranked fifth overall top consultant in
the CIHT’s league tables for turnover across all
infrastructure sectors (up two places from
2013), which reflects its growing business.
LONDON
Prestigious
Queen’s
Award for
Rhead
Group recognised for major international
growth and ‘borderless business’ approach
International programme
and project management
consultancy Rhead Group has
won a 2014 Queen’s Award for
Enterprise in International
Trade. The award, in recognition
of Rhead Group’s outstanding
international annual growth,
was presented to Ben Hollister,
Rhead Group’s Ben Hollister
(second left) and Barbara Moore
(third left) at the ceremony
director of global capability &
resource at the firm’s Coventry
headquarters, and is testament
to the team’s commitment to
an international and borderless
approach to business.
Understanding cultural
differences and seeking advice
from UK trading bodies has
helped Rhead implement a
mature domestic and
international strategy.
Says Ben Hollister, ‘We are
truly honoured. Achieving this
award demonstrates the team’s
commitment to creating a
global consultancy trusted for
the value we bring to clients.’
In t e rna t i o nal
Outstanding Women in Business winner
MWH Global employee recognised at annual Denver Business Journal awards
Meg VanderLaan, chief
communications officer at
infrastructure giant MWH
Global, has been named one of
the year’s Outstanding Women
in Business by the Denver
Business Journal, an annual
award that recognises women of
excellence in business and the
wider community.
Transforming MWH
Chosen out of a field of more
than 138 nominees, Meg was one
of 33 finalists selected in 12
categories for the award, which
judges candidates on their
06
In the pipeline
innovation, entrepreneurship,
professional accomplishment
and community leadership. Meg,
who was an award finalist in
2013, was recognised for her
accomplishments in the
Communication, Media and
Public Relations category.
‘Meg’s approach to
communications and PR is both
measured and intuitive,’ said
MWH chairman and CEO Alan
Krause. ‘She has transformed
how MWH is perceived in the
media and in communities where
we live and work. As a leader, she
inspires trust and confidence.’
Meg VanderLaan (right)
receives her award
At a glance:
n The award is one of the most
prestigious business accolades
in the UK.
n It recognises outstanding
innovation and development
over a sustained period.
n The winners are invited to a
Buckingham Palace reception.
C o rnwall
Balfour Beatty
enjoys a bite
BALFOUR BEATTY’S
H50 Alliance contract
has won a Green Apple
environmental
best-practice award, following
the completion of the Frogmore
Rising main project in Cornwall.
The team worked hard to build
excellent relationships with local
residents and land owners, as the
project included excavations in
existing fields, farm land, roads
and a stream crossing. The team
was also recognised for innovative
solutions that reduced the
environmental impact on the
stream crossing and hedge banks.
PipelinePeople
Your stories
New appointments,
charity fundraisers and the
inaugural Fisher German
graduate bursary
PODS search over
New recruit for CUBIS
Kathy Mayo has been appointed the new
executive director of the PODS Association,
following an international search. She comes
with 15 years of pipeline experience, including
her role as communications manager for
Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in Alaska.
Stephen Warke has joined CUBIS Industries
as its new sales manager for the UK and
Ireland. Stephen, who joins CUBIS from
Radius Plastics, will be working with the
existing sales team to further enhance the
company’s sales in the UK and Ireland.
D E R BY S H I R E
There be treasure in raft races!
Severn Trent Water raises £10,500 for WaterAid via a swashbuckling charity event
SEVERN TRENT’S Carsington
Water bore host to an epic
battle recently as sixteen teams
of volunteer pirates ‘hoisted
their colours’ in the hope of
winning the tenth ever raft race.
After a fierce fight, victory was
grabbed by a motley crew called
NMC Goonies – and so far, the
raft race has managed to raise
a veritable treasure chest of
£10,500 for WaterAid.
Captain Leanne Town –
technically Severn Trent Water’s
community manager – organised
the day. ‘We were blown away by
a whole host of landlubbers who
turned up to cheer on our raft
racers and join in the pirate party
at Carsington Water,’ she says.
‘As well as the sixteen teams
of raft racers out on the water
Graduate
bursary
awarded
Annual prize in memory of
Henry Sale launched
Why are this lot dressed
up as pirates?
Because they arrrr
– made up of more than 100
people – we also had the cycle
challenge where bikers peddled
from ten to sixty miles. The raft
race alone has already raised a
L o nd o n
Mace makes
a splash at
National
Paralympic Day
whopping £10,500 for WaterAid.’
For more information on all
Severn Trent Water’s visitor
friendly sites, visit www.stwater.
co.uk/daysout.
Pooling its resources:
Mace has supported
Time to Shine for the
past six years
07
In the pipeline
key part of the east London postParalympic legacy programme,
Motivate East, and brought
together more than 100 disabled
children to experience a wide
range of sporting activities at the
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
A BURSARY WORTH £1,000 has
been awarded to Tom Vacher,
who is studying for a BSc
(Honours) degree in Rural Estate
and Land Management at the
Royal Agricultural University
in Cirencester. This is the first
time the annual prize, which
was launched in the memory
of Henry Sale, joint managing
partner of Fisher German, has
been awarded. The 20-year-old
impressed partners at Fisher
German for describing the steps
he has taken towards becoming a
chartered surveyor as well as his
passion for developing a career
within the industry.
BE L F A S T
Phoenix rising
Construction company employees help
disabled youngsters get hooked on sport
Paralympic skier Anna
Turney and judoka Paralympian
Ben Quilter joined a group of
Mace employees on National
Paralympic Day in August to
volunteer their support at this
year’s Time To Shine. The event is a
G L O U C E S TE R S H I R E
Events on offer at The Copper Box
included volleyball, indoor rowing,
judo, street dance and tennis. This
was also the first year that the
children were able to make a big
splash in the diving pool at the
stunning London Aquatics Centre.
KYLE TURNER from East Belfast
reached the finals of the
‘Apprentice of the Year’ category
at the 2014 Northern Ireland
Plumbing and Heating awards,
held recently at the Hilton Hotel.
Kyle is employed by gas emergency
response specialists Phoenix
Energy Services and is one of over
50 apprentices taken on by the
company in recent years. Kyle has
completed his apprenticeship and
will now take up a full-time
position with the company.
Welcome to
the machines
Events: No Dig Live 2014
The many live outdoor
demonstrations were a
huge draw at the show
People travelled from around the world to see cuttingedge trenchless technologies at No Dig Live 2014. And
P.I.G. members were among the leading exhibitors
GETTING AROUND 80
major names in the
trenchless technologies
industry, and their machinery,
into one location is no small
feat. But No Dig Live 2014,
held for the first time at
Peterborough Arena on 16-18
September, achieved just that,
pulling off the UK’s biggest
event of its kind.
The biennial event features
live indoor exhibitions and
outdoor demonstrations –
where manufacturers and
n
08
In the pipeline
suppliers can showcase products
or technologies – and lively
debate about the future of the
industry. It is considered a
must-attend for engineers,
consultants and contractors
involved in every aspect of the
installation or refurbishment of
underground utilities.
A huge draw
‘No Dig Live is an unrivalled shop
window for trenchless
technology,’ says Caroline
Prescot, Managing Director of
New venue
Peterborough
Arena was
chosen for its
excellent indoor
and outdoor
facilities
More companies than
ever before took part in
live demonstrations
‘The quality of visitors was high, which
made the event extremely valuable to
OXEMS, and the organisation was also
very efficient.’
Kevin Gooding, Oxems
organisers Westrade Group.
‘The event regularly brings
together the cream of the
trenchless technology
industry to review the very
latest products and
techniques. The live
demonstrations are also a
huge draw, not only for home
visitors, but also for the
increasing number of
international engineers who
travel to the UK to see
machinery in action.’
Guild participation
Guild members were out in
force over the three days. 3M,
09
In the pipeline
Radius Plus, SteveVick, TT-UK
and Utility Innovations
Solutions participated in the
well-attended daily outdoor
demonstrations. Other
exhibiting members included
CJ Kelly, Kobus Services,
OXEMS, Pipe Equipment
Specialists and PSS Hire.
The Guild itself was also a
prominent presence at the
event, providing information
on our activities and upcoming
events at a dedicated stand.
Says Guild Director General
Cheryl Burgess, ‘Some people
stopped for a Guild logo
cupcake to go with their
The breakfast club
Over the three days, several hundred people attended early
morning breakfast briefings. The events provided lively forums for
addressing and debating the latest innovations in the industry.
Starting at 08.30 (following coffee and bacon butties) they looked at
a range of industry issues such as utility mapping, and the problems
and solutions of dense urban working.
There was also significant Guild involvement, with representatives
from P.I.G. hosting day 2. Chaired by our Eastern branch chairman Ali
Hamdani, Guild member presentations included:
n the benefit of pipeline installation to Anglian Water/@One
Alliance, by Chris Smith from Barhale and
Nick Russell from Balfour Beatty
n a review of BT’s superfast Broadband
deployment techniques and the challenges
of deploying a new fibre cable to homes, by
John Warren, from BT Labs
n gas trenchless innovation, by Stuart Totty
from National Grid.
Also, at a separate breakfast seminar the
following day, James Clarke, YP chair, gave a
talk on a new sector of supply chain
emerging from the military, medical and
robotic sciences. Said James, ‘The event was a
great showcase of current technology.’
What P.I.G. members said…
‘It was our first time exhibiting
at No Dig Live and every visitor
to the stand was impressed
with our new Mk2 OXEMS
System, noting how far it has
progressed and how it could
help transform the way buried
assets are managed. The quality
of visitors was high, which made
the event extremely valuable to
OXEMS, and organisation was
also very efficient.’
Kevin Gooding, Oxem
‘UIS was greeted with
outstanding interest and
enthusiasm for our products.
We are delighted with the
attention we drew from all the
utility contractors and
providers who attended the
show, which has resulted in a
healthy order book. We also
found the No Dig 2014 breakfast
seminars very informative, as
the discussions provided insight
into workings and future plans
to develop the industry. This has
helped us develop a clear vision
of how we need to develop and
improve UIS products. The entire
No Dig 2014 experience has
‘It has been a great opportunity to
showcase our products and services
at a great location, with easy access
to visitors and exhibitors.’
Dave Sykes, RadiusPLUS’s Head of Operations
coffee and to pick up the new
directory, and many took part
in in-depth conversation with
our staff. With more than 1,500
people from 23 countries
visiting the exhibition, this was
a great occasion for Guild
members to showcase their
technologies, and for the Guild,
as the leading industry body, to
The many
indoor displays
were a big draw
10
In the pipeline
highlight its wealth of benefits
for members.’
See you in 2016
Added Cheryl, ‘The Guild looks
forward to seeing members and
the wider industry at the 13th
biennial No-Dig Live, at
Peterborough on the 20-22
September 2016.’ n
The team from Kobus
enjoying themselves on
their stand.
proved very rewarding for UIS,
and we are excited about No
Dig Madrid in mid-October 2014.’
Joe Iredale, UIS
‘The event was a great success
and we’ve had lots of interest
generated for our Subterra
technologies. It has been a
great opportunity to showcase
our products and services at a
great location, with easy access
to visitors and exhibitors.’
Dave Sykes, RadiusPLUS’s
Head of Operations
Mini masterclasses: a big hit
New for this year were the free-to-attend
two-hour ‘Trenchless Technology Mini
Masterclasses’, held on each day of the
show. Each session had a specific emphasis
or specialist slant informed by the detailed
experience and knowledge of the industry
practitioner delivering the material.
Masterclasses covered investigation
and pipeline condition assessment, new
installation of cables and pipes, and
rehabilitation and relining.
Guests had a chance to
compare products over a
range of applications
Branch&Panel News
Regional reports
Branch news, including
technical talks, YP events
and the first annual
dinners of the season
N. Irel and tech event
innovation e xhibition
The Northern Ireland Branch will be
hosting a technical event on 23 October
with a presentation by Stephen Hemphill
from Mutual Energy. For timings and
more information, please email John.
Houston@burdens.co.uk.
The Northern Branch of P.I.G. will host its
11th innovation event at United Utilities in
Warrington on 15 October. The exhibition
opens at 11am and is a chance to promote
new services and innovations, and network
with utilities and providers.
LSBUD: an
invaluable
asset
E A S TE R N B R A N C H
What lies
beneath?
Flooding is an increasing
problem for gas
distribution networks
E A S TE R N B R A N C H
‘Risk ranking’ helps rate
effects of severe weather
Technical paper prompts further talks about reducing flood risks to gas networks
A technical talk attended
by 15 delegates at Anglian
Water Services in Peterborough
in July looked at how the gas
distribution networks are facing
increasing problems surrounding
asset integrity due to flooding.
The paper, given by Matt
Galloway of DNV GL, focused
on developing a ‘risk ranking’
for overcrossings within the
Northern Gas Networks’ (NGN)
infrastructure most at threat
from the effects of severe
weather, and implementing
mitigation plans for the
highest ‘Risk Score’. Matt, who
has recently entered the gas
11
In the pipeline
industry, having graduated from
Queen’s University Belfast in
2013 with an honours degree
in mechanical engineering,
completed this work while on
secondment at NGN.
Attendees reported that the
presentation was useful as it
highlighted an alternative way of
capturing risk that would bring
value to their asset management
groups. Following the event,
discussions have continued on
how this work could be expanded
to further reduce the risk posed
to overcrossings, both internally
within DNV GL and with
distribution networks.
Free service provides vital
facts about below-ground
utility infrastructure
On 23 September, Richard Broome
from LinesearchbeforeUdig
(LSBUD) delivered a well-attended
presentation to the Eastern
Branch of P.I.G. at Anglian Water
Services in Peterborough on the
current legislation regarding safe
digging techniques. LSBUD is a
free-to-use online enquiry service,
providing utility information and
preventing damage and disruption
to the vast pipe and cable
networks across the UK. It is the
largest service of its kind in the
UK, processing over 120,000
enquiries per month. For users, it is
a single point of contact for
information about its members’
(utility and asset owners)
apparatus at their work site.
Benefits for all
Each overcrossing is
given a ‘risk ranking’
For members, it helps protect their
infrastructure by increasing third
parties’ knowledge of their assets
as well as raising the member’s
awareness of the third party’s
proposed works. This encourages a
safer working environment by
reducing damages and disruption.
Branch&Panel News
W al e s & W e s t e rn B R A N C H
Code of conduct a success
New collaboration saves 96 days of highway occupation in Bristol
The results of a new Bristol
Code of Conduct for Streetworks
and Roadworks was unveiled
to 27 members of P.I.G. and
the Institute of Water (South
West Area) in July. The code
encourages all works promoters
to take a collaborative approach,
to reduce inconvenience to road
users. The initiative, between
Bristol City Council and the
main utilities providers, is an
alternative to the costly permit
schemes and lane rental used in
other parts of the country. The
attendees heard how, as a result
of the code, Bristol has seen a
reduction in both fixed penalty
notices and section 74 over-runs.
What’s more, 96 days of highway
occupation have been saved.
‘This code demonstrates that
self-regulation in streetworks
and roadworks is the best way
forward,’ says Bristol Water’s
Street Works and Partnership
Manager Simon Bennett. ‘Once
this code proves successful, it can
become a model for others.’
Since the launch of the
collaboration between Bristol
City Council, Bristol Water,
Wales & West Utilities (gas),
Wessex Water Services and
27 P.I.G. members
attended
Western Power Distribution
(electricity) at the end of last
year, Virgin Media has also signed
up to the code.
At A Glance
Under the code, the companies
and Bristol City Council will:
n share plans well ahead, so the
council can co-ordinate
essential street and road
works at the same time
n work together at the same or
similar locations as much as
possible to avoid lengthy,
consecutive works
n strive to work at times that
minimise disruption
n put up notices at least two
weeks before major works
start and notify businesses
n keep use of temporary traffic
lights to a minimum.
W al e s & W e s t e rn
BRANCH
WestonSuper-Mare 2.0
YPs visit the recently
upgraded sewage site
Following a £26 million
investment by Wessex Water to
upgrade the sewage treatment
works at Weston-Super-Mare, a
group of 12 Young Professionals
went on a technical visit on 17
September to see first hand the
four new stormwater tanks. As
well as the tanks, which are
capable of holding 21 million litres
of water, upgrades include a more
sophisticated method of treating
water that improves the quality of
discharges from the works.
S c o t t i sh Branch
Rain spoils play at annual golf day
Heavy weather sees event abandoned after just six holes
at The Royal Burgess Golfing Society in Edinburgh
A hugely anticipated annual
Scottish Branch golf outing
at The Royal Burgess Golfing
Society at Barnton in Edinburgh
was brought to an abrupt end
following torrential downpours.
The event got underway in
reasonable weather. However,
by the time the last team had
finished playing the sixth hole, the
heavens opened, accompanied by
thunder and lightning. The clerk
of the course sounded the klaxon
to abandon play. However, two
teams continued on to complete
the course in heavy rain.
Despite their tenacity, it was
decided prizes should be awarded
based on scores achieved on the
first six holes. In all, seven teams
of four plus one team of two took
part in the event on 21 August.
12
In the pipeline
The prize winners
n Mark Taylor, Bredero Shaw, won
the Guild’s members’ trophy.
n Gerry McCormack, Scotia Gas
Networks, won the guest trophy.
n The longest drive went to Peter
O’Sullivan, Darke Engineering.
n The nearest-the-pin went to
Danny Sweeney, Scotia Gas
Networks.
n The best overall team prize went
to the Synthotech team
consisting of Andy Sparks,
Danny Sweeney, Michael
Hymers and Stephen Dickson.
n The lowest scratch score prize
went to David Gardner, a guest
of QEM Solutions.
n A further prize was presented to
Michael Hymers, Scotia Gas
Networks, a guest of Synthotech
Limited, for best dressed golfer.
Guest trophy
winner, Gerry
McCormack of
Scotia Gas
Networks and
Les Dickson,
Serimax
COMING UP:
ANNUAL TECHNICAL LUNCH IN EDINBURGH
Join the Guild for this annual three-course meal at the prestigious
Glasshouse in Edinburgh on 10 October at 12pm, followed by an afterlunch speech by Ian Cartwright on ‘National Grid’s Contracting Operating
Model’. Tickets from £57. Email your booking form or enquire about
sponsorship opportunities to Kate Howes at events@pipeguild.com.
Branch&Panel News
MIDLANDS BRANCH
Managing assets
Informative talk highlights the importance of risk
and resilience in delivering real value
The Midlands Branch
hosted a thought-provoking
technical event at Severn Trent
Offices on 17 September on the
importance of risk and resilience
in the industry.
Attendees at Severn Trent’s
offices in Coventry heard from
two Rhead Group risk and
resilience experts. Jim Morrison
focused on the importance
of a risk-based approach in
managing an organisation’s
assets, and how a strategic
assessment of asset risk can
be used to develop and analyse
specific actions to deliver value
across an asset portfolio.
Andy Marshall, Principal
Consultant (Risk & Resilience),
focused on the statutory
resilience responsibilities
of asset managers and how
infrastructure providers can
best prepare and develop robust
resilience strategies and plans.
‘Both presenters were able to
highlight the synergy between
contingency planning and risk
awareness, which combined to
provide both an informative and
enjoyable evening for all
present,’ said Andrew Bridge,
the Midlands Branch Chair.
The event highlighted the
synergy between contingency
planning and risk awareness
SOUTH EAST BRANCH
Good turnout, great networking
What do you get when you
cross a much-loved venue
with an excellent comedian
and fine food ? Answer – a
fine turnout for the South
East Annual Dinner 2014
ON 26 SEPTEMBER, the South
East Annual Dinner took place at
the Runnymede on Thames. This
was the 22nd year the event took
place at the venue and it enjoyed
an excellent turnout, with 120
members and their guests from
across the industry attending.
These included a good showing
by our regional chairs from up
and down the country, as well as
the appearance of our chairman
John Ineson and the Guild
president Steve Wayman.
Comedian and after-dinner
speaker Josh Daniels provided
some fantastic entertainment
for the assembled guests,
keeping the audience amused
with a string of witty anecdotes
and jokes. Also, a superb meal
13
In the pipeline
L-R: comedian Josh Daniels; Margaret Ruttle, from the Macmillan Centre; Hayley King, SE Branch chairman;
John Ineson, Guild chairman; Steve Wayman, Guild president; and Cheryl Burgess, Guild director general
with all the trimmings was
provided by the hotel, who were
as helpful as ever.
All in all, this year’s annual
dinner was considered a great
success and raised over £1600
for the Macmillan Cancer Centre
at University College Hospital, a
charity that was chosen by the
incoming chairman Hayley King.
‘It was a superb networking
opportunity, with some new and
familiar faces,’ said Tom Mather
of Affinity Water. ‘Once again, a
great event enjoyed by all.’
Hayley would like to thank
all of those who attended the
annual dinner, as well as the
sponsors of this year’s event for
their generosity.
‘It was a superb
networking
opportunity with
new and familiar
faces – a great
event enjoyed by all’
Tom Mather, Affinity Water
DowntoBusiness
New Members
Meet the latest
organisations to join
the Guild. Also, dates
for the diary
Dare you enter ‘The lair’?
Sponsor OUR DINNER
The London Showcase Event and Lions’ Lair will
be back for its sixth year on 19 February 2015.
Held at the Victory Services Club in London, it
will feature opportunities to enter the ‘Lions’
Lair’ and a presentation by Sir John Parker GBE.
To register, contact events@pipeguild.com.
Another advanced notice for 2015:
sponsorship opportunities are now available
for our National Dinner on 10 March. If you’re
interested in supporting the Guild and
promoting your business at this annual event,
contact Kate Howes on events@pipeguild.
I N T R O D U C TIO N S
Welcome to the Guild
A quick guide to the new businesses joining the ranks of the Pipeline Industries Guild
Aqua Management
Bethell Utility Services
Kier Services
This specialist contractor to the water and
utilities industries offers a wide range of
services including civil engineering, pipe
laying and repairs, concrete repairs,
structural waterproofing, concrete cutting
and drilling, and repair and maintenance
works. It is based in Radstock, near Bath, and
serves the South, South West, Midlands and
South Wales. All contracts are completed to
the highest possible standards in terms of
safety, environmental impact and budget.
Contact: Mike Lambourne
mike.lambourne@cliffordbrothers.co.uk
www.cliffordbrothers.co.uk
Based in the North West of England, this
independent connections provider (ICP)
delivers an ‘end to end’ design and build
multi-utility service to new residential,
industrial and commercial developments.
Bethell’s experience enables it to design the
most efficient and cost-effective solutions
for big and small projects. Bethell offers:
electricity, gas and water installation and
connections; telecoms ducting and chamber
construction; and street lighting.
Contact: Paul Connolly
paul.connolly@bethell.co.uk
www.bethell.co.uk
Part of the Kier Group, Kier Services provides
public and private sector services, offering
single services and multi-disciplinary
outsourcing across the UK. It delivers utility
services, highways and waterways
maintenance, housing maintenance,
facilities management and environmental
services including street and grounds
maintenance, strategic asset management
and more. With a team of over 12,000, it is
one of the UK’s market leaders in its field.
Contact: Edward Bunn
edward.bunn@kier.co.uk
www.kier.co.uk
Aubin Group
Complete Asset Life
Management Group Ltd
PRAXAIR
Aubin designs, develops and supplies
chemistry-based technology and engineering
services to the global oil and gas industry. By
combining engineering clout and chemical
expertise, it delivers inventive solutions to
tackle complex energy challenges. Its core
capabilities are delivered through five
business streams: Aubin Solutions, Aubin
Subsea, Aubin Integrity, Aubin Pipelines and
Aubin Well Services. Clients include major
service companies and national oil companies.
Contact: Raymond Stirton
ray.stirton@aubingroup.com
www.aubingroup.com
14
In the pipeline
CALM Solutions brings together engineering
and IT professionals to deliver asset
management products based on clients’
requirements. These products include
bespoke operational, consultancy and
software solutions, for efficient asset
management. CALM software solutions uses
Cloud technology, to provide the greatest
level of flexibility and accessibility for
operational and management personnel.
Contact: Mark Popham
markp@calm-solutions.com
www.calm-solutions.com
Praxair Services specialises in leak detection
and location services. The TracerTight® leak
detection and location system is available
for a wide range of applications, including
above ground storage tanks (ASTs),
underground storage tanks (USTs) and
buried piping. The SeeperTrace® leak
detection and location system is suitable for
long, cross-country pipelines.Praxair
provides leak location without service
disruption and can test systems of any size.
Contact: David Claxton
david_claxton@praxair.com
www. praxair.com
DowntoBusiness
In t r o duc t i o ns
Sweett Group
Turner & Townsend
Wilton Engineering
Sweett offers cost consulting and project
management from its 58 integrated offices,
which are situated in 18 countries across five
continents. Its services support and guide
clients through every stage of a project’s life
cycle by utilising its international expertise,
local knowledge and world-class talent,
which time and again delivers exceptional
results. Sweett Group’s range of services
include: advisory services, building
surveying, property and development services,
contract solutions, project management,
quantity surveying/cost management, and
urban and regional planning.
Contact: John Ineson
john.ineson@sweettgroup.com
www.sweettgroup.com
Turner & Townsend provides a range of
services to the oil and gas and alternative
energy industries, including project
services, contract services and management
consultancy. It specialises in cost
estimating, planning and scheduling, risk
and uncertainty analysis, benchmarking,
contract strategy independent audit,
and assurance and claims avoidance. In
recent years the company has developed
the capability to provide a comprehensive
project controls managed service, to
streamline individual projects within a
portfolio to achieve desired outcomes.
Contact: Mathieu Buckley
mathieu.buckley@turntown.co.uk
www.turnerandtownsend.com
Based on a 50-acre site by the River Tees
in Middlesbrough, Wilton Engineering
specialises in providing manufacturing
solutions for operators and contractors. It
offers project management, engineering
support and delivery of hardware in the
form of mid-water arch systems, subsea
manifolds, towheads, SSIVs, protection
structures, caissons, risers, PLEMS/PLETs,
tie-in spools, lay down heads and PLRs. It also
designs, project manages, constructs, tests
and delivers solutions for pipe and umbilical
handling hardware. It possesses a strong,
diverse portfolio of completed projects.
Contact: Duncan Warriner
proposals@wiltonengineering.co.uk
www.wiltonengineering.co.uk
i ndus t r y D i ar y
Upcoming Events
Oct - March
October
n 10 October
Scottish Branch Technical Lunch.
This year’s lunch takes place at the
Glasshouse Hotel, Edinburgh. The
event includes a networking lunch
and presentations from featured
speakers including National Grid’s
Ian Cartwright. Contact events@
pipeguild.com for more information.
n 20 October
Eastern Branch YPN Paper
Competition – deadline. Today is
the deadline for submission on any
subject associated with the
pipeline industry. See Events on
the Guild’s website for more details
about how to enter.
n 28 October
El Conference. At the Hilton
15
In the pipeline
industry. Email laura.mann@
wessexwater.co.uk if you are
interested in submitting.
November
n 6 November
Conference – Sustaining Sector
Momentum. What does the UK gas
industry need to do to sustain its
positive momentum? Join EUA at the
famous Manchester United Football
Club’s Old Trafford Conference
Centre, where the programme will
Aberdeen Treetops Hotel, a panel
of industry experts, including David examine how the RIIO challenge is
being met in key output areas.
Hainsworth from Total E&P and
Karl Grieve from Talisman Sinopec, Includes an optional MUFC stadium
tour. Visit http://www.eua.org.uk/
will address the key issues of good
gas-2014 for more details.
practice for both ageing and life
n 19 November
extension management. For more
information, visit www.energyinst. Today, Affinity Water’s offices in
Hatfield, Hertfordshire, play host
org/asset-integrity.
to the South East Branch YP Paper
n 31 October
Competition final.
Northern Branch Annual Dinner.
n 21 November
The Midland Hotel in Manchester
Midlands Branch Annual Dinner.
hosts the event. After dinner
This year’s dinner takes place at the
speakers will be Neil ‘Razor’
Welcombe Hotel, Stratford-UponRuddock and Kevin Connelly. Note
Avon. Tickets include a three– this event is now sold out.
course dinner, after-dinner
n 31 October
entertainment from John Martin
Deadline for submissions for the
– ‘The World’s First Interactive
Wales & West YP Paper
Comedian’ – a drinks reception and
Competition, on any subject
networking opportunities.
associated with the pipeline
December
n 2 December
SBWWI Leakage and Metering
Conference and Workshop. Find
out more, and how to book, at
http://www.sbwwi.co.uk/
sbwwi-leakage-meteringconference-2-3-dec-2014.
n 4 December
The Prestige Lecture. This year’s
theme: Energy Infrastructure in the
Future. Look out for details in the
Events section on the Guild website.
n 5 December
The Wales & Western Branch Annual
Dinner, at The Thistle Hotel, Bristol.
Also: the Wales & West YP
workshop will take place at the
same venue before the dinner.
January
n 23 January
Eastern Branch Annual Dinner, at
The Marriott Hotel, Peterborough.
March
n 10 March
‘India: Pipelines, Energy, Utilities and
Infrastructure Opportunities’ takes
place in London today. To deliver a
case study, contact Cheryl @
pipeguild.com. To register interest,
contact events@pipeguild.com.