TPi January 2011

developments products &

Solution for dissolved lead in drinking water

PIPE Ltd is a manufacturer and supplier of specialist pipework fabrication tools and handling equipment for workshop or on-site environments. The company’s range of portable precision pipe preparation/bevelling machines and portable pipe cutting equipment is used in industries including chemical, oil, gas and power generation. The company also supplies an extensive range of pipestands, pipe handling, rapid pipe welding alignment clamps and spider internal alignment clamps used for set-up in all types of pipework fabrication. PIPE Ltd manufactures various models of ID locking pipe bevelling machines ranging from ½" to 20" ID, along with various models of OD mounted split frame clamshell pipe cutting and bevelling machines ranging from 1" to 60" diameter pipe. UK water suppliers are facing strict lead reduction guidelines in 2013, when lead content in drinking water must be reduced from its current 25µg/l to new World Health Organization standards of 10µg/l. The need to reduce lead in drinking water services prompted US-based Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC (PRT) and UK-based Morrison Utility Services to team up in a joint venture, Pipe Restoration Services (PRS), to provide the technology to line service pipes with a blown-in-place epoxy resin (ePIPE) as an alternative to lead service pipe replacement. The ‘blown in place’ ePIPE system means that nothing but air and resin enters the service pipe in order to form a barrier coating to prevent leaching of lead.

technology, and is used extensively for small diameter internal and external water supply pipe restoration.” The system has been adapted for the UK market and is currently seeking DWI approval for the specific application of lining lead services and internal pipework. By using a simple adapter at the stop tap, ePIPE can be applied to the entire service pipe, from the main to the kitchen tap, in one simple operation, with only one excavation over the ferrule connection to the water main. ePIPE recently attracted the attention of a number of water company executives who had chance to see the technology for themselves when a road show tour was conducted across the UK. They were shown the end-to-end process of cleaning, drying and lining service lines in-place using the ePIPE process, clearly demonstrating a number of benefits over traditional, more costly, lead management solutions.

PIPE Ltd also manufactures a range of pipe clamps, both ID and OD mounted, with models dedicated to reforming pipe to get the perfect alignment. The company has been supplying equipment for the purging of stainless steel pipe for many years, and has recently introduced the latest ‘Triple Seal’ purging systems, designed to reduce both gas usage and purging times. The range starts from 1" with made-to-order special models available for up to 40" ID. Pipe Ltd has recently become the UK’s distributor for the aquasol range of purging equipment, including the E-Z Purge water soluble dam system, the E-Z zone and E-Z wipes industrial cleaning wipes to remove dirt and dust particles prior to application. effective manner, for both the water company and private owner, including private and social housing landlords. It also helps water companies manage risk in relation to pipework outside their control, and complements water metering and mains rehab activity, as well as offering improved customer experience with less disruption over traditional techniques. John Coyne, executive director of Morrison Utility Services, said, “We are excited by the prospect of bringing this innovative technology to the UK, as we believe it offers great scope to assist water companies in dealing with the key challenges of dissolved lead and customer experience. We will be offering this service through PRS to the whole market as a specialist service.” Pipe Restoration Services – UK info@piperestorationservices.co.uk www.piperestorationservices.co.uk

Larry Gillanders, chief executive of PRT, commented, “ePIPE isnot anewprocess; we have over 12 years' experience of its use in the US and across the world, in potable water systems. ePIPE is a proven Pipework fabrication tools and equipment The system offers a complete solution to service pipe lead problems in a cost Morrison Utility Services – UK www.morrisonus.com

producing all of the standard weld preparations required, ie V-preps, J-preps and borematching on mild steel, stainless steel, duplex, super duplex and inconel wrapped pipes.

PIPE Ltd – UK sales@pipe-ltd.com www.pipe-ltd.com

The bevelling and cutting machines in PIPE Ltd’s range are capable of

The E-Z Gold pipe welding clamp

33

www.read-tpi.com

January 2011 Tube Products International