Valve chamber refurbishment

Introduction

We were tasked with refurbishing the valve chamber of a busy pumping station which was in a very poor state of repair.

This project was one element of a wider programme of works at a hospital estate in Enfield in partnership with a third-party service provider.

The pumping station received foul waste from a nearby in-patient mental health unit and needed to remain live throughout to avoid any disruption to patients and staff.

To achieve this, we employed confined entry, lifting equipment and our 26-tonne combi-tanker in a well-choreographed operation.

Method

The chamber was surveyed by one of our project managers, to assess what would need replacing. DN150 non-return valves, gate valves and electrofusion PE pipework were specified. Electrofusion pipe fittings were chosen to ensure very homogenous, reliable and long-lasting joints.

Risk assessment, method statements and a detailed scope of works were drawn up to ensure that the heavy pipework could be replaced safely.

Throughout both days our 26-tonne, 2,700 gallon capacity tanker was on-site to pump foul water from the pumping station so that the valve station could be worked on. Due to access restrictions, over 100 metres of suction hose was required which was delivered to site by one of our support vehicles.

The valve chamber is 1200mm x 1200mm x 1200mm which meant careful manoeuvring was required. One engineer operated the pipework lifting equipment to remove and replace the heavy pipes and valves, whilst another made a confined entry to work within the chamber. The non-return valves and gate valves each weighed over 70kg.

On the first day we replaced one of the two non-return valves before replacing the old pipework so that the pump station could operate overnight.

On day two, we replaced the second non-return valve, the gate valves and fitted the new DN150 electrofusion pipework, then made good.

Results

The valves and new pipework were installed successfully. Both chambers were left clean and dry. Tankering and careful sequencing ensured that the pumping station could continue to receive waste throughout the process avoiding any disruption. All work was completed with careful attention to health and safety.

Valve chamber before refurb

Valve chamber before refurb

Valve chamber after refurb

Valve chamber after refurb

Suction pipe run

Suction pipe run

 

FOCUS ON

BROAD CAPABILITIES

With 25 years of experience of providing pumped and drainage services and products, our team has the breadth of expertise and resources to undertake these projects fully in-house.

All our engineers are trained in all aspects of working with pumped and drainage systems, as well as the use of gas detection equipment and confined space entry procedures.

Edincare Drains provide a full range of drainage services with its dedicated fleet of service vehicles.