Introduction
HB Tunnelling was approached by United Living Energy Ltd (ULEL) to help resolve a potential service clash during the installation of the Appleby Lodge Gas Pipeline, which ULEL was carrying out on behalf of Cadent Gas. The challenge involved a major water main supply pipeline owned by Anglian Water Services Limited, which ran close to the gas pipeline route. The goal was to ensure the safe diversion of existing gas pipelines without interfering with critical water infrastructure, while adhering to specific distance and depth constraints.
Guided Auger Boring
Objective
The development area west of Appleby Lodge Way is part of the Prologis Park Wellingborough West Zone C and D, where new buildings were planned on the site of high-pressure and intermediate-pressure gas pipelines owned by Cadent Gas. To facilitate this, the gas pipelines had to be diverted along the eastern and southern boundaries of the site, involving approximately 1.2km of high-pressure and 800m of intermediate-pressure heavy wall pipelines. A key constraint was that the new gas pipeline had to be installed at least 1.2 meters away from an existing Anglian Water DN900 pipeline, which was already buried 2.5 meters underground. To achieve this, ULEL needed to use a Trenchless Methodology, and this is where #HBT provided expert guidance and support.
The Challenge
HBT worked closely with ULEL to design, plan, and execute a #GuidedAugerBoring (GAB) installation. ULEL excavated the pits, including a 10.6m long, 5m wide launch pit and a 3m square reception pit. The longer excavation allowed for the installation of 8m-long sections of gas pipe, which doubled as steel casings during the GAB operation. This approach significantly reduced project time compared to the traditional method of welding shorter pipe sections. Welding each joint was a detailed process, taking two days per joint, as the welded steel pipes were wrapped in a protective coating to ensure longevity. The 25m pilot bore and the gas pipeline installation were completed with remarkable precision, within 5mm accuracy. The entire GAB operation, including welding time, was completed in just 13 days. Project Manager Stephen Tear of ULEL praised HBT’s expertise and the collaborative effort, stating that ULEL would certainly use HBT’s services and innovative technology again in the future.
For projects where HBT can provide solutions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our #HBTeam today!
“This was our first time using trenchless technique &
HB Tunnelling, we have heard great things about HBT but I can confirm that
they are very professional & organised company & we will be looking at the
next scheme to use this type of works”
- Persimmon
