Installing the pipework
Welding Preinsulated Pipe
Preinsulated Joint Work
Aikman Avenue
Contract Value:
£5,000,000.00
Client:
Leicester City Council
Timescale:
1999 - present
Vital Energi has been responsible for the design, supply and installation of over 20km of pre-insulated carbon steel pipework in Leicester over the past 20 years. Vital Energi have been contracted by Leicester City Council to be involved in various replacement pipework projects such as St Matthews and St Marks estates. A further extension to the district heating network at Aikman Avenue was awarded to Vital Energi based on the high quality levels demonstrated on other projects in Leicester.
Aikman Avenue
Vital Energi further enhanced over 200 metres of pre-insulated 100 mm diameter pipe which was welded together by the use of the “Band Muff” fusion welded joint system which is only available in the UK from Vital Energi. This technology extends the life span of the pipes by 30 years whilst also reducing the number of joints required
helping to minimise installation time and future maintenance costs. The extended mains had to cross the A563 Leicester Inner Ring Road – a busy dual carriageway. Vital Energi employed a horizontal directional technique in order to minimise disruption and reduce excavation costs for the client. The scheme connected a leisure centre, a youth centre, a community centre, Forrest Lodge School and New College North to the district heating network. The success of this project led to the client awarding Vital Energi with more work beyond the original brief. This involved the diversion of the district heating network to accommodate a local college which was undergoing redevelopment.
Hamilton Community College
The contract was to excavate 150 metres of pipework and design, supply and install over 315 meters of pipe to supply heat and hot water to the college. Taper lock joints were installed to ensure the network had the necessary flexibility to change its
direction in line with obstacles. To minimise disruption and distraction to the students, Vital Energi completed the project to the strict time programme of 8 weeks, with most of the work carried out in the Easter holidays.
St Matthews Estate
Leicester City Council contracted Vital Energi to design, supply and install pre-insulated pipe which supplies heat and hot water to the residential houses, whilst reducing
carbon emissions. Leicester City Council constructed the energy centre for the estate and Vital Energi installed the pipe to connect the energy centre with the residential houses. Similar schemes (with their own boiler houses) were also installed on the
St Andrews and St Marks estates by Vital Energi. During the projects, Vital Energi
employees worked along side the highways agency in order to minimise disruption and risk during the excavation and installation of pipework. These schemes all included the installation of a high tech surveillance system to monitor the pipes for any moisture or damage which in turn extended the life span of the pipe and reduced the expense and inconvenience of a major rupture.
Conclusion
Vital Energi’s efficiency, innovation and expertise have been demonstrated throughout the working partnership with Leicester City Council. The use of surveillance systems and Band Muff Fusion welded joints on the schemes has ensured that high quality standards are maintained within the district heating network. Vital Energi’s commitment to reduce maintenance costs by increasing the quality and the life span of the pipework has ensured value for money for the client.
