Trenchless tech trialled in Qld for water pipe rehabilitation

Urban Utilities has trialled a new robot-delivered trenchless technology, which is designed to make water main renewal more efficient and to benefit customers and the environment.

Urban Utilities completed the trial with project partners Downer, WSP and Wilsons Pipeline Solutions, rehabilitating an 80 m section of underground pipe in Somerset in South East Queensland.

Urban Utilities’ Maintenance Innovation Lead, Senthil Kumar, said the Resiline technology sprayed a rapid-curing lining inside the pipe, relining it underground and removing the need for a traditional ‘lift and lay’ pipe excavation.

“With this new trenchless technology, works that would have traditionally taken weeks can be completed in just a few days,” he said.

“This helps reduce our overall carbon footprint and can make essential works more cost-efficient.

“The technology also has great potential to benefit our customers, particularly those in busy CBD or popular community areas, by allowing us to upgrade vital infrastructure underground without a need to excavate large sections of footpaths or roads.”

Resiline technology.

Urban Utilities Water Program Manager Jonathan Farrell said the organisation would investigate how the technology could be used as part of its existing pipeline renewal program following the successful trial.

“We’re responsible for maintaining a network of 9000 km of water pipes that supply water to more than 1.5 million people across South East Queensland and we’re always looking at ways we can improve outcomes for our environment and our customers,” he said.

“This technology is a great example of Urban Utilities’ commitment to innovation and we’re proud to be part of this Australian-first trial.”

Top image caption: Downer Water Services Delivery Manager Gordon Lynch with Urban Utilities Water Program Manager Jonathan Farrell.