Used successfully across America and the United Kingdom, the new spray lining technology works by applying a quick-curing polyurea solution to the inside of the pipe. The coating is applied using a rotating applicator that moves up and down the pipe, effectively building a new pipe inside the old one.
A safe and effective solution, the spray lining technique will reduce the cost and disruption to both the local community and the environment when renewing watermains. If the trial is successful, Yarra Valley Water will become the first Australian water utility to introduce the technology.
Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Pat McCafferty said the new watermain spray lining product would undergo rigorous testing before being introduced on a larger scale, with the product potentially revolutionising the way the utility carries out its watermain renewals.
“The overall renewal process is much quicker, as the design and approval process is simpler and minimal excavation is needed prior to applying the product. This means we can reduce the inconvenience to customers by minimising the need to dig up entire roads,” said Mr McCafferty.
“Customers will also experience reduced disruption to water services, as the pipes can be used around two hours after the lining has been applied. This will speed up the time it takes to return the pipes to service.”
The final stage of the trial will commence in July on a stretch of pipe beneath Melbourne’s Clayton Road, a busy thoroughfare.
The coating is stated to increase the life of pipes by at least 50 years. Depending on the success of the trial, spray lining may be used to supplement Yarra Valley Water’s existing watermain renewal techniques.
The trial is being conducted in partnership with Abergeldie Watertech, the only licensed installer in the country of the lining product, which is owned by 3M