Edge Underground grows with OptionX Group innovations

Edge Underground has gained first access to a new machine, the AdaptX, built by Bournedrill.

Since the formation of OptionX Group just over 12 months ago, the venture has proven to be hugely beneficial for the companies involved. 

Group CEO and founder, Stuart Harrison, formed OptionX Group in part to furnish Edge Underground with the technical and mechanical support it needed to operate more effectively in the industry. 

The team at Edge Underground was instrumental in the development of the technology now being used for the AdaptX, and ensured the research and development phases were productive and successful.

For over two decades, Harrison has been a pioneer in the industry, creating a number of patented innovations. 

This year, the AdaptX was crowned winner of the New Technology: Machine, Tool, Material, System or Technique category at the ASTT Awards in September. A second innovation from OptionX Group, Riteline, was also a finalist in the same category.

Making an impact at No-Dig Down Under

The strength and breadth of OptionX Group’s capabilities were on full display for the first time at the recent No-Dig Down Under Exhibition and Conference in Brisbane. 

The brand new AdaptX Maxi was on display at the stand, and a significant number of attendees expressed interest in the partnership model offered by the company to gain access to the machine. 

Edge Underground is currently enjoying exclusive use of the AdaptX, a benefit of being heavily involved in its development through OptionX Group. 

The machine’s capabilities, which extend well beyond its microtunnelling function, have given Edge Underground an advantage in the field, including being able to complete installations faster and more accurately than ever before.   

Another product featured heavily by OptionX Group at the show was Riteline Centralisers. Like so much of what OptionX Group does, Riteline reduces and eliminates the limitations of other similar products on the market. 

In this case, Riteline Centralisers address the common frustrations around existing centralisers — inflexibility, excess stock and limited use. 

Riteline is available in four different sizes, which can be used to create 34 different variants, and includes flexible and rigid opinions in sizes ranging from 30mm to 125mm. 

The product is now in the final stages of WSAA approval and has successfully been used on several jobs, including for Sydney Water. 

While not strictly a new product — over 100,000 units have already been produced and used in the field — Edge Underground was instrumental in the development of Riteline through testing and re-working prototypes to ensure the final product met all requirements. 

Becoming the home of innovation

Challenging the status quo is at the core of what OptionX Group does. Harrison explained the X in the business name serves to remind him and the team that they are solving the unknowns.

“We’ve always aimed to create options for whatever ‘X’ is,” Harrison said. 

“Whether that’s the microtunnelling challenge of changing ground conditions, or seeing wastage from existing centralisers, I’ve always believed the more options you have the more chance you’ve got for a successful project, so we’ll continue to create options and think outside the box.”

Harrison also believes the industry has been crying out for these innovations, and both new products, along with the work of Edge Underground, are attracting high demand. 

“It’s a huge honour to be a finalist in ASTT Awards, and the fact two products were recognised in the new technology category — with one of those named the winner — shows there is a need and a desire to embrace innovation within the industry,” he said. 

The AdaptX will be available through a partnership model for contractors working in the industry, particularly in hard rock conditions.

This article featured in the October edition of Trenchless Australasia.