UKDN鈥檚 lining division has bought a dual-core curing system designed specifically for lining pipes with a diameter of between 600mm and 1200mm. It is using it to rehabilitate large diameter culverts for Network Rail.
According to the company, there are only two of these ultra-violet (UV) dual-core systems in the UK that can be used on mobile UV lining equipment. Most pipe rehabilitation contractors hire them project-by-project.
Eamonn Maloney, head of rail maintenance for UKDN Waterflow (LG), said: "Having the system in-house will allow us to plan culvert and sewer rehabilitation programmes more effectively, making them easier to implement, and more cost-effective for rail infrastructure customers. Our ability to invest in this technology is an example of the benefits that have flowed from Lanes Group's acquisition of the business 12 months ago. Indeed, the dual-core system will be made available to all Lanes Group sewer rehabilitation customers."
UKDN has also devised a mobile UV lining pod to operate the dual core light train, which can be lifted on and off rail trollies or all-terrain trailers for transport.
The ProKASRO dual-core UV light system has four lamps on each core. Once the guide arms have been set to a maximum diameter, a safety system prevents the arms over-elevating past the chosen diameter.
UKDN lining manager Jack Talbott said: "We can remotely adjust the arms up or down to guide the light source through changing diameters, or sections of deformed pipes during the curing process. The operator keeps the light source as close as possible to the liner all times. This allows the quickest curing time, which can be essential when lining rail pipes during short track possessions.
"With this system, cameras can now be fitted at the front, middle and back of the dual-core, so the operator can monitor the curing process. This is especially useful when lining curved pipes when the guide arms may snag on wrinkles in the liner."
UV cure-in-place pipeline (CIPP) lining, where resin within the glass-fibre liner is hardened with UV light, is increasingly the pipe rehabilitation technique of choice in rail environments, UKDN says, as it is faster, stronger 聽and needs less installation equipment than traditional hot water CIPP lining.
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