In order to lengthen the service life of sewer assets and minimise odour emissions, water utilities spend considerable sums of money on preventing septicity in rising mains and corrosion in gravity sewers. However, without suitable prevention measures in place, there is a serious risk of holes developing in sewer pipes or the pipe collapsing altogether. In December 2010, WRc completed a Portfolio R&D collaborative project (CP408) for water utilities in the UK and Ireland on septicity in rising mains and corrosion in gravity sewers.
From the results of a detailed root cause analysis of septicity and corrosion in sewers, WRc developed a tool to estimate septicity and corrosion and identify the most cost-effective solutions. The project also produced a series of factsheets providing guidance on preventing septicity and corrosion.
The outputs from the project will allow water utilities to identify locations where septicity and corrosion could pose a risk. They will also allow water utilities to select the most cost effective solutions to control septicity and corrosion at locations already known about. This should extend the life of sewer assets and minimise odour emissions.
Further details available from David Sivil on +44 (0) 1793 865134 or email david.sivil@wrcplc.co.uk.