Among a stream of applications that the WRc Approved Scheme receive are three that achieved their certificate in June. They represent a variegated bunch of products typical of those coming forward to WRc.
The first product being a repairing system for gravity pipes, this is the Quick Lock system, a stainless steel gasket with rubber seal, which is wrapped around an inflatable packer and inserted into the pipeline via a manhole. A CCTV camera guides the wheel-mounted packer to the correct location and compressed air inflates the packer. Once inflated, a mechanism on the gasket locks it into shape and the rubber forms a compression seal along the length of the repair ensuring leaktightness.
The second approval was for Ridgistorm-XL, a large diameter pipe system manufactured by Polypipe Water Management Solutions. As Ridgistorm-XL is manufactured as a value engineered bespoke product to meet the requirements of each project, Polypipe WMS received approval for its design software. The certification also covers all the pipe profile options, stiffness classes up to SN8, diameters 750 – 2100mm and all bespoke fabrications work carried out by Polypipe’s in-house Fabrications team. Ridgistorm-XL’s unique and patented electro-fusion jointing method is also covered by the WRc Approved Scheme for the tensile strength of each joint along with the jointing method statement and Polypipe WMS’ installation manual and guidance.
The third approval was of a software product where a WRc engineer needed to run through the package using a set of test data. The program is based on the WRc pressure test method as described in “A guide to testing of water supply pipelines and sewer rising mains”, 1st edition. Hydrohire are using the software when commissioning HPPE and MDPE pipelines and need it to demonstrate that the pipe has met the pressure test. WRc drew up an assessment schedule and was able to rapidly run the checks demonstrating that the answers were the same as when calculated using a basic spreadsheet.
These three approvals demonstrated the versatility of the Approval Scheme and the breadth of experience of the staff in assessing a variety of differing products.