Project Background
The project involved the remediation works on the west winch to paradise farm high pressure gas pipeline that crosses Rands Drain. The gas pipeline in its current state was unsupported, dated and from previous pipeline inspections, Cadent Gas had identified this section of the pipeline as safety concerns exacerbated by the fact that the pipeline had been impacted by a high velocity projectile 2-3 years earlier compromising the pipeline integrity. The team at PPV were tasked with providing a turnkey solution for the remedial works required to safely carry out excavations around a high-pressure pipeline, design and procure and pipe bridge on screw piles, provide associated solutions relating to lifting operations and equipment, and ultimately offer pipe protection through application of external coatings for the associated pipework.
Our Solution to deliver the works
• PPV were to fulfil the role of Principal Contractor (PC) & Designer
• Design & co-ordinate temporary works throughout the project
• Design and install a new above ground pipe crossing
• Ground Investigation
• Build a program of works using Microsoft Project
• Engage an Ecologist to monitor and mitigate Water Vole to facilitate bank reprofiling, excavations and installation of the new above ground crossing
• Topographic & drone surveys to complete land condition survey
• Liaise with Land Agents
• Liaise with IBD
• Soil strip two agricultural fields and import crushed stone to create site compounds and lay bog mats for site entry road and vehicle routes
• Mobilise site across two field locations to adhere to CDM 2015 regulations inclusive of welfare, vehicle/pedestrian segregation & security to facilitate gas non routine operations
• Excavate four deep excavations, install shoring and emergency equipment for safe entry
• Support & control National Grid PMC & Cadent Gas activities during hot tapping and stopple operations to install the High Pressure (HP) bypass pipework
• Install and maintain various scaffolding to facilitate contract works
• Install Concrete Canvas to protect the banks underneath the pipe support bridge
• Assist Authorising Engineer (AE) Operations with hydrostatic testing and installation of 16 meters of new 8”/ 219mm steel HP pipeline.
• Engage and co-ordinate G17 designs for pipe support bridge
• Install timber fencing to protect areas of reduced depth of cover
• Install Armco barriers to prevent agricultural vehicles hitting the HP pipeline bridge
• On completion, clear site and reinstate back to original condition
• Submit information to the client for handover/ sign off, uploaded CE certification and cube test results
Providing Solutions From Start To finish
Our Project Manager had ultimate responsibility for the coordination of construction activities, all of which were detailed within our Construction Phase Plan and associated documentation. We produced site layout drawings, created a Site Health & Safety file, and implemented a Sensible Monitoring Plan for audits and inspections. Prior to the start of the works, our Project Manager was responsible for chairing a HAZCON meeting to ensure all hazards had been identified and planned for. We also ensured all Permits to Work were in place, which was applicable to the works being carried out. For this project, we worked to Cadent’s permitry in such areas as, General Works including Site Mobilisation, Deep Excavations, and Lifting Operations.
PPV also worked closely with Cadent Operatives and mechanical sub-contractors during the mechanical works and Non-Routine Operations. This involved site inductions, briefings, supplying suitable tested plant and equipment, radios to coordinate the works running simultaneously in two locations, lifting operations, welfare, and the supply of emergency rescue equipment.