South Africa’s ageing infrastructure coupled with the need for environmentally sensitive trenchless technologies led to recent procurement of Camjet’s DitchWitch JT2030 directional drilling machine.
Project Description:
Pipe rehabilitation of 1000m of a 316mm sewer line in the Alberton area.
Client:
Ekurhuleni Municipality
Soil condition:
Largely Clay
Problem
The specific pipe section had been experiencing continuous blockages & spills. Camjet’s investigation team using their specialised CCTV equipment ascertained that the existing concrete pipe invert had collapsed and the pipe needed to be replaced.
Solution
Receiving instruction from the client to replace the broken pipe using a HDPE PN10 pipe, Camjet surveyed the entire length of the pipeline and determined that the best and least disruptive method of replacement would be to use their the highly capable directional drilling machine to crack the pipe. To date approximately 80% of the pipeline has been replaced.
Challenges
The main challenges encountered on the project was the existing construction obstructing the large part of the sewer line. These included buildings, a gas line, chemical related operations, railway line and along stream.
Working during high flow periods and controlling & containing sewer spillages to the surrounding industrial properties and environment.
Camjet’s safety team identified the potential risks prior to the commencement of the project and together with the machines sophisticated technology helped drastically minimize the Health, Safety & Environmental impacts that may have occurred.
Camjet’s recent re-certification of ISO 9001: 2015 & OHSAS 18001: 2007 coupled with their new certification of ISO 14001: 2015 ensured that even when the work went through a chemical plant, safety requirements were met in accordance with the facility.