Services

We provide a full installation service for projects throughout the UK and Ireland.

All Durotan’s pipe systems are delivered in accordance with the relevant specifications and standards in order to enhance longevity of the pipe systems and keep maintenance costs to a minimum. We are dedicated to the quality of our installations. Our robust testing regime involves, as a minimum, hydraulic pressure tests (strength test) and, depending on the type of pipe installation, air tests (leak/tightness test). We also carry out non destructive testing (NDT) via ultrasonic or radiography inspection, as required by British Standards. We are able to carry out or provide guidance on the following testing and commissioning regimes:

• Flushing/pigging
• Chemical cleaning
• Purging (with nitrogen)
• Water treatment/preservation

It is our mission to install pipe systems which will provide trouble free service for many years.

We are so committed to stringent quality control that we offer bespoke, long term inspection and maintenance agreements, covering inspections and repair or replacement. As part of our bespoke maintenance agreements, our skilled technicians conduct regular and detailed surveys to ensure that any fault or damage is located at the earliest possible stage and that appropriate action is taken. This service results in operational cost savings by reducing major repairs, increasing plant life and reducing mains losses. An added benefit is that both operator and consumer do not have to endure unexpected shut-downs. Surveys are comprised of:

• Visual: Accessible parts of the system are examined, i.e. valve pits, entry points etc.

• Remote: Inaccessible and buried pipework is examined using thermographic techniques.

• Location: Once a fault is found it is marked and numbered at ground level.

• Recording: An infra-red heat picture or thermogram is taken for reference and analysis.

Once a survey has been carried out a report is submitted to the client giving a full description of any faults found together with their precise location and categorization of severity.  The report will recommend the most cost effective method of action for each fault located and, once this has been approved by the client, we carry out repairs, inclusive of all civil works. Operator requirements and mains systems vary widely and all our maintenance agreements are designed to satisfy the specific needs of each of our clients.

We offer a comprehensive project service comprising supply, delivery and installation of pre-insulated and utility services pipework, together with associated civil engineering and ground works. Our customers gain the benefits of reducing costs and saving resources through avoiding managing and coordinating various sub-contractors. Whether working in the busy and congested streets of central London or the tranquil fields of country estates and farms, we have experience and expertise in all aspects of the project. We plan all civil and ground works carefully and thoughtfully always using the quietest plant machinery available to minimise nuisance and disruption, particularly in densely populated areas.

Thermography is the measurement of infra-red radiation emitted by an object and the recording of this information, as a thermal image, for analysis. Thermography is invaluable for surveying underground pipework to determine the location of any leaks within the system without the need for disruptive groundworks. Whatever the requirement, our skilled technicians carry out a detailed survey and produce a comprehensive report detailing potential and existing problems, and recommendations for the management of any issues arising.

Hot tapping, or under pressure drilling, enables a connection to an existing pipe system to be made without the need for shutting down and emptying of a section of pipework. There is minimal disruption to critical processes whilst branches are installed, meaning the pipe can continue to operate during maintenance or whilst modifications are being carried out. Hot tapping (under pressure drilling) is an alternative to pipe freezing. We will evaluate your pipework maintenance requirements and advise on the most appropriate method to use. This technique can be used on most pipe materials ranging from 20mm to 1000mm. We can recommend solutions that can be engineered to cope with most temperatures and pressures.

Pipe freezing is a means of isolating a section of pipe by freezing the pipe contents in order to form a solid plug. This avoids having to drain down the system, refill and vent, and in many cases freezing can be carried out without completely shutting the system down. Once a specific part of a system has been isolated we are able to carry out repairs, modifications, maintenance, leak detection, pressure testing, etc. Pipe freezing, using liquid nitrogen for temporary line flow stopping, offers the most cost effective way to achieve pipe isolation for valve replacement and general non-intrusive pipework modifications.

In conjunction with our civil and groundworks service, we offer specialist utility location services including radar survey, utility survey, GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) survey, utility detection and utility mapping to the highest standards at very competitive prices. Underground services surveys are an important aspect of any site construction work. Most underground services can be detected using electromagnetic detection equipment which can normally determine depth and measurements for cables, metal pipes and drainage runs. However some non-conductive services, for example fibre optic cables and plastic pipes, require more specialist equipment, such as GPR. The latest electromagnetic service or ground radar locators are used to determine the position of most underground cables, utilities and buried services. All routes are site marked with biologically degradable paint. Drains can be located using electronic sondes emitting a signal from the pipe, which is then located on the surface. All this information is then surveyed to provide a comprehensive record of on-site services and depths. Utility detection and mapping enables the following services and information to be gathered:

• Utility location
• Utility depth
• Size of any subsurface underground services
• Type of utility
• Condition of utility

To ensure that pre-insulated pipe has a long serviceable life and that the pipe system’s thermal efficiency is maintained, both the carrier pipe and jacket pipes must remain completely waterproof. Our steel pre-insulated pipe systems are available with leak detection monitoring systems which detect any dampness or damage caused by building work and can be identified in good time thus limiting the damage. The pipe monitoring systems used comply with BS EN 14419.