SUEZ partners with South West Water to eliminate cryptosporidium in Devon’s water with Ice Pigging

By partnering with SUEZ, exclusive providers of the specialist Ice Pigging  technology, South West Water eliminated cryptosporidium contamination in its water mains in Brixham, Devon.

Following the detection of an outbreak of cryptosporidium in Devon in May, South West Water enlisted the support of SUEZ’s specialised Ice Pigging technology, alongside other measures, to help remove the contamination and restore full supply to its customers.

Pipe cleaning using Ice Pigging™

This solution harnesses the complex properties of semi-solid ice, which can be pumped like a liquid, but acts like a solid when a ‘pig’ of ice is formed within a pipe. Under pressure this removes sediment and built-up deposits to leave the pipe clear and obstruction-free. A relatively quick process, it also leaves pipe walls undamaged.

There are many advantages to Ice Pigging™:

•  Time:  Several kilometres of trunk main can be cleaned in 2-3 hours, distribution pipes take only minutes. Thus there is minimal disruption to supply.
•  Effectiveness:  A physical clean is undertaken rather than just a flush. Quantifiable results show the amount of sediment removed from the network.
•  Ease:  Ice slurry is inserted and ejected using existing hydrants; no network modifications are required. The pig flow through all pipe diameters, fittings and topographies.
•  Low risk:  Exceptionally low risk – if ice were ever to get stuck it would simply melt.
•  Environmental Benefits:  The ice slurry is harmless to public health – no harmful chemicals are required
•  Flexible:  A highly flexible solution applicable to multiple industries.

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Taxonomy

• Infrastructure
• Infrastructure Management
• Utility Pipe Network
• Infrastructure Services
• Pipes and Pipelines