National Grid hits the gas with specialist repair vehicles22 November 2013

Roadside gas repairs could be cut from five days to five hours with National Grid's introduction of six 12-tonne Mercedes vehicles, which combine a coring unit and suction excavator into one vehicle.

National Grid worked with Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Solutions and coring specialist TT UK/RSP for 18 months to develop the new vehicles.

The coring unit produces a 'keyhole' access pit measuring 18-24 inches in diameter. Using a clamping device, the surface core is removed in one circular piece and high-powered suction excavation technology is used to remove the remainder to expose the pipes. Repairs can then be completed using long-handed tools – there's no need for staff to enter the trenches.

The excavated spoil is used to refill the hole and a soil compaction supervisor (SCS) pad is placed at the base of the pit to ensure regulatory standards are met. The original cored road surface is then replaced into the keyhole bore and sealed.

Andy Martin, operations and maintenance contracts manager for National Grid, says: "These specialist vehicles provide a solution to a number of challenges faced by any company when digging up the road to access utility services. By combining two vehicles, they not only speed up the repair process, but also improve safety and provide cost savings."

The vehicles are on an eight-year contract and are in operation for National Grid throughout the UK.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Services

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