Pipeline Replacement Without System Shutdown

Regardless of what is attacking/depreciating the value of the Nation's one trillion dollar sewer pipe infrastructure this paper is prepared to familiarize and make professionals aware of equipment (and the proper sequence of the use of the equipment) to safely maintain and control the sewage system without system shutdown. An old pipe infrastructure that is in immediate need of replacement is anther the problem. One survey reveals 800,000 miles of water main pipe in the U. S, with an average of 24 control valves per mile. Much of this pipe is 70 or more years old. Maintaining quality and uninterrupted water services to industrial, commercial, and residential clients while crossing over to the new system is one of the issues. Another issue is actually designing and building to meet the current water regulation and budget requirements. The advantages of performing maintenance to an existing system while keeping the system in operation will be discussed herein. Actual job site photographs, case study, and experiences will be discussed. Keep in mind that the methods discussed to maintain the sewage system are accomplished without draining or spilling of hazardous sewage. Obviously, the owner of a system cannot control whether or not a sewage pipe is going to break, resulting in a sewer spill contaminating the environment. An overview of the planned preventative maintenance, additions, and repair situations will be outlined. It is in these situations that the collection system owner has a voice in selecting the means of construction, equipment and methods employed.