A client at a wastewater treatment plant required a temporary over-pump route to transfer sludge to a storage tank and the system needed to be in place for a period of six months.
The challenge was to deliver a cost-effective and secure solution that would prevent environmental spills, especially as articulated tankers need to cross the pumping route to reach their discharge point. Traditional methods using steel pipework were expensive and would be redundant after six months, while standard plastic hoses with numerous connections posed a risk of working loose and causing a spill.
The Solution
TEXO Utilities was engaged to design and install an innovative over-pump system. Our team devised a simple yet highly effective solution that addressed all the client’s concerns. We utilised a 100mm wire-armour rubber hose, significantly reducing the number of connections required and mitigating the risk of environmental spills. To ensure total control of the line and prevent sludge runback, we installed an in-line non-return valve and an isolation valve.
The over-pump route crossed a busy tanker road, so we installed a 3.5m road ramp, using a single length of rubber hose on either side to maintain traffic flow and reduce connections. The hose was then safely lifted and secured vertically into the storage tank with temporary U-bolt fixings. Additionally, TEXO’s NDT and Fabric Maintenance teams were engaged to perform inspections and minor repairs on the storage tank, ensuring ongoing compliance.
The Result
Our simple, no-fuss approach delivered an effective solution in just ten days from the initial call to installation. The client was delighted with the outcome, which saved them thousands of pounds in materials that would have been scrapped after six months. The reusability of the rubber hose also provides the client with a flexible asset for future on-site needs. This project demonstrates TEXO’s ability to provide straightforward, innovative, and cost-effective solutions for complex industrial challenges.
