Trenchless technology in action: Rehabilitation on the West Armory Way

12/04/2024

In the fast-evolving world of infrastructure maintenance, trenchless technology has emerged as a game-changer, allowing municipalities to address aging and compromised pipelines without the disruption of traditional open-trench methods. A project in Seattle, WA, exemplifies how the Primus Line^® Rehab system rehabilitated a crucial section of the city’s potable water pipeline, demonstrating the efficiency of this innovative technology.

The Challenge

The City of Seattle faced a significant challenge: a 1,785-foot section of its potable water transmission pipeline under and across a heavily used railroad had become compromised due to age and mechanical faults. The pipeline of both 20-inch and 16-inch diameter concrete mortar pipes had leaks at the joints, leading to soil erosion and water loss. Additionally, the pipeline featured several bends, including a 45-degree bend and multiple 22-degree bends, further complicating the rehabilitation efforts.

Given the urban location of the pipeline, with access points near an electric vehicle charging station and within a residential area, the solution needed to be minimally invasive. Furthermore, the pipeline's operation at 250 PSI, with a hydrostatic test requirement of 300 PSI, demanded a system that could handle high pressure while navigating the pipeline’s bends and transitions.

The Primus Line^® solution

Primus Line^® Rehab was selected for this project due to its unique capabilities – flexibility, durability, and ability to navigate bends and transitions – which perfectly matched the requirements of the Seattle pipeline. The Primus Liner DN 300, ANSI/NSF 61 approved for potable water, was installed with high-pressure connectors with ANSI flanges 300 lbs.

Before installation, the pipeline underwent thorough cleaning and CCTV inspection to remove debris and remnants. Hydrojet cleaning was employed to eliminate any remaining debris, and to ensure a clear inner diameter for the liner. Installation of the 1,785-foot liner took only 50 minutes. Once in place, the liner was inflated with water, reverting to its original round shape.

The Outcome

After liner installation, high-pressure connectors assembled on both ends of the pipeline reintegrated the rehabilitated section with the water main. The entire installation was completed in just two days with minimal disruption to the surroundings. After successful pressure tests and disinfection, the rehabilitated pipeline was handed back to the City of Seattle.

The use of Primus Line^® Rehab not only restored the pipeline's integrity but also extended its useful life by at least 50 years. This project highlights the significant benefits of the Primus Line^® system, particularly in urban environments where traditional methods would be prohibitively disruptive and time-consuming.

Conclusion

The Seattle West Armory Way project underscores the transformative potential of trenchless technology, particularly with advanced solutions like Primus Line^®. As municipalities face aging infrastructure, such innovative methods offer efficient, durable, and minimally invasive rehabilitation, ensuring the continued reliability of critical public services.

The successful rehabilitation of Seattle's potable water pipeline with Primus Line^® serves as a model for future projects, demonstrating that with the right technology, a professional installation partner like Advantage Reline, and Primus Line on-site technicians even the most challenging infrastructure issues can be addressed swiftly and effectively.