The water company was the first in the world to trial a new concept of ‘melt in place’ thermoplastic linings for water and sewerage use, developed by Aqualiner, and assisted them with their research and development program over two years to reline a number of ageing sewers in the Wessex Water region.

The water company was so impressed with early trials that it joined with Aqualiner in submitting the product for an international industry award in partnership along with contractor OnSite.

The ISTT has recognised its potential by awarding the product first prize in the rehabilitation innovation category at its annual awards ceremony in Toronto.

Aqualiner is the first thermoplastic melt in place liner in the world and is different from other products as it quickens the lining process, is more durable and, due to its strong yet thin composite, optimises sewer capacity.

Senior engineer for Wessex Water’s critical sewers team Julian Britton said “Aqualiner has the potential of ensuring sewers built hundreds of years ago will continue to provide a service for years to come.

“We have used Aqualiner on several occasions and have been extremely impressed with the benefits it will bring to our company and ultimately our customers

“It is five times stronger than traditional liners and it is a sustainable product as it only takes 12 kilowatt hours of power to cure the lining inside sewers, and after 100 years service it could be potentially removed and recycled.

“Because there is no longer the need to carry out a series of excavations and the time it takes to insert the liner is minimal, the impact on our customers when carrying out work to sewers using Aqualiner is significantly reduced.”

Aqualiner works by being inserted into a sewer and then heated up to approximately 200 degrees Celcius. Once in place, the liner is melted and provides a barrier between flows within the sewer and any weaknesses the sewer may have.

It is made from polypropylene, a by-product of the petro-chemical cracking process, which does not give off an odour when melted as it does not use chemical based resins.

Mr Britton said “Wessex Water is a forward thinking company always looking at alternative ways of providing value for money while at the same time minimising what effect its operations have on the environment.

“Aqualiner is an innovative product that has impressed us all and we think it will be just a matter of time before it is used by water and sewerage companies throughout the world.”

Dec Downey, non-executive Chairman at Aqualiner, added “This is just the boost we need to encourage municipalities and contractors to review the technology, to explore its full potential and take advantage of the trenchless capability of reinforced thermoplastics.”

The team of Aqualiner, OnSite and Mr Britton was presented with the award at the ISTT awards ceremony in Toronto on 31 March 2009.

It is the second time Wessex Water has won the prestigious award. In 2007, Wessex Water secured the award in Rome for highlighting another innovative product to the market, which has since proved very successful.

Bryan Lord, from OnSite, said “This unique pipe lining product is one of the most exciting developments to enter the No-Dig rehabilitation market for years.

“Aqualiner’s versatility indicates it may be installed in potable water pipes, high pressure water mains, sewer rising mains through to standard gravity fed sewers.

“A truly diverse pipe lining product that will offer customers a new, quick, long term solution to deteriorating pipelines no matter what their usage and from a commercial point of view will open up new markets and customers to OnSite.”