Yorkshire Water trials eco-friendly concrete technology
Yorkshire Water is trialling a ceramic surface treatment designed to protect its concrete assets from decay.
In addition to its ambitious goal of reaching carbon net zero by 2030 for its operational output, Yorkshire Water will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its investment in capital building projects by 23% from 2019 to 2025.
In order to help achieve its carbon reduction target, Yorkshire Water has partnered with advanced materials manufacturer, Haydale, to trial a ceramic surface treatment designed to enhance and protect the water company’s concrete asset base most at risk from decay.
Traditionally, once a concrete structure reaches the end of its asset life, it would be demolished and rebuilt. However, using a ceramic surface treatment reinvigorates existing assets and expands the life of new structures beyond what is currently possible. Early indications also show there is a carbon reduction of 43% compared to some traditional concrete solutions.
Of the trial, Jonathan LeMoine, senior project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “In early 2021 we will be using one of our capital partners to apply the material to a number of our chemical bunds. The results will be immediately apparent and will pave the way for a larger programme of works protecting our assets.”
Haydale’s treatment uses alumina and zirconia silicates to renew and preserve concrete surfaces. The dense ceramic polymer wraps around and atomically bonds to all elements in the concrete, shielding the surface from the environment. It is not affected by wet/dry or freeze/thaw cycles, and does not peel, flake, chalk, or delaminate. It offers asset preservation and reduces concrete corrosion; stabilising the surface chemistry of concrete, stopping carbonation and environmental exposure-driven erosion.
Jonathan continued: “We often invest in trialing new technologies and techniques to pave the way for lower emissions in our Capex and Opex solutions. We’re excited to see the results from this trial, and hope that it will provide a low carbon alternative to demolishing and rebuilding”.
Related News >
-
United Utilities to pay Cheshire farmers to grow winter crops United Utilities is paying Cheshire farmers more than £40k to grow cover crops or under sow their maize crop with grass... Read More >
-
Economic uncertainty gives 52bn dollar trenchless technology opportunity a boost The combination of financial upheaval and aging pipe infrastructure for water and wastewater utilities presents a unique... Read More >
-
Yorkshire Water takes on new apprentices Despite the social distanced induction and immediate working from home for some, Yorkshire Water welcomed 17 new... Read More >
More on Sewer Networks>
-
Rewarding excellence WWT content director Alec Peachey looks ahead to next year's Water Industry Awards. Read More >
-
Getting to the heart of sewer repair Wessex Water's award-winning Re-Rounder, inspired by heart surgery techniques, helps get deformed sewer networks back into... Read More >
-
Through the keyhole: The King's Scholars' Pond project The use of keyhole engineering on Thames Water's King's Scholars' Pond project saved money and carbon while keeping London... Read More >
-
Flushed with success: FOG and Unflushables Southern Water's FOG and Unflushables programme has brought a significant improvement in the state of its sewers. Robin... Read More >
-
Will SfA8 make as big a splash as hoped? Martin Lambley, product manager for stormwater management at Wavin, looks at whether Sewers for Adoption 8 will meet... Read More >