Project Report

Didcot Power StationImmobilisation of contaminated pipe

This project carried out by Steve Vick International's Special Contract Services team for the UK Atomic Energy Authority involved filling a sump and 3-4 metres of redundant 4" clay pipe that contained residual contamination from historic operations. Following several visits to the site and specific workshop trials - and based on previous experience of similar jobs for UKAEA - Steve Vick International successfully completed the sealing off operation using the FOAMBAG system in half a day.

Four semi-porous FOAMBAGS were placed at strategic points in the pipe to be sealed. A specially formulated foam was then pumped through tubes from a remote machine which mixes and pumps the foam, allowing Steve Vick operators to work in an area free from radiological constraints. The foam expands to fill the bags and a small quantity seeps out to create a good adhesive seal with the pipe.

A spokesperson for Harwell Projects Department who witnessed the onsite filling operations said, "The pipe and sump were both successfully removed following Steve Vick International's work and the hole backfilled. We were very pleased with the job."