Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Sewage Pipe Installation with Coil Control

Project Overview
Recently, Envolve Infrastructure worked in partnership with Wessex Water on an essential sewer relief project in Winterbourne, Bristol. The project, aimed at mitigating the risk of environmental contamination, involved the installation of a 160mm sewage pipe beneath a river using directional drilling. The project required both safety & efficiency as the team worked alongside natural water sources. To streamline the installation process and enhance safety, Envolve Infrastructure trialled Steve Vick International’s new Coil Control device with their 180 Pipe Coil Trailer.

Technology in Focus
Coil Control is a significant advancement in the safe handling of coiled HDPE pipes, directly addressing a primary industry safety concern: the release of stored kinetic energy within coiled pipes. By neutralising this energy automatically, Coil Control ensures that pipes can be handled and uncoiled with minimal risk, a feature crucial for maintaining operator safety in demanding on-site conditions.

Beyond safety, Coil Control is environmentally friendly as it allows the operator to use only the necessary amount of coiled pipe per project as the device can be stopped and removed, allowing the remaining pipe to be used in future projects.

On-Site Benefits
During the trial, Envolve Infrastructure’s team utilised Coil Control by attaching a towing head to the leading end of the pipe coil and pulling the pipe seamlessly into position via directional drilling. The Coil Control’s stability ensured the pipe was securely positioned on the coil trailer, with smooth feeding directly to the floor, reducing the need for manual handling and minimising risks to the team.

Versatility and Adaptability
Designed to operate seamlessly with all models of Steve Vick International trailers—including the 180 Pipe Coil Trailer, Hexi Trailer, and 125/160 Pipe Coil Trailer—Coil Control has proven itself highly adaptable for diverse project requirements. The ease of installation and manual hydraulic pump operation made it particularly suitable for Envolve’s requirements on this specific project, where adaptability to site conditions was essential.

Commentary from Envolve Infrastructure
The implementation of Coil Control on this trial project demonstrated a clear impact on operator safety and installation efficiency. Dean Morgan, Project Manager, Envolve Infrastructure commented on the trial results:

“The Coil Control system has significantly improved the safety of our operators handling coiled PE pipe. By neutralising the pipe’s stored energy, it has addressed a long-standing risk in the industry. The 180 Pipe Coil Trailer with Coil Control increases our options moving into AMP8. Its great to see the safety concerns being addressed.”

Conclusion
This successful trial highlighted Coil Control’s capacity to transform coiled pipe handling by prioritising safety without compromising efficiency. Through reduced material waste, minimised excavation needs, and enhanced operator safety, Coil Control is positioned as a safety device for modern infrastructure projects that demand both operational efficiency and heightened safety standards. The trial with Envolve Infrastructure provides valuable insight into Coil Control’s potential for broader application across the water management and infrastructure sectors, highlighting benefits for both operatives and the environment alike.