Distribution Lines

Solving water loss or reducing gas leakages requires a long-term rehabilitation strategy for the network. Once constructed, distribution networks are often continuously adjusted to urban development and new regulatory requirements for drinking water and gas supply. Pipe materials, pressure regulating valves, fittings, and construction methods have also changed over time. The potential to upgrade to the best available technologies is often quite significant.

Besides engaging in asset planning, monitoring and developing long-term strategies for their network, utilities also can use advanced technology such as sensors and analytics to collect real-time data, which supports maintenance and replacement decisions. Next, regular maintenance activities—such as cleaning, lubrication, and inspection—prevent equipment failures and downtime. Proactive maintenance addresses potential issues before they escalate. And finally, utilities invest in timely upgrades to enhance component performance and lifespan.

Whether it’s delivering water to homes or supplying gas for various purposes, maintaining steady pressure is essential. Achieving stable pressure involves using appropriate materials, sizing pipes correctly, and strategically placing pressure-regulating devices. Choosing durable materials (like HDPE for gas or water) and properly dimensioned pipes ensure long-term stability.

Pressure management has a wide range of valuable benefits including:

• Reduced stress on the area’s resources, allowing more effective and efficient use of water/gas sources
• Reduced energy consumption for abstraction, treatment, and distribution while still meeting the same demand for water supply
• A more stable water/gas supply as improved performance will provide full pressure distribution 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Reduced excess consumption, existing leakages, and unnecessary mechanical stress to conserve precious resources and lower your networks’ carbon footprint.

Utility companies face substantial challenges when it comes to maintaining aging infrastructure. These challenges include a decline in reliability, more frequent downtime, and equipment failures. As a consequence, there’s a constant need for financial resources to cover maintenance, upgrades, and emergency repairs during breakdowns. Simultaneously, utilities must stay attuned to shifts in population, technological advancements, and evolving infrastructure requirements. Trends and industry standards are in perpetual evolvement, adding to the complexity.

Addressing the sustainability of aging infrastructure involves a delicate balance between maintaining reliable services and minimizing environmental impact. By adopting sustainable practices, investing in modernization, and considering ecological factors, utilities can effectively navigate this challenge.

When planning a distribution network installation, consider trenchless technologies:

Trenchless technologies refer to innovative methods for installing and maintaining underground utility networks with minimal excavation. These include Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), Relining, and Trench Cutting. Due to its benefits, the technology is becoming increasingly popular in gas and water distribution networks: Trenchless laying allows costs to be saved compared to an open-trench design. Potential savings are generated by the reduction in construction time and the protection of resources, such as surfaces, backfill materials and storage space. Indirect costs can be reduced by avoiding adverse effects on residents and the infrastructure. A further advantage of trenchless laying is the reduction in dust, noise and CO2 emissions thanks to less excavation work and fewer transport journeys. Safe laying is possible through use of PE pipes with protective and test properties. However, not all processes are suitable for all types of base. Furthermore, not all pipe types are suitable for various processes of trenchless new installation and trenchless renovation.

Are you interested to learn more about trenchless technologies and its compatibility to our products? Speak to our experts.

The cost-effectiveness of polyethylene in distribution networks arises from its low material cost, ease of installation, corrosion resistance, durability, and long service life. These factors make PE an economical choice for water, gas, and sewer distribution systems.

One example is the renovation project in the UK¹:

Thames Water (one of the largest water utility companies in the UK) started a major project in 2004 renovating old drinking water lines. For this, the total costs of a 5 km inner-city pipeline with DN 400 mm (DI = ductile iron, GRP = glass fiber reinforced plastic) and DN 450 mm (PE 100/SDR17) were compared in London. Across Europe, PE piping systems up to DN 250 mm within the distribution networks indisputably offer the most cost-effective solution. The total cost comparison by Thames Water, however, shows that even in the transmission pipeline range >DN 300 mm, polyethylene can be the most cost-effective solution of all possible pipe materials depending on the project.

¹Borouge Technote. (2013) “PE water systems have the lowest Whole Life Cost”