- Tube Tech R&D department examined the problem in depth and fabricated a full-scale site mock up in order to test possible solutions.
- The chosen solution was a remote-controlled, semi-automatic, bespoke hydro-cutting head, which used a combination of super high-pressure water and an abrasive medium to cut through the sold steel wall of the pile.
- The cutting head was mounted on a modified gear box, designed to rotate around the internal circumference fo the drain so that it could cut an arc through the obstruction.
- The main operational difficulty would be cutting the thick steel wall of the front and back of the pile simultaneously, without damaging the clay drain pipe and possibly causing the surrounding ground to collapse.
- Once on site, Tube Tech's operatives were able to monitor and maintain progress via a remote camera housed in a protective shroud and mounted just behind the cutting head.
- A compressed air ram kept the rig logged in place against the drain wall, so the cutting head could keep the jet precisely on target.
- With the pile intrusion removed, the client was able to have the drain repaired by lining it.
- Tube Tech knew it was important that enough of the steel pile was cut away to ensure that the liner itself was not fouled or damaged on insertion.
- Thanks to the ability of the rig to get the cutting head to within just 25mm of the drain wall, this was successfully achieved.