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How might we develop an internal repair solution for leaking underground potable water pipelines that maintains structural integrity and water quality whilst minimising excavation and service interruption?
Challenge Owners
Background & Current Practice
Singapore's water supply network comprises an extensive system of underground pipelines requiring regular maintenance to ensure uninterrupted water supply. The current leak repair methodology presents significant challenges as it is labour-intensive and affects public convenience.
Upon discovering a leak in the water pipeline network, the team in charge of repairs must follow a complex, multi-step procedure. The process begins with isolating and dewatering the affected pipeline section, which temporarily disrupts water supply to the surrounding area. Teams must then excavate the road or soil to reach the underground pipeline—a particularly demanding task in Singapore's densely developed urban landscape.
Repairs typically involve either fitting external repair clamps or replacing leaking pipe sections completely. Subsequently, the site requires careful backfilling and road surface restoration to its original state. This process is not only resource-intensive and expensive but also causes prolonged disruption to water supply and traffic flow.
In Singapore's context, where urban density is high and underground space increasingly congested, the current repair methods present substantial logistical challenges. The situation demands innovative solutions to minimise excavation requirements, shorten repair times and reduce potential disruption to both water supply and urban activities.
Current Technlogy Status
Current repair methods require full isolation, dewatering, and excavation to replace damaged pipe sections. For leaks caused by small holes, clamping the pipe is another common repair method that does not require a shutdown but still requires excavation at the leak location. However, there are currently no widely adopted solutions for in-situ repairs under pressure, limiting the ability to conduct repairs without water supply interruption or major excavation.
We are seeking innovative solutions for internal pipe repairs that are deployable through existing network access points or via minimal keyhole excavations, thereby minimising service disruption. These access points may include hydrants, air valves and access manholes.
The proposed solution must effectively repair pipe leaks whilst maintaining the network's structural integrity and water quality standards. To ensure minimal customer impact, the solution should also allow repairs to be carried out with little to no water supply interruption, with any necessary shutdown kept to within 2 hours to facilitate the repair works.
Successful implementation will revolutionise PUB's water supply network maintenance by substantially reducing reliance on traditional open-cut repairs. This approach will yield significant cost savings through reduced excavation and reinstatement works, whilst minimising traffic disruption and impact on businesses and residents.
By the end of the pilot, the project should aim to develop and demonstrate an internal repair method that can effectively seal pipe leaks while maintaining water supply operations. The demonstration must validate the following:
The pilot project is to be completed within a period of 18 months.
The suggested project scope and timeline are outlined below, noting that specific timelines and activities may vary depending on the technology type and maturity. You may propose alternative timelines and activities.
Milestone 1: Laboratory/Simulated Testing and Site Surveys (3 - 6 months)
Milestone 2: Field Trials (6 - 9 months)
Milestone 3: Documentation (1 month)
If the pilot demonstrates successful outcomes, PUB would be interested in implementing the solution through a service model. Solution providers which are not based in Singapore would need to set up operations in Singapore or partner with a Singapore-based contractor to deliver the service.
Challenge Owners
Background & Current Practice
Singapore's water supply network comprises an extensive system of underground pipelines requiring regular maintenance to ensure uninterrupted water supply. The current leak repair methodology presents significant challenges as it is labour-intensive and affects public convenience.
Upon discovering a leak in the water pipeline network, the team in charge of repairs must follow a complex, multi-step procedure. The process begins with isolating and dewatering the affected pipeline section, which temporarily disrupts water supply to the surrounding area. Teams must then excavate the road or soil to reach the underground pipeline—a particularly demanding task in Singapore's densely developed urban landscape.
Repairs typically involve either fitting external repair clamps or replacing leaking pipe sections completely. Subsequently, the site requires careful backfilling and road surface restoration to its original state. This process is not only resource-intensive and expensive but also causes prolonged disruption to water supply and traffic flow.
In Singapore's context, where urban density is high and underground space increasingly congested, the current repair methods present substantial logistical challenges. The situation demands innovative solutions to minimise excavation requirements, shorten repair times and reduce potential disruption to both water supply and urban activities.
Current Technlogy Status
Current repair methods require full isolation, dewatering, and excavation to replace damaged pipe sections. For leaks caused by small holes, clamping the pipe is another common repair method that does not require a shutdown but still requires excavation at the leak location. However, there are currently no widely adopted solutions for in-situ repairs under pressure, limiting the ability to conduct repairs without water supply interruption or major excavation.
We are seeking innovative solutions for internal pipe repairs that are deployable through existing network access points or via minimal keyhole excavations, thereby minimising service disruption. These access points may include hydrants, air valves and access manholes.
The proposed solution must effectively repair pipe leaks whilst maintaining the network's structural integrity and water quality standards. To ensure minimal customer impact, the solution should also allow repairs to be carried out with little to no water supply interruption, with any necessary shutdown kept to within 2 hours to facilitate the repair works.
Successful implementation will revolutionise PUB's water supply network maintenance by substantially reducing reliance on traditional open-cut repairs. This approach will yield significant cost savings through reduced excavation and reinstatement works, whilst minimising traffic disruption and impact on businesses and residents.
By the end of the pilot, the project should aim to develop and demonstrate an internal repair method that can effectively seal pipe leaks while maintaining water supply operations. The demonstration must validate the following:
The pilot project is to be completed within a period of 18 months.
The suggested project scope and timeline are outlined below, noting that specific timelines and activities may vary depending on the technology type and maturity. You may propose alternative timelines and activities.
Milestone 1: Laboratory/Simulated Testing and Site Surveys (3 - 6 months)
Milestone 2: Field Trials (6 - 9 months)
Milestone 3: Documentation (1 month)
If the pilot demonstrates successful outcomes, PUB would be interested in implementing the solution through a service model. Solution providers which are not based in Singapore would need to set up operations in Singapore or partner with a Singapore-based contractor to deliver the service.
