Comprehensive Drainage Assessment at Padeswood Cement Factory
A dedicated team from Lanes Drainage Services UK is executing an extensive CCTV drainage assessment as part of a proactive maintenance initiative at a significant cement manufacturing facility.
Site Inspection Conducted by Experts
The drainage engineers stationed at Lanes Chester are conducting this crucial investigation at the Padeswood cement factory located near Mold in Flintshire, North Wales. Their goal is to develop a detailed drainage blueprint that encompasses both foul and surface water systems, outlining the composition and condition of all drainage infrastructure on site.
Importance of Proper Drainage Maintenance
Rachael Humphreys, Sustainability Analyst for Heidelberg Materials UK—owner of the cement facility—remarked on the vital nature of maintaining their drainage systems to exceptional standards. “We bear legal obligations to ensure no potential contaminants can exit our premises,” she stated. “The drainage system is clearly one significant pathway through which this could occur.” She added that “the report derived from this survey will assist us in planning future maintenance tasks while proving our compliance with regulatory demands.”
Advanced Surveying Techniques Utilized
Lanes utilizes a CCTV survey unit complemented by a jet vac tanker on-site. This plant has been operational for over seven decades and stands as one of the region’s pivotal employers.
The plumbing network features both clay and concrete pipes varying between 150mm and 900mm in diameter, alongside slot drains. Additionally, surface water flows into a large 35,000-liter oil and petrol interceptor before being routed to an expansive lagoon housed within the property.
Environmental Compliance Measures
Water must meet stringent criteria established by Natural Resources Wales before it is allowed to flow into nearby brooks. On another note, process water is treated separately; some of it gets recycled back into production lines.
Pioneering Best Practices for Maintenance Planning
Sian Wyn Jones, Area Development Manager at Lanes Chester highlighted that Heidelberg Materials UK’s approach toward examining its drainage infrastructure exemplifies best practices within industry standards. “Regular site surveys are essential components of planned preventive maintenance; only then can we assign clear priorities for continuous upkeep or remediation,” she explained.
This practice gains even more relevance considering climate change’s impact which has made weather patterns increasingly unpredictable. The likelihood of intense rainfall connected with global warming raises concerns about possible blockage issues or sudden flooding if drain lines lack regular cleaning protocols.”
Silt Removal Techniques during Surveys
The comprehensive site survey will unfold over several visits where silt and other waste materials will be extracted from drain lines using jet vac tankers—ensuring they are pristine prior to inspection.
CCTV Technology Employed in Assessments
The CCTV assessment crew employs two distinct remote camera systems: one consists of a push-rod system outfitted with a mini camera designed for insertion into narrow pipes; the second involves wheeled robotic crawlers capable of traversing larger plumbing networks.