Civil engineering contractor Barhale has secured a notable £21m contract for upgrading the Mogden shaft on the Thames Water ring main in west London. This project aims to bolster the water supply resilience for the region, affecting over 300,000 residents.
- Barhale’s remit includes installing four 350 kW VSD pumps, each capable of a 36-million-litre daily peak flow.
- The project also involves connecting a new pipeline to the existing Kew 33-inch main and installing various surge control mechanisms.
- Additional power supplies will be established to ensure operational reliability independent of current infrastructure.
- Unique design challenges stem from the shaft’s location within a sewage treatment facility, with specific measures to prevent cross-contamination.
Civil engineering firm Barhale has been awarded the £21m Mogden pump out shaft upgrade project, a crucial component of the Thames Water ring main that services west London. This development is set to significantly enhance the resilience of the local water supply, particularly in the event of operational failings at the Hampton pump out shaft, ensuring that a substantial population continues to receive water at standard operating pressures. Shane Gorman, Barhale’s water director, expressed confidence about overcoming project challenges, citing decades of experience with similar infrastructure.
The scope of Barhale’s project responsibilities includes installing four variable-speed drive (VSD) pumps, each with the capacity to deliver a peak flow of 36 million litres per day, translating to a combined capacity of 108 million litres daily when three pumps are operational. These pumps are adjustable to accommodate minimal night flow needs, exemplifying forward-thinking resource management. Further, the introduction of a new pipeline connecting to the existing Kew 33-inch main elevates the operational efficacy of the shaft.
Critical to the Mogden shaft project is the installation of a comprehensive array of surge control mechanisms. Alongside a new surge column and tank, additional surge vessels and control panels will be integrated into the outgoing connection. These elements are designed to mitigate potential pressure discrepancies, thus maintaining system integrity and reliability.
To enhance operational assurance, Barhale will install a high-voltage metered power supply, drawing from an independent network distinct from that of the Hampton pump out shaft. This strategic move provides necessary insurance against electrical failures, which could otherwise impact water distribution.
The project’s implementation is not without its unique challenges, particularly concerning the shaft’s atypical seven-metre diameter compared to the usual ten metres for pump out shafts. Further complexity is added by the shaft’s location within a sewage treatment works, necessitating diligent cross-contamination prevention measures. Despite these challenges, Barhale leverages over 30 years of expertise to navigate the intricacies of the Mogden inspection shaft and the Thames Water ring main.
The Mogden shaft upgrade, a strategic effort led by Barhale, stands to significantly enhance water supply reliability for west London, overcoming unique geographical and infrastructural challenges.
