Water & Wastewater Treatment

What is it? The Overland Supply Vehicle (OSV) is a specially fitted vehicle developed by Manchester-based Aquam which carries everything needed to restore potable water supplies to households in the event of an emergency or to cover scheduled repairs. Using the unique Overland Supply Manifold, a temporary network is created and is stable enough for householders to continue using their taps and toilets normally. Pipes, connectors, pressure valves and adaptors and traffic signs are all carried on board, allowing service to continue while repairs are carried out with a minimum disruption to householders. The Overland Supply Vehicle typically has a two-person crew and carries lengths of 2.5-inch and 1-inch collapsible pipe, which are approved for use with drinking water by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS). means that planned work needs to ensure a continuous supply of water whilst work is carried out on the network. How was it developed? Roman Boryslawsky, consultant for Aquam and former operations manager in water supply and networks for Yorkshire Water, pioneered temporary overland networks when working at the utility; the manifold itself was developed by Aquam trade partner Aquacheck Engineering. Originally designed for use in emergencies, the team behind the equipment believe it could also be a useful way for utilities to cover scheduled repair work to avoid loss of service. Who is using it at the moment? Yorkshire Water has already made the first acquisition of two Overland Supply Manifolds for its in-house network maintenance team. Aquam demonstrated the potential of the fully fitted Overland Supply Vehicle to United Utilities and to delegates at Sustainability Live in Birmingham last year. Innovation Zone highlights innovative technology within the water sector. Suggestions for inclusions to: jamesbrockett@fav-house.com. What's innovative about it? A key part of the equipment carried by each Overland Supply Vehicle is the Overland Supply Manifold – the first purpose-built manifold for use in emergencies. This solid, machine-cut, nylon device is the key to creating a robust and stable temporary network. Each Overland Supply Manifold can be used to connect up to 24 households to a new, temporary water network. If necessary it can be used in series – making it possible to reconnect a larger number of houses to the potable water system. What benefits does it bring? Using an Overland Supply Vehicle fitted with an Overland Supply Manifold enables utilities to ensure both emergency repairs and scheduled maintenance can take place with little or no interruption to normal service. Better management of leakage and burst events helps utilities can improve Service Incentive Mechanism (SIM) scores and avoid compensation payments, which are mandatory to householders who have been cut off for more than 12 hours. Many companies are now moving to zero interruption of supply. This Innovation zone l This month we look at a supply vehicle which uses a custom built manifold device designed for use in burst and leakage emergencies. OSV and Manifold Aquam Corporation Aquam's Overland Supply Vehicle, fitted with a supply manifold (right) and other equipment, can restore supply to up to 48 households. 30 | MARCH 2016 | WWT | www.wwtonline.co.uk

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