In Mykolaiv, they've mastered the art of repairing pipelines without digging up the streets (video).

In Mykolaiv, they have learned to repair pipelines without tearing up the streets (video)

The municipal enterprise "Mykolaivvodokanal" is restoring old pipes in Mykolaiv using the rehabilitation method. This new technology allows for repair work to be conducted without damaging the urban infrastructure.

"Suspilne" reported on how new pipes are created within the old ones.

The head of the pipe preparation and rehabilitation workshop, Vyacheslav Suslo, explained that rehabilitation is a method of replacing pipelines without excavating the ground. A flexible sleeve is laid underground, which then crystallizes under the influence of heat.

Boiler system technician Alexander monitors the water temperature, which must be no lower than 70 degrees.

"When hot water passes through the sleeve, it envelops it and aids in solidification. At temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees, the resin hardens, enveloping the old pipe, and the process is complete," the specialist clarified.

The hardened sleeve forms a new pipe inside the old one. In Ukraine, the rehabilitation method is used by three water utilities: Mykolaiv, Kremenchuk, and Zhytomyr, said the general director of KP "Mykolaivvodokanal," Boris Dudenko.

"However, we have the most complete equipment. We carry out the entire process—from impregnating the sleeve with special substances to its solidification," the director noted.

Dudenko also emphasized that the implementation of this new technology comes with challenges related to the preparation of collectors.

"The main difficulty is their cleaning. The collectors are in a neglected state, and the quality of the wastewater leaves much to be desired. Therefore, the preparatory work before rehabilitation takes about two weeks," he explained.

According to Dudenko, a pipeline repaired using the rehabilitation method can last over 50 years. Furthermore, such work is completed faster and is cheaper compared to traditional methods. However, the technology is not universal.

"The most important thing is to thoroughly clean the pipeline to make it nearly perfect for repair. Not all collectors with branches are suitable for this technology. The method is effective but not 100% applicable. We choose the most critical sections that meet the technology's requirements," Dudenko specified.

The equipment for working with the new technology was provided by Danish partners. They also organized a nine-month training program for the water utility staff, added workshop head Vyacheslav Suslo.