BAND-IT Ultra-Lok Free End Clamp System Supplied To Wessex Water

Posted on 29 September 2023

Thorne & Derrick, a UK Specialist Distributor for BAND-IT since 1985, have recently specified and supplied an engineered-solution to Wessex Water to improve workplace safety and site security across their pumping and sewerage treatment infrastructure in the UK – the Ultra-Lok Clamping System and PPA coated band system have been adopted by the water utility to protect both plant and people; reducing accidents and combating vandalism.

APPLICATION

The Water Industry Company contacted Thorne & Derrick requiring a solution to secure various products and signs to their pipe crossings to prevent people climbing on them – Wessex Water were looking for a fast, strong, and effective way to attach anti-climb spikes and signs to water pipes that cross rivers and roads.

Initially, Thorne & Derrick recommended using stainless steel banding and strapping systems, as this would guarantee a strong and secure solution resistant to corrosion and other environmental factors whilst deterring people from climbing on the pipes.

Thorne & Derrick contacted BAND-IT, The Clamping Experts to commence a consultation with the water utility to identify the optimum solution – an immediate customer site visit was organised with Steve Franklin (BAND-IT – Business Development Manager) and subsequent product demonstrations and testing was conducted for evaluation.

SOLUTION

At the very start it was agreed that a combination of different strappings would be required in various widths and lengths to suit the various products and signs.

It was determined that a PPA Coated Band Strapping System (installed with the C075 Bantam Tool) could be quickly and effectively used to attach the anti-climb spikes, whilst the “No Climbing” sign brackets required additional strengthened support to resist potential vandalism.

For this application the client selected the Ultra-Lok Free End Clamp System.

The Ultra-Lok rechargeable tool enables the high strength Free End Clamp to be installed quickly and at a consistent pre-set tension.

The result was a neat and secure solution that met the requirements of the utility Engineering Team and provided a reliable long-term solution.

Installation was quick and simple, with the banding easily folding around the products and signs and secured using the buckles by the site engineers.

Thorne & Derrick together with BAND-IT also provided guidance on the best practice for installation and maintenance of the banding and buckles to ensure maximum longevity and effectiveness of the solution.

Steve Franklin, Business Development Manager at BAND-IT commented, “this is another example of the great relationship between BAND-IT, our Distributor Thorne & Derrick, and the end-user enabling the customer to quickly specify and use an effective clamping solution that will withstand harsh and safety critical environments.”

ULTRA-LOK CLAMPS & TOOLS

Ultra-Lok clamps and tools are effective in attaching safety critical equipment on to pipes to prevent people from climbing on them. These clamps can be installed quickly and easily, without the need for welding or drilling. They provide a secure grip on the pipe, reducing the risk of accidents or damage caused by people climbing on them. They are durable, easy to install, and require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution for keeping people safe.

The Ultra-Lok clamps are made from high-quality materials and are designed to withstand harsh conditions. They are a flexible option for a wide range of pipe shapes and sizes. In addition to the clamps, Ultra-Lok System is installed using a rechargeable electric tool that makes installation fast and consistent with predetermined tension and repeatability.

ABOUT WESSEX WATER

Wessex Water is a water supply and wastewater treatment company based in the south west of England. It operates in an area of about 10,000 square kilometres, providing water to over 2.8 million customers and treating sewage from over 1.6 million households.

The company is responsible for maintaining the quality of drinking water, supplying clean water to homes and businesses, treating wastewater, recycling water, and protecting the environment. In addition, Wessex Water has a strong commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices, such as generating renewable energy from sewage sludge. The company was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Bath, England.

THORNE & DERRICK & BAND-IT

Together, Thorne & Derrick and BAND-IT offer a comprehensive range of Banding & Strapping products, including:

• Stainless Steel Banding: Used for bundling, clamping and securing a wide range of objects including cables, pipes and hoses
• Banding Tools: A range of tools for tensioning, cutting, and crimping stainless steel bands, making installation quick and easy
• Brackets & Mounts: A range of brackets and mounts for securing objects such as signposts, cables, and pipes to walls and floors
• Cable Ties: A range of cable ties for bundling and securing cables, wires, and hoses, in a variety of materials and sizes
• Identification Solutions: A range of markers, labels, and tags for identifying objects and cables easily

Other Past Project Wins & Applications

• 2023 | Secured project specification and purchase order for the supply off 285,000 stainless steel cable ties to provide permanent management of LV power cables at a major new battery plant currently in construction in the UK
• 2023 | Following successful site demonstrations of the BAND-IT Stainless Steel Ball-Lok Cable Tie system to project managers, T&D supplied nearly 100,000 cable ties to the Drax Power, Ecostore Project. The scheme was one of the largest biomass co-firing projects in the world, capable of producing 12.5% of Drax power generation from co-firing and represents a key element of their goal to reduce CO² emissions
• Ongoing | BAND-IT Easy Read is used to identify cables and pipes being used throughout the London Underground. T&D are Approved Vendors to Network Rail & TfL London Underground (LUL) and have supplied many of the easy read cable and pipe marking system to the rail industry as they are ideal for ID tagging in inaccessible areas, harsh environments and wherever visibility is low.