Arundel Gate Heat Network Upgrade
Project Location:
Sheffield
Client Name:
Bring Veolia Environmental Services UK
Project Description:
Veolia Environmental Services UK undertook a programme of heat network resilience upgrades across the city to strengthen existing infrastructure and enable future connections.
At Arundel Gate, Valmech, part of OCU Group, was appointed to deliver the specialist supply,
installation, testing and commissioning of DN400 Series 1 UDHN pipework.
The scheme required complex intervention within a live district heating network located
approximately 6 metres beneath a principal city centre carriageway.
Key Stats:
DN400 Series 1 UDHN pipework installation, testing and commissioning
Four 4 x isolation valves
6m deep tunnel
Confined space works
Modification of existing mains
3 Years
Duration
Challenge
Delivering complex works in a confined space tunnel.
Maintaining the integrity and safe operation of a live DN400 district heating network throughout the intervention.
Restricted access and limited working area, creating significant constraints for lifting, welding and installation activities.
Modifying existing flow and return mains to resolve thermal expansion deficiencies not addressed in the original design.
Managing night-time isolations and shutdown sequencing to minimise disruption to network operation and wider stakeholders.
Solution
Installed four DN400 pre-insulated isolation valves upstream and downstream of the tunnel section to strengthen control and future maintainability.
Implemented a safe sectional isolation strategy, enabling removal and modification of the existing DN400 flow and return mains.
Reconfigured pipework layout to incorporate appropriate thermal expansion allowances and reduce long-term asset stress.
Delivered confined space welding, installation, testing and commissioning under strict safety procedures and permit controls.
Outcome
Successfully upgraded a critical section of Sheffield’s district heating network within highly constrained tunnel environment.
Improved network resilience and reduced long-term asset stress through reconfiguration that allows controlled thermal movement.
Enhanced isolation capability, enabling safer and more efficient future maintenance and emergency response.
Fully tested and commissioned installation returned to service with no compromise to operational performance.
Strengthened delivery of Veolia’s wider city-wide heat network upgrade and future connection strategy.
