VIP Polymers Wins UKSTT 2025 Award for Millennium Main Rehabilitation
VIP Polymers Ltd, in partnership with Mgroup, Thames Water, DWG Infraco Ltd and AECOM, is proud to have won the UKSTT “Renovation – Large Project (>£350K)” Award 2025 for the Millennium Main rehabilitation project.
The award, presented at the UKSTT Awards Dinner on 2nd October, recognises the team’s innovative and collaborative approach to restoring one of London’s key water mains using trenchless technology.
A Vital Water Main Brought Back to Life The Millennium Main, which runs from Nunhead Reservoir to Deptford, supplies water to the growing Greenwich Peninsula. After years of deterioration, Thames Water commissioned a major rehabilitation to ensure long-term reliability. The £21 million project restored performance and protected supply for thousands of London residents.
VIP’s Role VIP Polymers supplied its VIP-Weco No-Dig Pipe Repair System, chosen for its speed of installation, proven durability, and compliance with drinking water standards. The system allowed repairs to be completed from inside the pipeline, avoiding excavation and minimising disruption while delivering long-term performance.
Seeing our VIP-Weco technology play a key role in this award-winning project is something we’re incredibly proud of. It shows what’s possible when innovation and collaboration come together to protect vital water infrastructure,
About VIP Polymers Ltd Founded in 1923, VIP Polymers Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer of advanced sealing gaskets and elastomeric solutions for the water, tunnelling, and infrastructure sectors. With more than a century of expertise, VIP supports projects in over 50 countries with high-performance, industry-approved sealing technologies.
We are delighted to announce our partnership with Obduramus Umwelttechnik GmbH and look forward to working together to distribute their exciting range of remotely installed NO-DIG repair seals throughout the UK, Ireland, UAE and Australia – VIP-WECO Remote.
The Obduramus range of internal repair seals are designed to fit pipes ranging from 150mm to 800mm in diameter and are suitable for all pipe materials. These seals can be installed remotely using inflatable packers and are designed and tested for repairing pipelines with operating pressures of up to 16 bar. Also available as end-liner seals, these can be installed in minutes and are offered as a permanent, maintenance free repair.
Jim Shaw, Sales Director at VIP-Polymers explained, “the Obduramus range compliments our existing VIP-WECO man-entry installed NO-DIG sealing system perfectly. It’s a very exciting innovation within the Trenchless Technology marketplace and will dramatically reduce the cost and time taken to repair smaller diameter buried pipes”
VIP-Polymers will market the Obduramus range as their VIP-WECO “REMOTE”brand and will be arranging demonstration visits at various water industry open and innovation days within the coming months. The range sits alongside the existing VIP-WECO WRAS approved range of man-entry installed internal pipe seals and also the DWI Regulation 31(4)a compliant VIP-WECO “PROLINE” internal pipe sealing system which has been used on several high-profile UK potable water projects.
VIP-Polymers, Business Development Director Luke Nethercot and Production Director Mick Gilchrist were recently invited over to Pandrol’s inaugural Global Supplier Forum in France.
The event was a real eye opener with conversations around sustainability and innovation, which lead to some interesting ideas being bought back to the office for discussion.
As a company we were extremely proud to have had all our hard work noticed by Pandrol with the presentation of a Global Supplier Award.
Many thanks to the Pandrol team for such an incredible event and experience and we look forward to taking the ideas and discussions raised and implementing them going forward.
VIP-Polymers – Will be exhibiting at the Trenchless Middle East
VIP-Polymers are delighted to be exhibiting at Trenchless Middle East 2024 on the 5th – 6th November at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Duabi.
After exhibiting at NO DIG Live the other week, VIP-Polymers are excited to be heading over to Dubai for Trenchless Middle East, showcasing our range of Trenchless Repair Solutions.
Luke Nethercote – VIP’s Business Development Director will be at the event on Stand 02, with our range of VIPWeco trenchless repair solutions along side a number of other products such as the VIPSeal product range, designed for quick installation and rehabilitation of pipelines.
VIP-Weco No-Dig pipe repair seals use WRAS approved material, comply fully with BS6920 and have a typical life expectancy of 100+ years.
During the installation process, rubber sleeves and a rubber lining made of EPDM or NBR coupounds are applied over the damaged are of the inner wall of the pipe. Stainless steel sheeting is then placed over the sleeve and lining. This is then held in place by stainless steel retaining bands allowing up to 20 bar of internal or up to 2.0 bar of external pressure.
Once the VIP-Weco is installed, a safe, durable and low-cost mechanical sealing solutions is achieved. Typical installation time of circa 40 minutes per seal.
For special applications such as longitudinal cracking or where aggressive chemicals are used, we develop bespoke sealing solutions.
VIP-Polymers – Will be exhibiting at the BTS Conference 2024
VIP-Polymers are delighted to be exhibiting at the BTS Conference and Exhibition 2024 on the 8th – 9th October at the QEII Conference Centre in London.
Luke Nethercote – VIP’s Business Development Director and Tunnelling Specialist will be at the event on Stand B68, with our latest Tunnel Segment Gaskets, including 2 new profiles launching this year and being shown for the first time at the show.
VIP’s tunnel segment gaskets are manufactured from high-grade rubber compounds, which meet many internationally recognised standards including EN681-1 (the material requirements standard for pipe and joint seals used in water and drainage applications).
Elastomeric (rubber) gaskets are one of the most effective waterproofing systems for segmentally lined tunnels and shafts where protection is required against water ingress or for retention in tunnels used for fluid transport or storage.
Each profile manufactured by VIP has been specifically designed so that the volume of rubber does not exceed that of its corresponding groove and the compression performance of the gasket is equal along the entire face of the gasket.
VIP offers a range of tunnel segment gasket profiles to suit various applications and specifications. In addition, our team of technical engineers have the experience and detailed knowledge to design bespoke gaskets for unique conditions.
Our dedicated test facility allows us to simulate the segment assembly, build conditions and sealing pressures as specified by the design. You can learn more about our range here.
The BTS 2024 Conference and Exhibition is the largest gathering of tunnelling professionals in the UK. Taking place on October 8th – 9th, 2024 at the QEII Conference Centre, Westminster, London, this event is an essential meeting point for everyone involved in the design, construction and operation/maintenance of today’s underground infrastructure.
The BTS 2024 Conference and Exhibition will be the biggest tunnelling industry gathering in the UK and it’s already looking like a not to be missed event, so keep you’re diary free for: October 8th – 9th, 2024, the QEII Conference Centre, London, be sure to register today.
VIP-Polymers – Will be exhibiting at No-Dig Live 2024
VIP-Polymers are delighted to once again be exhibiting at No-Dig Live at the NAEC Stoneleigh Park from the 1st – 3rd October
Jim Shaw VIP’s Sales Director and Pipe Sealing and Trenchless Repair specialist, will be on Stand 131 with our range of VIPWeco trenchless repair solutions along side a number of other products such as the VIPSeal product range, designed for quick installation and rehabilitation of pipelines.
VIP-Weco No-Dig pipe repair seals use WRAS approved material, comply fully with BS6920 and have a typical life expectancy of 100+ years.
During the installation process, rubber sleeves and a rubber lining made of EPDM or NBR coupounds are applied over the damaged are of the inner wall of the pipe. Stainless steel sheeting is then placed over the sleeve and lining. This is then held in place by stainless steel retaining bands allowing up to 20 bar of internal or up to 2.0 bar of external pressure.
Once the VIP-Weco is installed, a safe, durable and low-cost mechanical sealing solutions is achieved. Typical installation time of circa 40 minutes per seal.
For special applications such as longitudinal cracking or where aggressive chemicals are used, we develop bespoke sealing solutions.
Join us at No-Dig Live 2024, hosted at NAEC Stoneleigh Park in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Don’t miss out on this premier event! Save the date, pin the location on your phone, and register now to secure your spot
If you work in utilities and you’re not using trenchless technology, you will be in the future! No-Dig Live, held biennially, is an unmissable event for professionals involved in trenchless technology. With rapid advancements and significant learning opportunities, this event is essential for staying ahead in the industry.
No-Dig Live is the only event in the UK where manufacturers and suppliers can display and demonstrate products in a working environment to an audience which is truly focused on trenchless technology, and No-Dig Live outdoor demonstrations are legendary! Don’t miss the opportunity to see the most up to date technology in the trenchless industry in this action-packed three-day event.
VIP-Polymers – Finalist – Innovation Initiative of the Year 2024
Innovative Initiative of the Year Finalist
VIP-Polymers are delighted to have been selected as a finalist at the Energy & Utility Skills Awards 2024 for Innovative Initiative of the Year.
VIP- Polymers have been shortlisted for our VIP-WECO “NO DIG” pipe sealing system and the innovative solution we have been able to manufacture, to aid an ongoing project in the rehabilitation of drinking water pipelines.
VIP-Weco is available in WRAS, and DWI Reg 31(4)a approved configurations. For more information, please visit www.vip-weco.com
Energy & Utility Skills – Conference & Awards 2024
This event is dedicated to sharing knowledge, collaboration and excellence in the energy and utilities industries. With so much change ahead of us, this conference has a specific focus on skills and jobs around the green agenda and net zero.
Immerse yourself in engaging conference sessions covering industry-wide topics and expert panel discussions. Listen to key speakers and take advantage of the opportunity to network with industry leaders.
The day concludes with an evening dinner and awards ceremony featuring a celebrity host to celebrate individuals and organisations shaping the future of the industry.
To learn more about Energy & Utility Skills head to their home page.
Cast-in gaskets (also known as anchored gaskets or cast in situ gaskets) are integrated with the segment during the casting process.
This is opposed to being glued into a pre-made groove once the concrete segments have been cast.
Cast-in seals ‘anchor’ themselves to the segment as the concrete surrounds the legs at the base of the seal.
This process ensures a consistent positioning of the gasket around the segment.
The design of the legs ensures that the seal is secure in the segment and will not move during or after the segment is cast.
This is especially important during installation of the tunnel segments.
Benefits of Cast-in Gaskets
No need to apply adhesive
Cleaner to work with
Provide cost savings due to the removal of adhesive and the gluing process.
A more secure fit in the segment leading to reduced movement of the seal during installation and increased performance
UNIQUE CORNER JOINTING SYSTEM
No Solid Corners
Cracked or damaged segments caused by corner point loading has traditionally been a problem faced by tunnelling engineers and designers.
VIP’s Cast-in gaskets are designed specifically to eliminate this due to the unique patented (GB2541978 – international patent pending) corner jointing system.
This has allowed us to dramatically reduce the volume of rubber at the corners, thus ensuring the gasket can collapse into the groove.
MINIMISING RUBBER VOLUME AT THE CORNER JOINT
VIP’s unique jointing process results in the profile of the gasket being maintained up to the corner edge.
This differs to a traditional shot-joint corner which can result in excess rubber travelling along the gasket voids during the moulding process.
This results in making the gasket unable to compress at the corners due to the voids being full of rubber, creating a ‘solid’ corner.
The energy exerted at these points during closure of the segments can lead to cracks and spalling as it dissipates through the segment, finding the path of least resistance.
CORNER ANGLES THAT PERFECTLY MATCH THE SEGMENT
VIP can manufacture corners for cast-in gaskets to obtuse, acute and 90° angles, therefore matching the profile of the segment design perfectly.
90° Angles
Acute Angles
Obtuse Angles
Z Axis Angles
Segment design can differ with each project. Recognising this and the importance of the gasket matching the exact shape of the segment, VIP can also vary the profile orientation along the Z axis.
The following profiles comprise VIP’s cast-in core range.
Further profiles are available or can be developed on request to meet specific design requirements.
Traditionally the industry has used elastomeric gaskets that are glued into pre-formed grooves in the concrete segments.
VIP manufactures a range of profiles which are compatible with many pre-existing segment mould groove designs.
The following profiles comprise VIP’s glued-in core range. Further profiles are available or can be developed on request to meet specific design requirements.
CORNER ANGLES THAT PERFECTLY MATCH THE SEGMENT
VIP’s glued-in profiles have corner joints that can be manufactured to match the angles of the segment design including 90°, acute and obtuse angles.
The corners are formed using an injection process in moulds that match the profile of the extruded gasket.
This ensures that when the segments are joined together, the gasket can collapse into the groove and the load on the corners is equal to the rest of the gasket.
