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 – 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 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.
VIP-Polymers have for a number of years developed and manufactured a range of sealing gaskets for pipe fittings and repair clamps used on a variety of applications:
With an advanced rubber to metal bonding facility available in-house, we can also offer reinforced repair mats incorporating components made from stainless steel, lead, aluminium, copper and iron. Large compression and injection moulding presses enable us to offer components up to 2.4 metres wide whilst our extrusion facility enables us to produce profiles of up to 300mm width.
Approvals
Many of the compounds we use to manufacture repair clamp gaskets hold multi-region potable water approvals. This means our customers enjoy the benefits of reduced inventory as stocks of gaskets for different global regions are no longer necessary.
STANDARDS
BS6920. Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water.
ISO 3302-1:2014. Specifies classes of dimensional tolerances and their values for moulded, extruded and calendared solid rubber products.
BS EN 681-1. Elastomeric seals. Material requirements for pipe joint seals in water and drainage applications.
ISO 2230:2002. Rubber products. Guidelines for storage.
BS EN 598:2007+A1:2009. Ductile iron pipes, fittings, accessories and their joints for sewerage applications. Requirements and test methods.
BS EN 545:2010. Ductile iron pipes, fittings, accessories and their joints for water pipelines. Requirements and test methods.
VIP-Polymers – The world’s largest manufacturer of Tyton® Gaskets
VIP-Polymers can mould dual hardness Tyton® gaskets for Ductile Iron pipe in sizes from DN80 to DN2200. With over 40 years of experience of in manufacturing these seals, today our Tyton® gaskets are selected by a number of the leading Ductile Iron Pipe manufacturers worldwide as original equipment.
Tyton® Gaskets
Dual Hardness and available for ductile iron pipes up to 2200mm diameter
Physical properties in accordance with EN681-1 WA/WC
Designed to fit DIN28603 sockets and suitable for pipe manufactured in accordance with DN545 & EN598
Materials fully WRAS approved and BS6920 compliant – up to 60º
Approved for use in Germany, France, Middle East, as well as a number of other countries globally
The Tyton® joint is a standard push-fit, flexible joint for water pipelines offering a high performance joint with a number of benefits;
Quick and easy to install.
Capable of angular deflection without loss of performance
Table of Maximum Working Pressures
Nominal Diameter mm
Angular Deflection
Maximum Working Pressure
DN80
5°
60 bar
DN100
5°
60 bar
DN150
5°
60 bar
DN200
5°
60 bar
DN250
5°
53 bar
DN300
5°
47 bar
DN350
4°
43 bar
DN400
4°
40 bar
DN450
4°
38 bar
DN500
4°
36 bar
DN600
4°
33 bar
DN700
4°
31 bar
DN800
4°
29 bar
DN900
4°
28 bar
DN1000
4°
27 bar
DN1100
4°
26 bar
DN1200
4°
25 bar
DN1400
4°
25 bar
DN1800
4°
25 bar
DN2000
3°
20 bar
DN2200*
3°
20 bar
n.b. Maximum angle of deflection can vary depending on the pipe manufacturer.
VIP-Polymers offer dual hardness Tyton® gaskets in both EPDM to BS EN681-1 WA/WC for and in Nitrile material meeting the physical requirements of BS EN682. In addition to physical properties, our Tyton® gaskets are approved for use by potable water authorities across the globe. Details of these approvals can be supplied upon request.
Please note when ordering that above DN600, not all Tyton® socket dimensions are in accordance with DIN 28603 so please consult our technical department to ensure the correct gasket is selected.
STANDARDS
BS6920. Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water.
ISO 3302-1:2014. Specifies classes of dimensional tolerances and their values for moulded, extruded and calendared solid rubber products.
BS EN 681-1. Elastomeric seals. Material requirements for pipe joint seals in water and drainage applications.
ISO 2230:2002. Rubber products. Guidelines for storage.
BS EN 598:2007+A1:2009. Ductile iron pipes, fittings, accessories and their joints for sewerage applications. Requirements and test methods.
BS EN 545:2010. Ductile iron pipes, fittings, accessories and their joints for water pipelines. Requirements and test methods.
VIP-Weco – Fully installed in as little as 40 minutes!
Since the 1960s VIP-Weco internal pipe seals have been used worldwide for trenchless rehabilitation of pipes and sewers for industrial water, drinking water, waste water, fuel and gas.
VIP-Weco use WRAS approved material, comply fully with BS6920 and have a typical life expectancy of 50+ years.
During the installation process, rubber sleeves made of EPDM or NBR compounds are applied over the damaged area of the inner wall of the pipe. The rubber sleeve 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.
Following installation of clamping bands in the corresponding grooves of the sleeves, a safe, durable and low-cost mechanical sealing solution is achieved. Typical installation time of circa 40 minutes per seal.
For special applications, we develop customised sealing solutions on request.
In addition to the VIP-Weco seals, our services include:
Installation and testing of VIP-Weco seals where required
Training and accreditation for third party installation of the VIP-Weco sealing system
Configurations
VIP-Weco Configuration 1
1). Comprises two stainless steel retaining bands and a vulcanised rubber sleeve. Suitable for sealing in-filtration leaks of up to 0.4 bar and will also seal ex-filtration leaks of up to 20bar depending upon the host pipe material and available in widths of 280mm or 480mm.
This configuration is suitable for the following pipe profiles:
Circular
Egg Shaped
Ellipse
Operating temperatures are -10 to +80 degrees Celsius (other materials offering a wider range capability available upon request).
VIP-Weco Configuration 2
2). Comprises three stainless steel retaining bands and a vulcanised rubber sleeve and a stainless steel retaining sheet. Suitable for sealing in-filtration leaks of up to 0.8 bar and will also seal ex-filtration leaks of up to 20bar depending upon the host pipe material and available in widths of 280mm or 480mm.
This configuration is suitable for the following pipe profiles:
Circular
Egg Shaped
Ellipse
Operating temperatures are -10 to +80 degrees Celsius (other materials offering a wider range capability available upon request).
VIP-Weco Configuration 3
3). Comprises four stainless steel retaining bands and a vulcanised rubber sleeve and a stainless steel retaining sheet. Suitable for sealing in-filtration leaks of up to 2.0 bar and will also seal ex-filtration leaks of up to 20bar depending upon the host pipe material and available in widths of 280mm or 480mm.
VIP-Weco END LINER SEAL
4). For end liner sealing applications; Comprises two stainless steel retaining bands and a vulcanised rubber sleeve. Suitable for sealing in-filtration leaks of up to 0.4 bar and will also seal ex-filtration leaks of up to 20bar depending upon the host pipe material and available in widths of 280mm or 480mm. Smallest diameter is DN220. This is the best solution for permanently sealing the end of Cured In Place Pipe linings (CIPP).
This configuration is suitable for the following pipe profiles:
Circular
Egg Shaped
Ellipse
Operating temperatures are -10 to +80 degrees Celsius (other materials offering a wider range capability available upon request). The VIP-Weco End Liner Seal is compatible with all other configurations of VIP-Weco Seal.
No dig pipe repair seal alleviating the need for costly pipe excavation and associated disruption
No adhesives or chemicals required
Can be used in “ovalised” pipes
Fully approved for use in UK potable water pipelines
Can be used to seal relined pipes
Available in various grades of rubber/ stainless steel to suit more aggressive environments.
VIPSeal® is our range of versatile rubber UK Manufactured flexible couplings and adaptors.
Wholly manufactured in house and designed for joining and repairing pipes in sewerage, drainage and other non-pressure pipe applications. We have over 30 years experience of manufacturing VIPSeal® couplings which meet all relevant UK water industry standards.
VIPSeal® Family
VIPSeal®
VIPSeal®Plumb
VIPSeal®Chem
VIPSeal®Wrap Around
VIPSeal®Installation
VIPSeal®Bushing
VIPSeal®
VIPSeal®
VIPSeal®Chem
VIPSeal® Production
VIPSeal® Production
VIPSeal® Production
Why choose VIPSeal®?
Because we are the manufacturer of the finished coupling, we are able to deliver significant cost benefits to our customers by removing additional stages in the supply chain.
Our range of flexible couplings and adaptors are fully approved to the very latest UK, EU and worldwide drainage application certifications.
A pipe jointing compound based on a vegetable soap lubricant for use with water pipes and mains.
It has been specially formulated to enable the easy and speedy fixing of sealing joints on nearly all pipe materials including rubber, plastic ,clay ,cast iron and concrete.
This particular lubricant has the following benefits:
Fully WRAS Approved
Cost effective
Minimal soap bleeding in hot climates
Based on renewable vegetable resources
Multipurpose and suitable for all piping materials
Easy to apply on pipes
Excellent lubrication and slip
Mineral oil-free, for maximum material compatibility
Free of Tallow and other animal fats
Typical Physical Properties:
Appearance at room temperature Soft amber gel
Solids Content * Typically 15-30%
pH at 10% Typically 10
Density at 20 degrees C Typically 1.0
* Based on moisture analyzer at 130 degrees C
Apply lubricant as per the pipe manufacturers recommendation
Available in 0.5kg, 1.0kg and 2.5kg
Approvals:
WRAS &BS6920 – Approved Product
Available in the following sizes:
125g
0.5kg
1.0kg
2.5kg
5.0kg
25kg
Also Available
500ml Bottles
Typically used with plastic pipe material for drinking water installations it is a liquid form of vegetable-based technology which easily washes away once the pipe has been securely connected and fixed in position. The liquid consistency ensures the suitability for jointing drinking water installations with hard to reach areas.
40ml Spray Can
This unique compressed technology provides the same spray pattern as a conventional 400ml aerosol and is less flammable so can be stored safely.
A new generation silicone spray lubricant incorporating advanced spray technology for jointing water, soil and waste drainage and gas pipes.
