Morrison Utility Services, the utility services provider in the UK, is delighted to have been named as a top three finalist for the inaugural National Grid Supplier Design Awards, for the use of ePIPE small diameter pipe lining technology. 

The awards were presented at a ceremony in London by Dame Ellen MacArthur and Sir Peter Gershon, chairman of National Grid. The competition challenged National Grid suppliers to develop an idea in line with a circular economy, to use intelligent design in order to reduce waste and retain resource value. 

“What’s fantastic about this supply design competition is how all the entrants have looked at tangible solutions to implementing these changes and demonstrated the significant benefits on offer,” said MacArthur. 

Jim Arnold, executive director at Morrison Utility Services, said, “These awards challenge National Grid suppliers to identify innovative ways of implementing circular economy into the design of materials, plant, processes and equipment. We are delighted to receive this recognition for our submission on the ePIPE small diameter pipe lining technology that positions refurbishment rather than replacement as the first choice for asset intervention. As well as its demonstrable practical benefits which include a reduction in the construction risks, reduced installation costs and an enhanced customer experience due to minimized disruption, the pipe solution supports the move to a circular economy by offering increased asset life, reduced waste and the need for fewer technical materials in comparison to pipe replacement.” 

Pipe Restoration Services (PRS), a joint venture between Morrison Utility Services and U.S.-based Pipe Restoration Technologies LLC, was recently named winner in the category of Best Innovation Implemented or Adopted by a Contractor at the 2013 UK Energy Innovation Awards. The award was presented for adapting ePIPE, a technology initially introduced to the UK to eliminate lead contamination and leaks in water services, to extend asset life for gas riser systems. 

About ePIPE
The patented ePIPE process involves restoring pipes in-place, with an application of an epoxy barrier coating resulting in a restored epoxy lined piping system. The process provides for a solution for pinhole leaks, epoxy lining, corrosion control and prevention of lead leaching from pipes. ePIPE service providers are located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Russia and Europe.