This was the first major Trenchless Technology event to be hosted by ISTT in Singapore. The location was chosen as Singapore is a regional centre of excellence for Trenchless Technology, established through the major microtunnelling projects undertaken by the national water agency, Public Utilities Board (PUB).

The event was officially opened by PUB CEO Mr Khoo Teng Chye. After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Mr Khoo toured the exhibition, with a special visit to the Singapore National Pavilion, featuring 18 locally-based companies.

Day two of the Conference was opened by keynote speaker, Mr Mohd Akhir Bin Mhd Jiwa, Director General of Sewerage Services Department, Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Malaysia.

ISTT – serving the industry

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The ISTT board met to discuss the future of the industry. The Singapore show marks the end of Chairman Dr Dec Downey’s three-year tenure leading the ISTT. Turn to page 56 to reflect on Dec’s contribution to the industry.

Dr Samuel Ariaratnam began his term as Chairman by welcoming four Affiliated Societies, Turkey, Singapore, China and Colombia. Turn to page 28 for an interview with Dr Ariaratnam.

In other exciting news the ISTT has selected Sydney as the destination for the 2013 International No-Dig.

The 2010 ISTT awards for project, product and person of the year were presented at the Gala Dinner.

Trenchless Project of the Year

Project: Rehabilitation of the North Georges River Submain, Sydney, Australia

Client: Sydney Water

Winners: Interflow and Sekisui Rib Loc

Turn to page 18 for a detailed case study of this winning project.

Trenchless Product of the Year

Winner: Whirlwind Utilities of UK

The Whirlwind Machine is a pioneering technology currently being used by the UK water industry to clean its water pipes prior to lining without having to dig up the road.

Developed by North Wales-based Whirlwind Utilities Ltd and Yorkshire Water Engineers the technology works by using a unique cleaning process to remove the harmless deposits that build up on internal pipe walls over time and restrict flow, before then adding a relining material that helps to strengthen the pipe and significantly increase its longevity.

The process sees a forced air vortex created within the pipe using the machine, before a controlled feed of aggregate is added, providing a uniform cleaning pattern along the section of pipeline being cleaned. A polyurethane coating is then applied to rehabilitate the pipe. Not only does it allow Yorkshire Water, who operate 32,000 km of water pipe across a region in the UK, to clean and strengthen its pipes without the need to dig up roads and disrupt road users and water supplies. It also significantly reduces pipe replacement and leakage repair costs by increasing the robustness and longevity of the current network.

Project Manager at Yorkshire Water Ian Johnson said “We’re delighted to be involved with a technology which, even in the early stages of its life, is already garnering high-profile plaudits and significant accolades.

“We’re always searching for new technology that will enable us to do our job better and ultimately improve the service we offer our customers, and this is certainly one development which is having a very positive impact.

Managing Director of Whirlwind Richard Christopher said “We started work on the technology six years ago and the process has now been in operation in the UK water industry for over three years. It has been very successful and has saved the UK water industry millions of pounds.”

Trenchless Person of the Year

The third award was presented to student Zuzana Halova of Czech Republic for her paper on non-conventional solutions of utility installations.