Dechlorination of Pipelines – Pipe Testing Services
For a comprehensive overview, explore our dedicated service pages above to grasp the full extent of how PTS can enhance the efficiency of your water systems.
Pipe Testing Services (PTS) understands the critical role of dechlorination in pipeline operations. While chlorination disinfects pipelines, residual chlorine levels must be reduced before treated water re-enters the environment. Our comprehensive dechlorination services ensure regulatory compliance while minimising ecological impact.
During pipeline installations, repairs, or routine maintenance, chlorination safeguards water quality. However, after the disinfection process, dechlorination is essential to neutralise remaining chlorine residuals. Failure to do so can harm aquatic life when the chlorinated water is discharged into rivers, lakes, or oceans. PTS provides tailored dechlorination solutions to meet project-specific needs across the UK.
Our Services
Pipeline Services:
- Chlorination Services: Disinfecting water mains through controlled chlorination processes.
- Pipe Fusion Welding: Specialised butt fusion and electrofusion welding for leak-proof polyethylene (PE) pipe joints.
- Trenchless Pipe Installation: Horizontal directional drilling (HDD), pipe bursting, and other trenchless methods for minimal surface disruption.
- Flow Surveys: Advanced flow monitoring and data analysis to identify leaks and optimise water distribution networks.
Legionella Control:
- Legionella Contractors: Experienced teams for Legionella risk management and remediation services.
- Legionella Monitoring: Routine sampling and testing to detect and control Legionella growth in water systems.
- Legionella Testing: UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis for accurate Legionella detection and quantification.
- Legionella Risk Assessments: Identifying potential Legionella hazards to mitigate risks proactively.
The Dechlorination Process
Dechlorination is the controlled removal of residual chlorine from water. Two primary methods are commonly employed:
- Chemical Dechlorination: This technique involves introducing reducing agents, such as sodium bisulfite or sodium thiosulfate, to convert chlorine into harmless chloride compounds. Precise dosing is crucial to achieve target chlorine levels.
- Carbon Dechlorination: Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters are used to adsorb and remove chlorine from the water stream. As water passes through the GAC bed, chlorine molecules bind to the carbon's porous surface, effectively reducing chlorine concentrations.
Our team of experts carefully evaluates project parameters, including pipeline materials, volume, flow rates, and discharge regulations, to determine the optimal dechlorination approach. Advanced equipment and monitoring systems ensure precise chemical dosing or carbon filter management for complete and efficient dechlorination.
Learn about our internal pipe swabbing services – pipe cleaning is a crucial first step during chlorination services.
Benefits of Professional Dechlorination Services
Engaging PTS’s professional dechlorination services offers numerous benefits:
Regulatory Compliance
Proper dechlorination allows the discharge of treated water within regulatory chlorine limits, avoiding costly penalties and legal repercussions.
Environmental Protection
Removing residual chlorine prevents toxicity to flora and fauna in receiving water bodies, safeguarding delicate aquatic ecosystems.
Process Optimisation
Effective dechlorination streamlines overall chlorination procedures, enabling efficient pipeline commissioning and maintenance operations.
Expertise and Safety
Our experienced technicians follow strict safety protocols and best practices, ensuring the responsible handling and application of dechlorination chemicals or systems.
Take a look at our dedicated page for chlorination and legionella control to learn more about our water treatment methods, and why chlorination is so important
Applications of Dechlorination Services
PTS provides comprehensive dechlorination services for diverse pipeline projects across multiple sectors:
- Water Distribution Networks: Preparing new water mains for connection to existing systems while protecting local ecosystems from chlorine discharge
- Industrial Pipelines: Treating chlorinated process water from manufacturing facilities before environmentally safe discharge into water bodies.
- Pipeline Maintenance: Decontaminating pipelines after repair work involving chlorine contact to facilitate safe recommissioning.
- System Commissioning: Ensuring water within newly installed pipelines meets stringent environmental discharge criteria before connection to live networks.
Our team collaborates closely with clients, conducts thorough site assessments, and develops tailored dechlorination plans to meet project-specific requirements and regulatory standards.
Regulations and Compliance
At Pipe Testing Services, we place a strong emphasis on adhering to all pertinent regulations and industry standards throughout our dechlorination operations. Our processes and procedures are meticulously designed to ensure full compliance with the following key regulations:
- The Water Industry Act 1991 and associated regulations: This act establishes the legal framework for the water industry in England and Wales, encompassing provisions for maintaining water quality, safeguarding public health, and regulating discharges into the environment.
- The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016: These regulations govern various environmental activities, including the controlled discharge of dechlorinated water, to protect the environment, human health, and aquatic ecosystems.
- The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002: We stringently adhere to COSHH regulations, ensuring the safe handling, storage, and use of any chemicals or substances involved in our dechlorination processes.
- The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009: Our transportation and handling of any hazardous materials or pressurised equipment used in dechlorination operations comply with these regulations.
Our team remains vigilant, staying abreast of the latest regulatory updates and industry best practices. This commitment ensures that our dechlorination services consistently meet the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and water quality compliance across the UK.
Chlorination Services for Network Plus
Network Plus entrusted us with pipe testing and chlorination services for a water network project in Nottingham. Over 5 months, the team conducted 4 site visits to pressure test 2,000m of 180mm main, 1,000m of 125mm main, and 1,000m of 90mm main.
Comprehensive chlorination was carried out to disinfect the water mains. We then performed precise dechlorination services to remove residual chlorine and restore water quality to compliance levels. Water sampling ensured the mains met all quality control requirements. Read on >>
Dechlorination FAQs
How long after chlorination should dechlorination occur?
The timing of dechlorination depends on factors such as pipeline volume, chlorine contact time required for disinfection, and discharge regulations. Our experts carefully assess each project to schedule dechlorination appropriately, ensuring compliance and effectiveness.
Is dechlorination always required after chlorinating pipelines?
Yes, removing residual chlorine is a mandatory step before discharging treated water into the environment. Failure to dechlorinate can result in ecological harm and potential regulatory violations.
What are the approved limits for residual chlorine discharge?
Chlorine discharge limits vary based on the receiving water body’s classification and local regulations. Typically, residual chlorine limits range from 0.01 to 0.1 mg/L for surface water discharges, while more stringent limits may apply for sensitive ecosystems.
Can dechlorination impact the effectiveness of previous chlorination?
No, dechlorination only neutralises residual chlorine after the disinfection process is complete. The initial chlorination treatment remains unaffected, ensuring pipeline disinfection is not compromised.
Does dechlorination remove all chlorine compounds from the water?
Dechlorination primarily targets free chlorine and combined chlorine species. However, certain chlorine by-products, such as trihalomethanes or haloacetic acids, may persist and require additional treatment steps if necessary.
Choose PTS for Professional Dechlorination Services
Pipe Testing Services offers reliable nationwide dechlorination contracting services. Our skilled technicians, industry-leading equipment, and robust procedures ensure safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible operations.
Contact us today to discuss dechlorination requirements for your next pipeline project, or to schedule a consultation with our experts.
Phone – 01922 451646
Email – enquiries@pipetestingservices.co.uk
Address – Unit 27 Birchbrook Industrial Estate, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 0DJ
Experience PTS’s comprehensive dechlorination expertise for seamless pipeline commissioning, maintenance, and environmental stewardship across the UK.