Ipsum begins first UK implementation of OBIC Lining technology

In a first for the UK market, Ipsum has successfully completed its first manhole rehabilitation projects using the exclusive spray-lining technology. The work was completed for long time client, Severn Trent.

The OBIC Armor System is a quick-setting spray which forms a waterproof layer to network assets. It is tack free in 30 seconds, and the systems are back in service in one hour, therefore reducing overpumping and disruption. On average, the work is completed 4-5 times faster than traditional dig-and-replace methods. It can be applied to assets such as manholes, tanks, wells, pipes and drains. The OBIC product also reduces the environmental impact of repairs with reduced waste, vehicle movements, and carbon emissions. The system is designed for long-term use, with a life expectancy of 50+ years, reducing the need for repeated interventions.

In Carding Mill Valley (Cardinal Valley), Church Stretton, Ipsum delivered its first OBIC project, working with Severn Trent Water’s Spills team using the OBIC Armor System. The site had presented known challenges affecting the network due to the nearby watercourse and steep valley sides. Church Stretton is currently one of Severn Trent Water’s priority areas for infiltration reduction, with wider lining works already underway to improve network performance.

Post-installation it was confirmed that the OBIC lining is performing as expected and is helping to reduce infiltration across six manholes. The solution has also been used on a reactive project in Shropshire, where the OBIC Armor System was applied to provide additional structural strength to a damaged chamber.

Technical and Innovation Director at Ipsum, Paul Cleaver, said: “Partnering with OBIC was always about finding practical innovations that can make a real difference to how infrastructure is repaired and maintained. Seeing the technology now being used on a live UK project is an important step. Early indications show the system is performing as intended, providing another option for addressing challenges in a quicker, low-disruption way.”

Alex Shore, Networks Lead from Severn Trent said: “We value partnerships that give us confidence in both delivery and quality. Our partnership with Ipsum continues to provide access to practical, proven solutions for maintaining our wastewater assets. The introduction of OBIC adds another method to support our ongoing work to protect infrastructure and keep services running for our customers.”

Ipsum is a leading provider of critical utility infrastructure services in the Power, Water, and Telecoms sectors. It works in partnership with customers across regulated and non-regulated environments to optimise asset performance, supporting the security and resilience of critical networks. It also has a specialist Controls & Automation division (Core Controls Solutions Ltd), meaning it can provide a true turnkey solution from design through to automation and then onto decommissioning.

OBIC is a global provider of spray-applied lining systems that repair and protect infrastructure. Through its partnership with OBIC, Ipsum provides engineering, project delivery, and operational support to deliver lining systems on UK infrastructure.