News

MEDALS FOR LONG AND FAITHFUL SERVICE
MEDALS FOR LONG AND FAITHFUL SERVICE 2366 2041 Vitek AS

We would like to congratulate our wonderful colleagues Kjell Rune Ludvigsen and Ragnar Hystad on receiving the Medal for Long and Faithful Service. The medal is awarded by the Royal Society for the Promotion of Norwegian Welfare and recognises employees who have been with the same employer for at least 30 years. The medals were presented during a ceremony at Vitek’s premises in Rådal this week.

FEATURE: RIBBON-CUTTING BEATS REHABILITATION!
FEATURE: RIBBON-CUTTING BEATS REHABILITATION! 1807 1205 Vitek AS

Unfortunately, wind turbines and solar power are of no use when the house is flooded.

It’s strange how little attention is paid to everything that works. Here in Norway, we’ve been spoilt for generations with clean, good-quality water. We appreciate it when we come home from holiday. Apart from that, we give very little thought to the valuable infrastructure buried underground that ensures we have access to this vital resource.

The weather has changed

Climate scientists do, however, agree that it is water that will pose the greatest problems for Norway in the future. Precipitation is expected to increase by 18 per cent by 2100 unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. The increase may even be greater than that.

Climate change is already here. The average temperature has risen by 1.3 degrees. It is short-term rainfall that has increased the most. We can see that the weather has changed – torrential rain and flooding have become much more common. And this comes at a cost.

Focus on maintenance

The Norwegian authorities have committed to reducing emissions by 40 per cent by 2030. If, however, you ask a politician what we should do about climate change, they often reply that we must electrify our vehicle fleet, erect more wind turbines and buy carbon credits. That is of little help when the drains burst in the cellar, the house is flooded by uncontrolled surface water or, in the worst case, is swept away by a flood. By then, it is too late to regret having voted for politicians who are not concerned with maintenance.

It is only when floods occur and there is a disproportionate amount of rainfall that we are reminded of the standard of our water and sewerage systems in Norway. A standard that we cannot take for granted.

We cannot build our way out of the climate crisis

Norsk Vann constantly tells our authorities that water and sewerage systems in Norwegian municipalities require investment totalling NOK 280 billion. Yet no politician campaigns on a promise to allocate several hundred million kroner to upgrading sewer pipes. There is little doubt that ribbon-cutting ceremonies take precedence over rehabilitation.

We cannot build our way out of the climate crisis. The construction industry is responsible for significant CO₂ emissions both globally and nationally, and it takes many decades for an energy-efficient new build to «pay for itself» in climate terms. It is not better for the climate to demolish and rebuild than to renovate. Our children know this, because they learn about reuse and recycling at school. We need politicians who understand this too.

It must be embarrassing to cut the ribbons

For whilst we must cut our greenhouse gas emissions, we must also adapt to a wilder and wetter climate. Here, the public sector can lead by example. Public procurement accounts for around 500 billion every single year, and climate-smart public procurement can contribute to significant emissions reductions. We need to think differently, because it is through refurbishment and smarter use of existing buildings and infrastructure that we can make a difference, both in terms of climate adaptation and emissions cuts. It must become embarrassing to cut ribbons and a point of pride to carry out refurbishments.

Could become a new growth sector for Norway

As an industry, we are keen to contribute both to reducing emissions and to providing smart solutions. At present, our people are hardly visible in the public eye. Unfortunately, the media do not seem to find it particularly interesting to interview people who work in the trenches. That is why so few people realise just how many jobs we represent. The Norwegian water sector today comprises a complete value chain of water and wastewater treatment plants, technology companies, consultancy firms, and highly specialised educational and research institutions.

We have everything we need to maintain existing infrastructure using local labour before the tasks become so large that only major multinational corporations are equipped to handle them.

It is absolutely essential that we prepare our society for a more extreme and wetter climate; our focus must therefore be on maintaining existing infrastructure as well as building new, smarter solutions with the lowest possible emissions. This is expertise that will be in demand far beyond our national borders. Therefore, dear politicians, the water sector is a shining example of a potential growth industry in the green transition, on a par with wind turbines, solar energy and electric ferries.

 

CC Sibbern, Chief Executive Officer, Vitek AS

UNBiased NEWS AT VITEK
UNBiased NEWS AT VITEK 2560 1920 Vitek AS

Vitek’s relatively new branch in Moss showcased new machinery and new solutions for pipe rehabilitation at its first open day event on 4 April.

Our partner Hydroclean was also present with several of its large high-pressure washing and vacuum trucks.

One of the new products on display was Dual Gland Air Inversion, abbreviated to DGAI and pronounced ‘d’gai’. Marketing Manager Val Sibbern says it is a term one should learn straight away; it is positive news within the NoDig sector and a major benefit for pipeline owners’ environmental accounts. It is a way of installing new pipe linings in an environmentally friendly manner. The method results in savings of approximately 90% in the water consumption required when using traditional water towers; it saves approximately 70% in fuel and saves approximately 60% in working hours compared with a conventional installation. It therefore goes without saying that this is a very cost-effective method.

Two new lorries were also showcased; these are equipped to handle large pipe dimensions and are set to operate throughout the country. They form part of Vitek’s focus on this segment, where the company is already well underway with several installation projects. Sibbern says that attendance exceeded expectations. Among those present were representatives from local authorities, construction companies, property managers, plumbers and consultancy firms. There were over 40 visitors and the sun was shining on the event, which will certainly not be the last of its kind.

INSTALLATION WITH DUAL GLAND AIR INVERSION (DGAI)
INSTALLATION WITH DUAL GLAND AIR INVERSION (DGAI) 1440 1080 Vitek AS

DGAI, pronounced ‘d’gai’, is a term you should learn straight away; it represents very positive news in the field of trenchless methods in Norway, and it offers a significant benefit in terms of the environmental footprint of utility owners. It is a way of installing new linings in an even more environmentally friendly manner. The method results in a saving of approximately 90% of water, which, following traditional installation, would have to be sent to landfill. Furthermore, there is a saving of approximately 70% of fuel. It is now up to pipeline owners to prioritise such criteria when drawing up tenders!

The photograph shows an installation carried out in Follo last night, 8 April, as part of a larger project in which DGAI is the primary installation method. Please contact Stian Aase at Vitek for further information about DGAI.

 

NATO exercise meant a lot of work for Vitek
NATO exercise meant a lot of work for Vitek 640 480 Vitek AS

Vitek Miljø has removed almost 100 containers following Trident Juncture.

«In addition, we have removed around 1,500 cubic metres of septic tank waste and some sludge, and carried out cleaning work on 14 tankers in Åndalsnes. »It’s been four hectic and enjoyable weeks,” says Asle Skålevik, head of the Hazardous Waste Department at Vitek.

The Trident Juncture 18 military exercise recently came to an end. In October and November, around 50,000 participants, 250 aircraft, 65 ships and 10,000 land vehicles from 31 nations gathered in Trøndelag, Møre og Romsdal, Østfold, Oppland and Hedmark, as well as in airspace and maritime areas in Sweden and Finland. This has been the second-largest NATO exercise since the end of the Cold War.

 

From Bergen to Trondheim

And Vitek Miljø has contributed its expertise.

«Our work has mainly taken place in Trondheim, but also in Bergen, Kristiansund, Molde, Oslo, Stavanger and Åndalsnes,» says Asle Skålevik. He reports that the feedback on the work carried out has been very positive.

Some of the work has been carried out by subcontractors.

These are partners who have been quality-assured by us and with whom we have worked closely for a long time.

MAJOR EXERCISE: The Trident Juncture 18 military exercise recently came to an end. This has been the second-largest NATO exercise since the end of the Cold War.

 

Do you know where your service pipe is?
Do you know where your service pipe is? 2560 2560 Vitek AS

A quarter of Norwegian homeowners do not know whether they have a service pipe. This could end up costing them dearly.

Local authorities provide water and sewerage services to residents via their main pipelines. In total, there are 100,000 km of municipal water and sewerage mains in Norway. The country’s homeowners, for their part, are responsible for a staggering 180,000 kilometres of service pipes. That’s a lot.

Service pipes are buried on the property owners’ own land. They may also be located on neighbours’ land – beneath and alongside roads. The pipes can range in length from 1 metre to many kilometres and are owned by the property owner alone or jointly with neighbours.

Living in ignorance

A survey by Norsk Vann shows that 26 per cent of residents do not know whether they own the water and sewerage service pipes. 34 per cent do not know whether they own a service pipe jointly with their neighbour. Only 40 per cent know where the service pipes are located on their property, and 34 per cent know what condition the pipes are in. It is therefore quite possible that you yourself are the owner of a service pipe without having the slightest idea about it.

Surveys show that homeowners in Oslo know the least about their service pipes, whilst homeowners in Northern Norway know the most. Female homeowners generally score lower than men.

Maintenance requirements

Like most other things, service pipes need to be maintained and replaced. However, few homeowners currently ensure that this maintenance is carried out. It is claimed – although this is not easy to substantiate – that service pipes account for around half of the leaks in the water supply network. If the deterioration goes on for too long, the bill can be sky-high. Buying and installing a new water and drainage system can easily cost you between 200,000 and 300,000 kroner.

Map out your facility!

It is therefore important to clarify the status of your facility.
Vitek advises all housing cooperatives and homeowners to find out where the service pipes are located. This is also important to ensure that the pipes are not damaged by building work or other activities on the property. Once you know where your pipes are, it is a good idea to check what condition they are in.

For many years, Vitek has been carrying out pipe inspections. We do this by inserting a camera into the pipes, which gives us a clear overview of their condition. And if your pipes need maintenance, pipe rehabilitation may be a good option.

In our experience, pipe relining is a quicker and cheaper method than replacing the old pipes with new ones. In short, the method involves installing new pipes inside the old ones. This means we do not need to dig up gardens, break up floors or knock down walls. This is a great benefit for everyone.

Vitek has upgraded more than 10,000 metres of pipework using LED technology
Vitek has upgraded more than 10,000 metres of pipework using LED technology 2560 2560 Vitek AS

In many European countries, light curing is a well-established method in the field of pipe rehabilitation. In Norway, Vitek has for several years been virtually the only company able to offer this method to the market.

– In this field, Vitek in Norway can almost be considered veterans. We have been working on this for many years. As early as autumn 2014, we carried out our first LED installation in Norway in collaboration with the Danish company Aarsleff, says Bengt Rebnord Olsen of Vitek.

Cures with UV light

In pipe rehabilitation, new pipes are installed inside the old ones without the need for excavation. The old pipes are rehabilitated using a liner. The liner is then cured. In Norway, it has been common practice to cure the liner using steam, but light technology is a very good alternative for smaller pipes of smaller diameters (100–225 mm). It can be used for all types of sewer pipes, including branch pipes.

– In short, LED curing is a form of UV curing. The LED light is similar to the light that dentists use to cure fillings. The difference is that the lining we use in the pipes is fibreglass-based, explains Olsen.

Out early

In many European countries, light curing is a well-established method in the field of pipe rehabilitation. In Norway, Vitek has for several years been virtually the only company able to offer this method to the market. In 2015, the company purchased its own vehicle for fibreglass and LED curing.

– The method is used outdoors on underground cables. We do not currently carry out curing using light indoors. We have, however, carried out several hundred installations using UV light. We continue to collaborate with Aarsleff, but we are a supplier-independent company.

– Steam is the most common

Olsen emphasises that, whilst the use of felt lining and steam curing remains the most common method in pipe rehabilitation, the market is changing.

– The difference is that the lining is fibreglass-based. The standard method has been – and remains the most common – felt lining and steam curing. However, several Norwegian companies have now realised that UV technology exists. This is changing the market and demand, says Olsen, who explains that Vitek is carrying out further tests to expand the range of applications for UV light.

– There’s a lot going on in the market at the moment. There are plenty of new solutions on the horizon.

That’s why you should check the pipes in your home!
That’s why you should check the pipes in your home! 2120 1415 Vitek AS

All homeowners know that the gutters need to be cleared of leaves in winter and that the house needs to be painted from time to time. Unfortunately, very few people realise that the pipes in their house or flat also need to be maintained.

Many people only realise this when the pipes become blocked or the floor is flooded. Then everyone knows that this is going to be EXPENSIVE!

This is a cost that homeowners can avoid by having regular pipe inspections carried out. A pipe inspection provides a good overview of the condition of the pipework, as well as details of where the pipes are buried. You will also receive any recommendations for necessary repairs.

It could save you from unpleasant and costly expenses in the future, as every year, old and faulty pipes lead to costly water damage in Norwegian homes.

What are some signs that you need a pipe inspection? If you find that your pipes often become blocked, that it takes a long time for the water to drain away in the sink or shower, or that there is a foul smell coming from the pipes? If so, it might be a good idea to have the pipes in your home inspected.

Vitek has extensive experience in carrying out pipe inspections.

Here’s how we do it:

We film the inside of the pipes using a specialised camera that is fed into the pipes via existing manhole covers, septic tanks, inspection chambers or external chambers.

We use advanced equipment suitable for all types of main pipes, service pipes and ventilation ducts, both offshore and onshore. The measurement results are stored electronically and followed up with detailed written reports, based on the Norwegian Water Standard.

Common errors we come across are:

  • sags when filled with water
  • reversal
  • fracture injuries
  • irregularities in pipe walls
  • deposits
  • foreign objects in the drain

If these faults are rectified in good time, you can save a lot of money and you can relax and sleep more soundly when it’s pouring with rain.

Are you worried about the condition of your pipes, get in touch with Vitek! We’re always up for a chat about pipes!

Do you have an oil tank that needs to be removed?
Do you have an oil tank that needs to be removed? 2560 1707 Vitek AS

DO YOU HAVE AN UNDERGROUND OIL TANK IN YOUR GARDEN?

From 2020, the use of fossil fuel oil for heating buildings will be banned. Across the country there are thousands of underground oil tanks, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health. These must be removed.

It’s a good idea to do this during 2018, as you can then apply for funding from Enova. The amount of support will be halved in 2019 and will cease in 2020.

We would like to emphasise that As a homeowner, you are liable for any oil spill. It can be very expensive. I would advise anyone with an underground tank to contact Vitek. At the moment, we are removing one or two oil tanks a week. We have many years’ experience and expertise in tank cleaning and removal, says the department manager.

Here is our recommendation: Emptying, cleaning, decontaminating or removing an underground oil tank should be carried out by professionals who are certified for the job.

How to proceed

An oil tank should be emptied, decontaminated or removed by a certified company. As a homeowner, you should have the following information about the tank:

  • Age
  • What is the tank made of (steel, fibreglass, etc.)?
  • Last condition check
  • Size
  • Routing of cables to the tank
  • Current contents of the tank
  • Where in the garden is the tank situated?

If you need further information, please contact your local council and ask if they can help you.

Read more about our hazardous waste services here.

Removing the tank

You can choose whether the tank should simply be emptied, cleaned, decontaminated or removed entirely. We recommend that it be removed.

All associated pipes on the wall must also be emptied and removed. The same applies to the day tank inside your house. If you have an indoor cellar tank, this should also be emptied, decontaminated, dismantled and removed.

Reporting

Once the tank has been decontaminated and delivered to an approved collection point, this must be reported to the local authority. All companies carrying out tank decontamination are required to do this, but it is you, as the property owner, who bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring that it is done.

New and environmentally friendly heating

An oil-fired boiler is usually connected to a central heating system with radiators or underfloor heating. It can be replaced with heating solutions that can be connected to the water-based heat distribution system.

Good alternatives might include solutions based on wood combustion or various heat pump systems, such as air-to-water heat pumps, liquid-to-water heat pumps, pellet boilers, pellet burners or wood-fired boilers.

Other heating solutions include solar heating or district heating.

Read more about Enova’s support schemes here

Please contact Vitek if you have an underground oil tank and need assistance.

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