Company & Application

STRABAG UK’s tunnelling project, based in North Yorkshire, UK, is being constructing as the world’s longest conveyor tunnel, known as the Mineral Transport System, as part of the Woodsmith mine development. This project will see transportation of tens of millions of tonnes of Polyhalite, a naturally occurring mineral substance and subsequently when crushed, POLY4, a multi-nutrient fertiliser used worldwide.

The project began launching a Tunnel Boring Machine to commence a 36.7km long tunnel, which was constructed using a single shield machine. This length of tunnel is expected to be a new world record with the tunnel fit out, including a new full length conveyor system.

The Challenge

The project demonstrates the scale of the tunnelling and underground construction capabilities in the UK, also highlighting the need for focus on innovation and social responsibility throughout all processes. The 380 m-deep shafts were constructed using the blind-bore method, not only with the aim of reducing carbon emissions, but also to improve general on-site safety. Extensive air quality monitoring was required throughout the entire project and, notably, Trolex systems were fitted to ensure reliable and accurate monitoring is available and maintained throughout the entire project.

The Trolex plan

A range of Trolex real-time solutions have been identified for use in the STRABAG project for the detection of hazardous gases and dusts in this tunnelling project. 236 devices, including SENTRO 8 Gas detector, SENTRO single Gas detectors and AIR X real-time particulate monitors have been fitted across multiple systems with a total of 824 individual sensors for both gas detection and dust monitoring.

As well as particulate ranges from PM2.5 to PM10 being constantly monitored, logic systems constantly watch for key gases such as CH₄, CO, NO, H₂S, SO₂ and O₂. Local emergency Audio/Visual alarms, Trolex Flow Sensors and Intrinsically Safe Battery Back-Up units have been added to back up the system and add intelligent data to the data all powered by intrinsically safe battery back-up units.

The Trolex solution

Alongside the systems being implemented across the tunnelling project, the Tunnel Boring Machine itself has also been fitted with multiple gas detectors, as well as Audio/Visual alarms and sensors.

Due to the nature of tunnelling projects, with fast paced demolition, excavation and drilling processes, cutting, concrete spraying and transportation generates fine dust and particulates as a by-product of natural materials like rock and sand being disturbed, increasing risk of lung diseases and respirable health issues.

The recognised risk of using combustion engines and diesel-powered equipment often produces carbon monoxide and Diesel Particulate Matter is something the project was increasingly aware of, something the system will flag through data indicators across its broad range of sensors.

Gas sensors are already actively working as the mining machine hits pockets of hydrocarbons which set the unit into alarm, and where necessary lower down the mining machine to avoid risk of explosion.

What it meant moving forward

Providing this pioneering safety technology to STRABAG meant the project has joined a long-standing reputation of safety instrumentation being supplied to workers by Trolex in some of the most challenging environments over the last 65 years.

Like many other underground industry leaders across the globe, STRABAG made the decision to deploy multiple Trolex detectors, monitoring equipment, sensors and alarms demonstrating to their workers that health and safety is a priority on this project, and a superior approach, not only for producing the highest quality throughout the tunnelling project, but also with a conscious effort on the effects relating to the workforce wellbeing and the wider society.

Company & Application 

Based locally, near our Trolex offices in Stockport, United Kingdom, the Air Raid Shelter offers a rich history and education of both the local community and its involvement during the Second World War. Open now as a museum, using the original infrastructure, the shelters operate with a system of almost 1 mile of underground air-raid shelters dug underneath the centre of Stockport. 

The use of this underground area means that regular detection for hazardous risk, such as gas exposure like O2 and CH4, is required, and state-of-the-art gas detection is a necessity to protect both workers and visitors, 7 days-a-week. 

The Challenge  

In order to meet health and safety regulations for underground environments and to continually stay compliant using the latest technology for exposure to gas risk, Stockport Air Raid Shelters required reliable, effective gas detection to monitor for multiple types of gas risk. 

These shelters, steeped in history, are crucial to the local community here in Stockport, and have been used for various purposes over the years. With high volumes of visitors throughout the week, including for school trips and tourists, having the site operating at full capacity is essential, so reducing hazardous risk with reliable monitoring technology is important.  

The SENTRO X Plan  

Installing SENTRO X meant we were able to meet gas detection needs but also test how SENTRO X performs in real-world conditions. This allowed us to validate the system’s effectiveness and reliability in a unique atmosphere, in restricted spaces, limited visibility and similar underground conditions, whilst also providing regular maintenance and testing of the unit. 

This collaboration was also seen as vital to us as Stockport Air Raid Shelters’ visibility in the local community provided excellent exposure, allowing us to showcase our expertise in real-world applications, with the aim to reinforce our commitment to supporting the community, while offering tailored safety solutions to each individual requirement for health and safety compliance.   

The SENTRO X Solution 

This major upgrade of the existing Trolex SENTRO 1 and TX6373 Toxic Gas Detector gas detection systems, previously installed at the Stockport Air Raid Shelters, were replaced by our brand new SENTRO X gas detectors which were strategically installed in areas of potential gas risk and frequently visited locations.  

Offering seamless installation of the SENTRO X for the Stockport Air Raid Shelter, we’ve also continued to provide ongoing technical, maintenance and installation support, ensuring that any queries or issues could be addressed promptly, maintaining the system’s optimal performance at all times.  

What this means moving forward 

 Our plan to continue the work with Stockport Air Raid Shelters is in full effect, providing ongoing support for their gas detection systems and assisting with any technical or maintenance needs, as well as highlighting the importance of hazard control to the wider community by using SENTRO X and supporting systems. 

Insights gained from this project will help refine the SENTRO X Gas Detector for broader market applications. “We’ve had the SENTRO gas detectors for a long time now, and the offer of upgrading to the latest Trolex gas monitor is great news for us” said one worker for the Stockport Air Raid shelters. 

This collaboration gives us the perfect springboard to continue to expand our reach within similar locations and industries, but also branching out into new industries, further establishing our brand while continuing to support local communities.