NORTH WALES WATER SOLUTION BLAZES TRAIL IN BRAZIL

2 Jun 2004 03:15 PM

North Wales based Hydra-Ject, market leader in solving complicated problems in water and gas pipelines, is taking its patented technology to Brazil with the help of WalesTrade International (WTI) the overseas arm of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Hydra-Ject developed a device called the H-Grip in direct response to the water industry’s request for a no-dig solution to releasing seized valves located in mains under roads.

The H-Grip, which took three years to develop, means that minimal disruption is caused to traffic as pipeline problems are solved without the need for major roadworks.

"Excavations cost the water industry millions every year," affirmed Hydra-Ject MD, Peter Enston. "The H-Grip cuts costs and minimises disruption to traffic and to water supplies".

"With the H-Grip we can sort out a problem in 30 minutes, that would previously have taken 24-48 hours to resolve," he added.

Hydra-Ject has also pioneered new technology for sealing leaking gas valves. Valves used on pressure reduction stations (PRS) can suffer from problems of either seeping gas when in the closed position, or becoming seized and therefore inoperable. Typically these problems are encountered when undertaking annual valve maintenance.

A process called Hydra-Seal has been developed by Hydra-Ject for use on gas pressure reduction stations within gas distribution networks. There are some 40,000 pressure reduction stations in the UK alone.

The process has resulted in Hydra-Ject being accredited with the "Best Practice" award from Transco.

"This is no small achievement for a small company such as ours," said Mr Enston. "It demonstrates that Hydra-Ject is committed to providing innovative solutions designed to save costs and minimise disruption to the public."

Following a trade mission to Brazil under the umbrella of the WTI initiative ExportAssist, Hydra-Ject has established that its patented technology is necessary there.

"The problems Hyda-Ject is adept at solving are very much in evidence in Brazil, so we have discovered a potentially huge market," said Mr Enston.

As a result of the high demand for its technological achievements, Hydra-Ject will also be establishing a European office later this year.

Notes to editors ? www.hydra-ject.com ExportAssist Factfile: ? Since its launch in December 2002 by Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport, the programme has helped 120 companies win new overseas business, with 46 of those companies exporting for the first time.

? ExportAssist has secured around £13m of new business for Welsh companies, with a further £50m opportunities identified for Welsh companies.

? ExportAssist is made up of three core elements:

? A team of 15 highly experienced Export Development Counsellors (EDCs), has been recruited from the private sector, each with hands-on experience of international trade. Based in the Objective One local authority areas, the EDCs are consequently well acquainted with their respective regional needs.

? The support provided by the EDCs is supplemented by the skills and expertise of a team of specialist consultants, each having an enviable track record of achievement in the international trading environment.

? The overseas events programme is the element that can actually help companies to meet potential or existing customers overseas, face-to-face. Businesses are escorted to overseas trade exhibitions, a number of trade missions and to niche events. These visits are subsidised by 75%.

? ExportAssist can be accessed on www.export-assist.com. Alternatively call Alyson Llewellyn on 01443 846 728.

? For details of the full range of services available from WalesTrade International, call 029 2080 1046.