The No Dig Anode Installation method, or NDAI, is a process developed and patented through a collaborative research and development project between ULC Robotics and the Con Edison Company of New York. No Dig Anode Installation allows utility companies to install one or more 17-pound anodes on steel services and mains through the existing valve box test stations or curb valve boxes.
The entire process is accomplished without the need to excavate, eliminating the need for street opening permits and associated costs. It also greatly decreases disruption to the public, and reduces environmental impact.
Requiring only a two-man crew, the installation of a 17-pound anode can be accomplished in less than 2 1/2 hours using nothing more than a simple set of hand tools.
Prior to installation, the clerical staff at ULC Robotics is responsible for coordinating the CWOs to be completed with a focus on due dates and locations. The local mark out agency is contacted and informed of the work to be done in that area. ULC Robotics provides detailed daily reports of locations serviced and anodes installed or replaced.
At the start of each job, ULC workers cordon off the designated work area and check the corresponding mark-outs. Pipe to soil readings are taken, and checked against compliance guidelines. If an anode is needed, the test station box cover is removed, and the test station box is cleaned out and visually inspected. The test wire in the valve box or test station is inspected and replaced if necessary. A hand operated core-drilling machine is placed at the site, and secured to the pavement with an anchor bolt. The cutting head is aligned with the side of the test station box, and the 5" diameter core drill is used to cut through the box at an angle either towards or alongside the main. The cut is made directly into the side of the test station box, leaving the sidewalk and surrounding pavement undisturbed. The drill is then backed away, the core of asphalt or concrete is removed, and the cut piece of the test station box is placed aside. The resulting mini-excavation is cleared of excess dirt and debris with a shop vacuum. A new anode is placed into the mini-excavation, and a gypsum mortar is mixed and packed around the anode to secure it in place. The side of the test station box that was removed during the drilling process is fixed with an adhesive compound and replaced into its original position. The anode wire is then run into the valve box or test station box and securely connected to the test wire. The system is now checked for proper potential. Upon a positive reading, the test station box cover is replaced and the location is documented for compliance. There is virtually no disturbance to the street or work area, and the site is restored to like new condition after the installation process is complete.
The NDAI method is a time and cost efficient way to meet CWO compliance. To date, ULC Robotics has installed over a thousand anodes in Manhattan alone, and on average clears 5-10 CWOs for compliance each day.
There are currently two options for commercialization of the NDAI method. ULC Robotics is able to provide it's own crews to perform the NDAI process under contract, or Utility Companies can license the process from ULC Robotics and perform NDAI internally or with contractor crews.
The No Dig Anode Installation method offers many benefits to utility companies. It greatly reduces the cost of maintaining cathodic protection, eliminates the need for street opening permits, requires no excavation of the sidewalk or street, streamlines and accelerates regulatory compliance, decreases disruption to the public, and reduces environmental impact.
For more information about the No Dig Anode Installation process contact ULC Robotics at Tel: 631-667-9200
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