Innovation Beneath The City: Halton’s Custom Dampers For The Thames Tideway Super Sewer

At the forefront of this project’s innovative solutions are the bespoke dampers developed by Halton Wales, tailored specifically to meet the unique demands of this ambitious undertaking.
The Thames Tideway Tunnel represents a significant upgrade to London’s aging Victorian sewer system, which has been overwhelmed by the capital’s growing population. The super sewer is engineered to capture and contain the tens of millions of tonnes of untreated sewage that currently spill into the River Thames during rainfall1. Halton’s role in this project is pivotal, providing custom-engineered dampers that are crucial for maintaining air quality and controlling environmental conditions within the tunnel.
Halton Wales’ expertise in air flow technology has led to the creation of dampers that are not only highly efficient but also uniquely suited to the Tideway project’s requirements. These dampers are designed to withstand the harsh, corrosive environment of the sewer system while providing precise control over air movement. This level of customization is essential for a project of this scale and complexity, where standard solutions simply would not suffice.
The innovation behind Halton’s dampers lies in their ability to adapt to the varying conditions of the tunnel. As the super sewer operates, it will encounter different levels of sewage flow, which can affect air pressure and quality. Halton’s dampers are engineered to respond dynamically to these changes, ensuring consistent performance and reliability. This adaptability is a testament to Halton’s commitment to providing solutions that are not just effective but also sustainable and long-lasting.
Moreover, the dampers’ design takes into account the need for minimal maintenance, which is a critical consideration for infrastructure that is as inaccessible as the super sewer. Halton’s dampers are built to last, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements and thereby minimizing the project’s long-term maintenance costs.
The Thames Tideway Tunnel is set to be fully operational by 2025, and once complete, it will prevent around 95% of the sewage pollution that currently enters the River Thames1. Halton’s bespoke dampers are a key component in achieving this goal, playing an essential role in the tunnel’s functionality. The success of the Tideway project will not only improve the health of the river but also enhance the quality of life for Londoners, creating new public spaces and a cleaner environment.
As London prepares to test and commission one of the UK’s largest new infrastructure projects, the innovative use of Halton dampers stands as a shining example of how custom engineering solutions can meet the specific needs of complex projects. The collaboration between Halton Wales and the Tideway project underscores the importance of bespoke design in modern infrastructure, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

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Shuresh Maran
Director, Heavy Industry Segment
shuresh.maran@halton.com