How Sykes Pumps Kept HS2’s M42 Box Project on Track

The M42 Box project in Birmingham is a key component of the HS2 high-speed rail network, involving installing 222 piles of 1500mm diameter driven to a depth of 35m to ensure structural integrity. A vital part of this process was maintaining the quality of the polymer support fluid, which prevents pile degradation and supports stability.

To meet this challenge, a HS2 contractor called upon Sykes Pumps to provide a reliable polymer pumping solution. Our PC100 Progressive Cavity Pump was the perfect pump hire unit, providing smooth, controlled polymer transfer to support the piling process.

What Was the Problem?

In order for the M42 Box project to progress, the contractor needed to pump polymer support fluid from an onsite mixing plant to the piling location 300m away. The polymer must remain consistent and undisturbed to prevent degradation, as any reduction in quality could compromise the integrity of the pile.

Key challenges:

 

Maintaining polymer quality:

The polymer support fluid had to be delivered smoothly and efficiently to avoid breakdown, which could weaken the pile structure.

Precise control over pumping:

Operators needed a way to turn the pump on and off remotely to ensure better handling at the piling location

Long-distance transfer:

The system had to transport polymer fluid 300m, requiring a pump capable of maintaining consistent flow over an extended distance.

How Did We Solve It?

We provided the PC100 Progressive Cavity Pump, a high-performance pump made for smooth and uninterrupted fluid transfer. The PC100 was used in two key areas:

• Mixing the polymer solution at the onsite plant to ensure it was at the correct consistency before being pumped.
• Transporting the polymer fluid 300m to the piling site, delivering it efficiently without causing degradation.

To further enhance safety and efficiency, we equipped the pumps with a remote operation switch that allowed the operator to control the pump directly at the pile location. This feature improved handling precision and operational control, effectively reducing the risk of errors.

 

What Were the Outcomes?

The high performance pumps performed incredibly well and delivered the polymer smoothly and consistently across the site. The remote-control system allowed for safer and more efficient operation, ensuring the fluid was applied exactly when and where needed.

As a result, the client was highly satisfied with the pump’s performance, especially in its ability to maintain polymer integrity and precise control throughout the process.

Why Sykes Pumps are Your Trusted Partner for Industrial Pumping

Infrastructure projects like HS2’s M42 Box demand precision, efficiency, and reliability – and Sykes Pumps delivers exactly that. Our progressive cavity pumps are designed to provide smooth and controlled fluid transfer, while our technical expertise guarantees clients get the right pumping solution for their specific needs every time.

If you need a trusted pumping partner or want to learn more about our pump hire units – get in touch online or call us on 0800 211 611 today!