The days of scrambling down sewerage man holes has all but past with the introduction of the PVC Maintenance Shaft System designed by Aymroo Pty Ltd.

The shaft makes use of small closed circuit TV cameras and high-pressure water jets to carry out tasks previously requiring human access to the sewerage system. There is no requirement for concrete components, and no ladders, step-irons or drop pipes are needed. Inspection, maintenance and cleaning are now safer and quicker.

The new system is lightweight, flexible and cost-effective unlike the concrete manholes it replaces. Because human access is not necessary, the shaft can be just 225 mm in diameter and weighing around 20 kg. This compares with concrete units of one meter diameter and weighing as much as 3 tonnes. Trenches for installation are easier to excavate and cause less disruption to people and traffic; the light weight of the PVC shafts means one man can handle the units without a problem.

The installed product is totally watertight preventing both escape of sewage and the infiltration of groundwater. This is important from a community point of view and prevents rainwater runoff which can enter the sewerage system via the concrete manholes used at the moment.

All major water authorities in Australia have approved the Aymroo Maintenance Shaft and fittings. Over the last two years, 4000 units have been successfully installed. Now the company is pushing internationally; a visit to India resulted in approval from two major sewerage authorities giving permission for trial installations. Test sites have also been set up in New Zealand. Once the market has been established overseas, the plan is to export components and have the products assembled in local areas.

Joint venture partners are being sought to help capitalise on the potential of this design. The Australian market has barely been tapped at present and the prospects in Asia are virtually unlimited.