UK REACH ATRm Progress Met With Caution by Chemical Industry

A Multidisciplinary Approach

This research combined numerical analysis with hands-on experimentation. By employing high-speed photography alongside destructive lab tests, the team explored how fatigue cracking arises from artificial corrosion pits.

The study examined the stress response of cast iron during pressure transients—those rapid waves that occur when valves close or pumps operate. This investigation uncovered some previously misunderstood factors that trigger pipe fatigue and lead to bursts.

Strategic Insights for Asset Management

The results offer network operators a detailed tool to evaluate the risk of leakage failures in specific GCI assets. Here are some key technical takeaways:

• Stress Concentration: The shape of corrosion pits and the specific load combinations significantly affect fatigue strength.
• Biaxial Stress Effects: Biaxial fatigue stresses that are 180° out of phase can diminish the fatigue strength of uniformly corroded pipes by as much as 28%.
• Targeted Replacement: By accurately capturing pressure cycles, utilities can shift towards proactive asset replacement before the temporary “resealing” phase fails.

Pursuing the ‘Zero Leakage' Goal

This research aligns with UKWIR’s “Big Question”: How can we achieve zero leakage sustainably by 2050? By managing water pressure to minimize maximum stress, utilities can stop stable cracks from turning unstable too soon.

Mike Rose, Chief Executive of UKWIR, shared his thoughts:

“This collaborative project perfectly embodies our mission to unify the voice of water operators facing shared challenges. The insights from this research are crucial for understanding asset longevity and management, directly supporting our strategic objectives for reducing leakage.”

Economic Pressure and Implementation Challenges

Tim Doggett, the CEO of the Chemical Business Association, shared his thoughts:

“While we appreciate DEFRA's recent movement after a long wait, there are still some serious concerns. Before the UK left the European Union, our industry had already poured over £500 million into meeting EU REACH requirements.

“Even though the anticipated costs for the ATRm might be lower than the earlier estimates of £1.3 billion to £3.5 billion, the updated model still poses a significant financial challenge during these economically turbulent times. We need to make sure this is a real solution and not just a quick fix for a fundamentally flawed original model.”

Mr. Doggett also pointed out worries about the feasibility of the current registration deadlines—set for 2029, 2030, and 2031—emphasizing that these timelines have been pushed back multiple times and are still under pressure.

Commitment to a Pragmatic Solution

The CBA is firmly committed to ensuring that any regulatory framework strikes a balance between protecting human health and the environment while also fostering a competitive, innovative, and trade-friendly chemical supply chain.

The Association will keep offering technical expertise to government working groups and will support its members throughout this transition, aiming for a sustainable and practical regulatory outcome for the UK chemical sector.