M-049 An Introduction to Utilidors in Cold Regions

An Introduction to Utilidors in Cold Regions

The An Introduction to Utilidors in Cold Regions online PDH course is a part of the Mechanical Engineering category of courses. A utilidor is a conduit that contains multiple utility systems such as water, sewerage, fuel oil, gas, electrical power, telephone, and central heating in various combinations or in some cases all together.  They have been used at a number of installations and communities in the North American Arctic. Utilidors are very expensive and can only be justified for special situations. In most cases individually insulated pipes in a common trench or on a common pile will be more economical.  Utilidors have been constructed above and below ground, and range in size from a simple insulated conduit to a walk-through passageway.  New designs typically incorporate lighter construction materials than the reinforced concrete used previously at many installations.

This course will give engineers and other design and construction professionals an introduction to the special considerations that must be addressed in design and construction of utility distribution systems in arctic and subarctic regions.

This course is intended for civil, environmental, mechanical and electrical engineers and other design and construction professionals wanting to learn about utility distribution systems, facilities and equipment in arctic and subarctic regions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, you will:

• Learn about pile supported and in-ground utilidors;
• Learn how hot water and steam lines in utilidors affect other utility lines and cables;
• Learn about cross-connection control when sewage lines are contained in utilidors;
• Learn how to provide an effective electrical grounding system in permafrost conditions;
• Learn how to design aerial power and communication cable towers in permafrost conditions;
• Learn about remedial measures to protect aerial cables against ice buildup;
• Learn how to prevent bonding between frozen soil and aerial power and communication cable poles.