Cost comparison
PACE compares cost per metre and total installed cost using explicit commercial assumptions.
PACE Business Case Tool
Compare conventional installation with HydroFoamer
PACE helps owners, engineers, contractors and commercial teams understand the cost, programme and sustainability implications of HydroFoamer for a specific pipeline scenario.
Structured comparison
What PACE does
PACE compares two installation scenarios: conventional pipeline installation and HydroFoamer installation. It is not just a cost calculator. It is a structured comparison model for installation method, material movement, schedule, commercial inputs and sustainability.
- Model a conventional trench, embedment, backfill and logistics case.
- Model a HydroFoamer case using sprayed structural polyurethane foam support and controlled installation assumptions.
- Expose the assumptions behind cost, programme, aggregate, foam, haulage, spoil and sustainability outputs.
- Create a shared basis for technical and commercial discussion before detailed design and procurement work.
What PACE calculates
PACE keeps the main drivers visible so project teams can challenge the assumptions instead of debating an unexplained headline number.
Programme comparison
PACE estimates duration effects from excavation, backfill, foam application and production rates.
Material movement
PACE calculates imported aggregate, native backfill, foam volume and avoided selected material.
Logistics and access
PACE can include haul distance, transport cost, spoil disposal and access or temporary works assumptions.
Sustainability
PACE compares selected carbon and material indicators within the chosen calculation boundary.
Scenario history and exports
PACE supports saved scenarios and exportable outputs for discussion and review.
Why this matters
The business case sits around the pipe
Many pipeline business cases focus narrowly on the pipe. In practice, much of the cost, risk and programme exposure sits around the pipe: trench geometry, imported aggregate, backfill, spoil, access roads, haulage, labour, production rate and schedule. PACE makes those assumptions visible.
- Separate pipe cost from installation method cost.
- Show where aggregate, haulage and spoil assumptions drive outcomes.
- Compare programme effects alongside cost and sustainability.
- Use sensitivity testing to identify which assumptions matter most.
Typical users
Project owners
Screen whether HydroFoamer deserves deeper technical and commercial review for a defined route or asset.
Hydropower developers
Compare penstock installation scenarios where access, terrain, aggregate and programme can dominate project economics.
Engineering consultants
Frame assumptions for method review, constructability discussion and early option comparison.
Contractors
Test productivity, logistics and material-movement assumptions before bid or delivery planning.
Commercial / investment teams
Understand how installation method choices affect cost, schedule and project risk before larger commitments.
Strategic partners
Evaluate where HydroFoamer may support repeatable deployment across regions, asset classes or delivery portfolios.
Limits
What PACE is not
PACE does not replace detailed design, geotechnical analysis, temporary works design, procurement, regulatory approval, installation method statements, contract pricing or final investment approval. It is a structured screening and comparison tool for project-specific discussion.
- Outputs depend on trench geometry, access, ground conditions, pipe specification, foam design, production assumptions and commercial inputs.
- Results should be reviewed with the project team before being used for procurement, contract or investment decisions.
- PACE is most useful when assumptions are explicit, traceable and open to technical challenge.
Open PACE or request help with a scenario
Start with a project-specific comparison, then use the outputs to support a technical and commercial review.