Our Process

1. Initial Meeting

An initial meeting, ideally held at the client's premises, is conducted to understand project objectives and network requirements. Discussions include whether the focus is copper recovery, fibre relaying, or both, as well as existing cable types, volumes, topology, and any associated civil works.

2. Site Survey and Cable Identification

• Identification of candidate cables and extraction sites
• Evaluation of cables against our internal database to determine whether datasheets exist or similar cables have previously been extracted
• Where available, small cable samples are collected and sent to our technology centre for laboratory analysis and testing
• A detailed on-site survey is conducted to assess environmental conditions, accessibility, traffic sensitivity, and deployment constraints

Each cable is tested at our facility to determine technical characteristics, including pumping pressure, fluid composition, extraction force, required field volumes, estimated pumping time, and maximum extraction length. All findings are reviewed in detail with the client to ensure full transparency.

3. Project Specification and Trial

Following the assessment phase, Plug Group defines the project delivery plan, including timelines, costs, and technical processes. Commercial terms are agreed, and we work closely with the client and appointed civil contractors to establish the scope of works, risk assessments, and cost schedules.

A trial project is then executed and overseen by Plug Group's project team, operating under the direction of the client's civil management team. All required equipment is provided to support the trial. A detailed post-trial review is conducted, including analysis of performance, cost efficiency, and economic benefits.

4. Client Rollout Programme

For full-scale deployment:

• Future volumes, cable types, and rollout timelines are agreed between the client, civil contractors or our own team of engineers and Plug Group management.
• A comprehensive rollout schedule and knowledge transfer programme is provided
• Plug Group supplies all required equipment, fluids, and tools to agreed locations, with additional components available via our website
• A dedicated technical manager supports the client's civil team throughout the extraction process, supported by an on-call technical support service. Alternatively our own teams can carry out the work if possible and required.
• Equipment performance and extraction operations are monitored live, with all data captured and stored in our central database