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| Reference Number | NIA2_NGET0094 | |
| Title | Graphene based solutions for sealing new GIS using SF6 alternatives | |
| Status | Started | |
| Energy Categories | Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal (Oil and Gas, Other oil and gas) 50%; Other Power and Storage Technologies (Electricity transmission and distribution) 50%; |
|
| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact National Grid Electricity Transmission |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 August 2025 | |
| End Date | 28 February 2027 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £631,160 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , National Grid Electricity Transmission |
| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA2_NGET0094 |
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| Objectives | Workstream 1 Development of clamping system for tape implementation on flange gapsGraphene nanoplatelets will be compounded with EPDM. The composite will then be moulded into tapes with tailored patterns and thickness variations for the adaptation of large-scale flanges. UoM will work with an external supplier for clamping system to be developed for sealing flanges with medium-to-large scale. The sealing performance will be validated with gas tests. Workstream 2 Development of thin films for tape implementation on complex structuresGraphene nanoplatelets will be compounded with EPDM. The composite will then be calendared into thin films. UoM will work with an external supplier for the development of sealing kits for nuts and bolts. The sealing performance will be validated with gas tests.Workstream 3 Development of NBR/graphene material systems for new installations Graphene nanoplatelets will be compounded with NBR. The composite will then be moulded into sheets. The mechanical properties of the NBR/graphene nanocomposites related to its use as gasket products will be evaluated against conventional material system NBR/carbon black. The diffusivity and solubility of the NBR materials against various gases (Novec 4710, N2, CO2 and O2) will be measured as a function of pressure using our existing gas diffusion rig (BS ISO 15105-1:2007). SF6 is undergoing transition to alternative gases/mixtures for gas insulated equipment. This presents a critical challenge due to the complex leakage dynamics associated with gas mixtures, such as clean air (N2 and O2), Novec 4710 ((CF3)2CFCN or C4F7N) combined with CO2, or C4F7N combined with N2 and O2. These alternatives to SF6 are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but pose technical hurdles in maintaining consistent insulation properties over time. This technical challenge has not been systematically addressed and necessitates the development of advanced sealing materials that are capable of mitigating leakage in gas mixtures effectively. Additionally, temperature fluctuations worsen the issue, as thermal expansion, contraction and decomposition can further compromise seal integrity.Existing O-rings or flange sealants utilise single-phase elastomer (EPDM) or grease which provide different barrier properties to different gases. Given that C4F7N molecules are larger and mixed with smaller N2 and O2 molecules, the varying diffusion rates can cause the gas mixture ratios to change over time. This requires sealing solutions that not only prevent leakage but also adapt to the dynamic nature of the gas mixtures. Advanced nanocomposite materials, potentially consisting of multiphases, acting as sealing materials, are considered promising candidates. These materials must be designed to create robust, impermeable barriers that maintain their integrity under operational stresses and temperature variations, ensuring the long-term stability of the gas mixture within the switchgear.This project builds on the development of tape and spray solution using graphene nanoplatelets in EPDM to mitigate SF6 leakage, initiated by previous NGET project. The aim is to create elastomer nanocomposites that address the leakage challenges associated with SF6 alternatives, particularly gas mixtures. These material systems will be engineered to possess similar permeability to all gas components within a mixture and provide excellent barrier properties at various operating temperatures. The key objectives are: (1) to develop material systems that can seal air mixture, C4F7N with CO2, or N2 as a binary mixture and/or tertiary mixture including the addition of O2; (2) to validate these material systems through permeability testing at different temperatures; and (3) to validate the tape solution in a representative scaled demonstrator system. The objectives of the project are to compound Graphene nanoplatelets with ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). This composite will then be moulded into tapes with tailored patterns and thickness variations for the adaptation of large-scale flanges.University of Manchester will work with Quickedge Ltd to develop a clamping system to seal the composite tape on to pipe flanges. The sealing performance will be validated with gas tests. Further to this, the composite material will be developed into thin films for tape implementation on nut and bolts. Quickedge Ltd will assist in developing a sealing kit for these complex structures. The sealing performance will be validated with gas tests.The next objective will be to develop a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) /graphene composite for new installations as a gasket material. Graphene nanoplatelets will be compounded with NBR. The composite will then be moulded into sheets. The mechanical properties of the NBR / graphene nanocomposites related to its use as gasket products will be evaluated against conventional material system NBR/carbon black. The diffusivity and solubility of the NBR materials against various gases (Novec 4710, N2, CO2 and O2) will be measured as a function of pressure using our existing gas diffusion rig (BS ISO 15105-1:2007).Lastly, validation of effectiveness on a large-scale demonstrator with final reporting and recommendations on adapting the solution to oil switchgears. | |
| Abstract | This project builds on the development of tape and spray solution using graphene nanoplatelets in EPDM to mitigate SF6 leakage, initiated by previous NGET project. The aim is to create elastomer nanocomposites that address the leakage challenges associated with SF6 alternatives, particularly gas mixtures. These material systems will be engineered to possess similar permeability to all gas components within a mixture and provide excellent barrier properties at various operating temperatures. The key objectives are: (1) to develop material systems that can seal air mixture, C4F7N with CO2, or N2 as a binary mixture and/or tertiary mixture including the addition of O2; (2) to validate these material systems through permeability testing at different temperatures; and (3) to validate the tape solution in a representative scaled demonstrator system. | |
| Data | No related datasets |
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| Projects | No related projects |
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| Publications | No related publications |
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| Added to Database | 24/04/26 | |
