Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGN_0035 | |
| Title | Fracture Monitoring Using Acoustics | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given Cadent Gas |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 March 2013 | |
| End Date | 01 September 2016 | |
| Duration | 42 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £433,963 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Technical Consultancy | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Cadent Gas (99.997%) |
| Other Investigator | Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks (0.001%) Project Contact , SGN (0.001%) Project Contact , Syrinix Ltd (0.001%) |
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| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_NGN_0035 |
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| Objectives | Syrinix’s existing product, TransientMinder (which detects, interrogates and analyses damaging pressure transients within both distribution and trunk main infrastructure) works on water mains of >16" in diameter in the GB, and the objective of this Project is to investigate and demonstrate that the technology can be transferred on to the GB Gas Network, for the same pipe diameters. The primary objectives of the Project will be: To give an immediate notification of a fracture event to the pipe line operator enabling a much improved response time To locate the fracture event (assuming it falls between monitor stations) To potentially detect the onset of a fracture event if pre-failure signals are generated (this is unknown at this time) Monitor pipeline 24 hours / day, 7 days / week. Throughout the Project there will be monthly reports from Syrinix, to update all Project steering group members on the progress of the Project. There will be face to face meetings every 6-8 weeks and key deliverables reviews at key points with accountable parties clearly identified. Each stage will have its own deliverables and targets which the Project will measure itself and report on monthly as it progresses. When issues are identified recovery plans will be adopted to ensure minimal impact on time scales, and avoid additional costs. Success of the Project will be based on: The ability to objectively characterize a pipe fracture event as it is believed that this has never been investigated before. This represents the most significant Project risk The ability to synthesis or model fracture events for the purposes of testing The success in sensor choice, and of a data acquisition technique that can distinguish genuine fracture events from background noise The degree to which knowledge from use of the technique can be translated into the gas environment | |
| Abstract | Under the current 30/30 rule (all metallic mains 30m from property must be replaced within the next 30years) gas distribution networks (GDNs) have to prioritize which mains need to be replaced. A number of these mains are in highly populated areas and although don’t have known leakage issues, still need to be replaced under the above rule. There is no method currently available to monitor live mains and to report any significant approaching failure. The 30/30 rule stipulates all mains must be replaced regardless of historyso using the 30/30 rule in all cases will result in some mains being replaced many years before the end of their serviceable life. Networks need to only replace mains that are at risk, but there is currently no system or method to monitor these mains so pipe replacement can be deferred with minimal risk. Syrinix are designing, testing and deploying a system, using acoustic technology in pre-determined locations, to monitor metallic gas mains remotely and inform the respective Network Licensee of major leaks so they can react immediately thus efficiently managing the risk. The proposed solution would consist of an instrumentation and control unit which would be situated at either end of the pipeline with acoustic monitoring sensors placed along the line of the main at pre-agreed distances. The sensors will listen for the specific acoustic signatures given by pipe fracturing or pipe movement communicating with each other along the pipeline. If there is any significant movement or a break within the pipeline wall, this will be reported in via text message. Data from the system will then provide an early indication of leakage enabling the networks to take appropriate action. This will enable asset lifetime to be maximised and renewal intelligently deferred. ScopeNote : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 14/08/18 | |
