CageCapture™ ™ SF6 Paint Detection

Completed

Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD)

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 September 2022

30 September 2024

ENA months

£437,219

Power

Scotland

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD)

Project Contact, Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited
Project Contact, South Eastern Power Networks plc
Project Contact, Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc
Project Contact, UKPN London Power Networks plc
Project Contact, Eastern Power Networks plc

Project Contact, Scottish and Southern Energy plc
Project Contact, Northern Powergrid
Project Contact, UK Power Networks
Project Contact, SP Energy Networks

The project is initially a research project followed by a real world trial to deliver a leak detection coating that can be applied to switchgear pipework and flanges to provide visual indication of leak points (either a fluorescence that can be seen with a UV torch or a change in colour visible to the naked eye). The application will provide an easy-to-deploy solution to accelerate leak detection and reduce total emissions. Further, early leak detection will prevent damage to assets caused by moisture entering the switchgear, hazards relating to SF6 contamination and facilitate timely repair or replacement of assets. Stage 1 Proof of concept SF6 detection coating developed and tested in relevant lab environment.Stage 2 Evaluate the performance of SF6 detection coating applied to nine circuit breakers in service on the distribution networks. Trial sites will preferably be in three different locations to provide the typical range of UK environmental conditions including coastal and higher altitude locations.As detailed in section 3.2 the project has the potential to deliver up to £11m in financial benefits to GB distribution customers based on early detection of leaked SF6 gas. Stage 1:Proof of concept detection with CageCapture™ material. Quantifiable detection results will be undertaken to measure the success of the CageCapture™ detection proof of concept.Stage 2:Prototype testing of the coating. Evaluation of coating function in real world environment, measured by real world testing results.

CageCapture™ Detection solution will improve the speed of response to reduce sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) emissions by enabling early detection and location of SF6 leakage points in assets. The project will deliver a leak detection coating that can be applied to switchgear pipework and flanges for the detection of SF6 leaks, indicated by exhibiting an Ultraviolet fluorescence or colour change. Stage 1 will validate the proof of concept in a suitable test environment; Stage 2 will evaluate application of the product to switchgear on the distribution networks.

14/10/22