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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_CAD0019
Title	ThermalTrax Feasibility Study
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 February 2018
End Date	01 September 2018
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£120,225
Industrial Sectors	Energy
Region	London
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , Cadent Gas (100.000%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , Cadent Gas (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_CAD0019
Objectives	Overall Aim (dependent on result of this feasibility study): The overall long-term aim is to extend the capability of the Synthotech SynthoTrax architecture to enable remote internal inspection of gas pipes that: 1. Are between 12” and 42” diameter metallic mains 2. Can operate at pressures that are ≤75 mBar 3. Have leakage that effects local pipe temperature The will be done by bringing together three existing TRL 8/9 technologies: 1. ALH Bond and Bolt – TRL 9 2. Synthotrax – TRL 8 3. Thermal Leak Detection – TRL 4 in gas pipes (TRL 9 in other applications) The plan is to build on the existing design knowledge gained through the development of the Synthotrax Profiler (NGGD IFI Funded) Synthotrax 1.1 (Synthotech Funded) and SynthoTrax STASS (NGN NIA Funded) Leak sealing Systems and to reconfigure the upper platform to allow the addition of thermal leak detection.This phase of the project (Phase 1): This project aims to investigate the thermal leak detection (lowest TRL of the three technologies) through desktop activities, research of available cameras, as well as laboratory testing of the thermal imaging camera. The plan is to select an effective thermal sensor and then test and review the thermal camera technology for detecting leaks. The three key challenges being tackled in this phase are: • To review the operational environment and system variables • To define the operating environment optical (current 8-14um range) • To define the minimum pressure and flow rates detectable (detection envelope) Phase one of the project will demonstrate thermal imaging technology embedded onto existing camera systems tested in a simulated environment. On completion of this project, the off line trials will be evaluated with a view of transitioning into a future development phase, should the opportunity remain viable. The scope of this project (Stage 1) is a feasibility study to determine if a prototype system to inspect pipelines using thermal imaging can be developed to pin point leakage from within live gas pipelines and to determine the development work required to enhance and expand the capability of the Synthotrax system to include thermal leak detection. • Evaluation of thermal technology in the stated operating environment • Selection of the most suitable thermal imaging system(s) • Demonstration of the selected camera element • Space Model for ThermalTrax™ platform (Indicative design) • Identifying and planning the future development work required This feasibility project will determine: • Detection envelope (min pressure and flow) • Review of thermal camera technology that is suitable for the use – space envelop and sensitivity (off the shelf technology) Camera(s) for integration Camera Pressure capability – up to 112mbar Camera comparison matrix Completed bench testing of cameras Camera capability demonstration • Developments needed to the platform to incorporate a thermal inspection camera
Abstract	NULL
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	02/12/22