Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGGD0018 | |
| Title | Thin Walled PE Liners | |
| 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 January 2014 | |
| End Date | 01 May 2015 | |
| Duration | 16 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £226,197 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Cadent Gas (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_NGGD0018 |
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| Objectives | To identify and develop solutions to issues that might limit the introduction and operation of polymeric pipes, with a much lower wall thickness than those currently supplied to GIS specifications, for use as liners within CI pipes. At large diameters, PE pipes to GIS specification consume a large quantity of material. For the refurbishment of large iron pipes (tiers 2 and 3), it is believed that linings fabricated at reduced wall thickness can be made entirely fit for purpose with a consequent improved economics of material consumption. The objective of this project would be to identify and indicate engineering solutions to issues that might limit pipeline construction procedures or long term performance of pipe with revised dimensions. Success of this project would be the ability to provide planning and installation engineers with proposals for a revised plastic pipe technology that makes far more efficient usage of resources, whilst maintaining the proven advantages of all-welded PE pipe construction. | |
| Abstract | The UK gas industry is being encouraged to adapt its engineering and operational planning to conform to more precise monitoring of aged pipeline assets, so as to ensure an economic strategy of replacement and refurbishment. The legacy of larger diameter iron mains is likely to require targeted refurbishment rather than total replacement. This opportunity permits a different approach to polyethylene (PE) pipe technology, which is currently based upon free standing, fully structural pipe designed for open ground installation. Where a large plastic pipe is to be used predominantly as a lining for an existing ferrous main, the cast iron (CI) pipe can be expected to retain some structural integrity and so protect the inserted pipe from ground loading and third party interference. Consequently, there can be a substantial revision of design concepts. Large PE pipes of a higher than usual SDR can still have a substantial absolute wall thickness and be capable of being constructed by established methods such as fusion jointing. However, the potential assembly and operation of high SDR pipes has not been exploited in the gas industry as in the water and drainage industry. Further work is needed to determine the potential opportunity for this approach and to properly indicate engineering solutions to issues that might limit its adoption. Stage 1 of this project, which was completed under the Innovation Funding Incentive, looked at issues associated with manufacturing, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of lining materials. In addition this work defined a revised range of PE wall thicknesses designed for LP and 2 bar applications for refurbishment of large diameter (above 8") iron pipes. In looking at the design requirements to resist internal pressure and external collapse forces it was identified that the GIS LC8-31, B. 17 requirement for collapse resistance to a 5m head of water may not be met. Further work is required to understand liner collapse within an outer constraining shell. This project will entail research and development activity to investigate liner collapse mechanisms, finite element analysis, trial of Electro Fusion Parameters for SDR 33 and 51 Pipe, and buckling test laboratory trials.Note : 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 | 14/12/18 | |
