Migration Corrosion Inhibitors

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas)

Applied Research and Development

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
Cadent Gas

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 March 2017

01 September 2017

6 months

£28,593

Technical Consultancy

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, Cadent Gas

To determine the efficacy of selected MCI products and assess their practicality based on prescribed quality criteria. Each product will be assessed against NGGD’s quality criteria which in short, is based upon: Proven efficacyAbility to inhibit corrosionPenetration depth through concreteLife expectancy of productSafetyEase of applicationCost. The project will be deemed a success by proving that these products could be used to mitigate corrosion and could also be applied as part of a repair programme to ensure the maximum asset life expectancy is realised.

As part of National Grid Gas Distribution (NGGDs) replacement programme, innovations that mitigate the access, social and financial issues associated with Multi-Occupancy Buildings (MOBs) need to be considered. Riser pipe assets are susceptible to corrosion and there are inherent risks associated with the safe operation of the network. The current approach is to either repair or replace those pipes that fall into the highest risk category with potentially high costs and significant customer disruption. The replacement process can also prove to be difficult in certain circumstances due to the access restrictions, in particular around the balcony areas, where sections of concrete need to be removed in order to access the corroded pipe. The focus of this project is to investigate a potential technique: Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors (MCIs) which could be used to mitigate high-risk pipes where the pipe is routed through a concrete floor slab e. g. (a balcony). There is potential for excess water to pool at the concrete-pipe interface and continue into the annular space between the pipe wall and the aperture in the slab. These types of installations are high-risk and could lead to severe corrosions. NGGD were initially approached by Lake Corrosion Engineering who in turn recommended MCI products which have the ability to migrate through concrete and attach to a metallic surface (adsorption) which stops the chemical reaction causing the pipe to corrode. The project will comprise of a technology search to find the products which are best suited to the needs of NGGD. Once completed, the top four products will be selected based on NGGD’s quality criteria and a series of laboratory tests will be completed to determine the efficacy of the MCIs. Although this technology is used across many industries e. g. (Maritime), it is unproven in Gas Distribution. As such, the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) has been assessed as lower (starting position is TRL 3). It is likely, that NGGD will proceed to field trials after the successful conclusion of the project and a further phase will be required to demonstrate the practical application of the technology.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

10/09/18