Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_WWU_046 | |
| Title | Cryogenic Pipeline Cracking Technology | |
| 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 | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 40%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 60%; |
|
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given Wales and West Utilities |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 October 2018 | |
| End Date | 01 August 2020 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £648,928 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | Wales | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Wales and West Utilities (99.999%) |
| Other Investigator | Project Contact , Wales and West Utilities (99.999%) Project Contact , Cadent Gas (0.001%) |
|
| Industrial Collaborator | Project Contact , Wales and West Utilities (0.000%) |
|
| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_WWU_046 |
|
| Objectives | A possible solution is the development of cryogenic pipeline cracking technology that would facilitate faster rates of DI and steel pipe removal equivalent to that of CI and SIDNV GL and Morrison Utility Services (MUS) propose to investigate whether DI and steel gas main materials could be embrittled by localised cryogenic freezing, inducing a ductile-brittle transition, increasing their propensity for cracking utilising either current or augmented conventional cracking equipmentA desktop calculation on the financial benefits of replacement efficiencies of DI, equivalent to CI and SI mains, estimates there would be a cost reduction for replacement of the remaining DI and steel population during the latter stages of GDPCR1. Increased efficiency would also drive a change in replacement strategy, with replacement schedules targeting all metallic mains in each locality enabling effective planning and use of resources, whilst also addressing the sector wide resource challenge. The project will be stage-gated, with the scope of work for this project undertaken in three distinct phases. Phase 1 (3.5 months)Proof of Concept / Feasibility AssessmentThe aim of Phase 1 is to demonstrate that cryogenic freezing can successfully embrittle DI and steel pipelines that are present in the GD network.The final deliverables from Phase 1 will be:A report will be presented in the first instance with a full review of the test programme to ensure correct and consistent interpretation of results.A final report will be presented with results, conclusions and recommendations for movement to Phase 2. Decision making will be aided by a traffic-light threat and risk matrix highlighting obstacles for Phase 2 that may need to be overcome to aid stakeholder decision process judgement as to whether the project should proceed.The report will include real world financial benefits to ensure there are no blockers to the enablement of the technology and that the business case remains justifiedPhase 2 (8 months)Laboratory Prototype Design & BuildHaving proven that the concept works and no show stoppers are envisaged, the aim of Phase 2 is to define working operating parameters and a working prototype The final deliverables from Phase 2 will be:Report with a full review of the test programme, results and conclusions.Risks and challenges will be captured in a traffic light risk matrix and No Go / Go recommendations provided for Phase 3.Phase 3 (3.5 months)Field TrialsThe aim of the field trials will be to assess the technology on a statistical range of pipe diameters under real world conditions in comparison to the incumbent technology.The output of this stage will be a final reportReport with a full review of the test programme, results and conclusions.2 x Working prototype units inclusive of risk analysis / method statement and COSHH assessment. To develop a new and novel approach to accelerate the replacement of ductile iron Tier 1 (DI)and steel gas mains. | |
| Abstract | .. | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 14/12/22 | |
