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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number NIA_NGN_180
Title Back Blade Protector
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 (General Engineering and Mineral & Mining Engineering) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Project Contact
No email address given
Northern Gas Networks
Award Type Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source Ofgem
Start Date 01 December 2016
End Date 01 January 2017
Duration 3 months
Total Grant Value £11,642
Industrial Sectors Technical Consultancy
Region Yorkshire & Humberside
Programme Network Innovation Allowance
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks (100.000%)
Web Site http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_NGN_180
Objectives The objective is to test and validate the back blade protectors and make sure they are fit for purpose and then promote the solution as best practice across the network in all work streams and promote its possibilities to other networks. Throughout the trial we will develop the back blade protector to make it user friendly and easy to fit to the majority of mini excavator. Gain the confidence of the operators in the new equipment and gain their approval. Review the 3 month trial. The project will be deemed a success if the following criteria are met: - Reduction in defects. Less Customer complaints. Sign on from our stakeholders (Local authorities). Reduction in revisits to sites to undertake ‘cut outs’ for scaring on the highway surface. A cost benefit for the new equipment. Time saving on dealing with site meetings. Less damage to the trailers from the back blade (on access and egress). Reduce impact on the environment.
Abstract When excavating using a mini excavator, the operator must put the back blade on the ground for stability. This operation can cause marking of the highway. This marking becomes more of a problem in warm weather and hard ground conditions. This problem can be unsightly and can be defected by the local authority, also it has led to customer complaints. This can impact on our company image. Currently when scaring takes place, the only way to rectify it is by undertaking a further reinstatement where all the work has to be guaranteed for at least two years. If the council inspectors defect the work through scaring, this can impact on our stakeholder relationship and can potentially lead to an improvement notice.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 21/03/18