Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGN_226 | |
| Title | Live ECV Exchange | |
| 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 Northern Gas Networks |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 February 2018 | |
| End Date | 01 August 2018 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £62,533 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | Yorkshire & Humberside | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks (100.000%) |
| Industrial Collaborator | Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks (0.000%) |
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| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_NGN_226 |
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| Objectives | Synthotech have previously developed two systems for use of exchanging valves and/or plugs under controlled conditions; M-CEX™ The Meter Control Exchange system is a versatile, safe and efficient method of exchanging leaking valves from gas pipework systems under controlled live gas conditions. The system is designed using our unique Stargland™ gas seal technology and includes a range of rigid and flexible stoppers suitable for metallic and polyethylene (PE) pipes. CaPEX® — the safe, versatile system for removing caps and plugs from gas pipework systems and replacing them with an ECV (emergency control valve). CaPEX® is a fully tested and approved system for removal of a cap / plug and subsequent replacement with an emergency control valve (ECV). The Cap and Plug Exchange (CaPEX®) system is designed to deliver a complete procedure without the need to isolate the supply and riser system. It can also be used to determine if a gas pipe is live or dead. NGN have identified a need to be able to undertake the exchange of ECVs without disruption to the consumer e.g. no interruption to supply. This therefore requires an evolution of the CaPEX® bag and may require background IP from M-CEX should NGN require the ability to incorporate a bypass at a later date. This project was originally commissioned under NIA with Scotia Gas Networks and concluded there were a number of methodologies that would allow GDNs to remove ECVs under live gas conditions and have a bypass. This approach would reduce impact on the consumer ensuring that there is no interruption to gas supply. Due to changes in the SGN business case the project was mutually ended at TRL3 before practical prototype solutions had been developed. This project will build on the work undertaken between Synthotech Ltd and SGN to develop the TRL4 conceptual designs to show the operational and technical challenges. The development will focus on the exchange of ECVs under “live” gas conditions rather than a development for live service insertion, this could be undertaken at a later date. This is a collaboration between Synthotech Ltd and NGN to make sure the application meets requirements and user expectations, before extending to other local authorities. The scope will include: • development of a TRL4 solution – up to three prototypes will be manufactured • client Engagement work shop facilitated by Synthotech to look at operational challenges for NGN • manufacture of a working TRL4 concept, that can be used on air up to 40mbar • technical reporting The primary objectives are to determine if a prototype system meets the requirements to undertake a ECV exchange in a safe, controlled manner and in no gas conditions on live gas supply. The specific objectives are: • Development of a concept – TRL4 • Selection of the most suitable enclosure – flexible vs rigid • Demonstration of the concept in a controlled environment • Review of E&R Procedures related specifically to ECV exchange • Development timeline for TRL5 to TRL8 | |
| Abstract | NULL | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 08/11/22 | |
