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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number NIA_NGN_234
Title Novel Seal PPE
Status Completed
Energy Categories Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Demographics) 75%;
Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas) 25%;
Research Types Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Consumer attitudes and behaviour) 100%
Principal Investigator Project Contact
No email address given
Northern Gas Networks
Award Type Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source Ofgem
Start Date 01 December 2018
End Date 01 July 2019
Duration ENA months
Total Grant Value £61,600
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%)
Web Site https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_NGN_234
Objectives The project will be delivered in two phases: Phase 1A - will involve a requirements study to fully capture the boundaries of the design space and potential for commercialisation. From a complete understanding of the problem, a number of concepts will be developed – this will be a result of the optioneering study. These concepts will then be evaluated before utilising a weighted multi-criteria decision analysis tool to select a final solution. Phase 1B - will undertake an initial commercialisation exploitation assessment of the agreed final solution. In Scope A requirements study to fully capture the boundaries of the design space and potential for commercialisation. From a complete understanding of the problem, a number of concepts will be developed – this will be a result of the optioneering study. These concepts will then be evaluated before utilising a weighted multi-criteria decision analysis tool with users to select a final solution. The final solution will then undergo an initial exploitation assessment and a verification to proceed with Phase 1B.Out of ScopeCommercialisation or manufacturer agreement to commercialise the arrived at prototype. There are three objectives of Phase 1A:1. A complete capture of information required to solve the problem. This will be achieved through a detailed requirement capture and workshops with the operators, ensuring that all subsequent decisions are as informed as possible.2. Selection of a final concept through a down-selection workshop. This will be done through an optioneering study – up to five concept solutions will be generated that fulfil the requirements. The down-selection pack will contain all of the proposed concepts and communicate the rationale behind them. A weighted multi-criteria decision analysis tool will be used alongside collaboration with the design team and the customer in order to reach an agreed decision on the final preferred concept. The key points from the workshop will be recorded and developed as part of an optioneering report.3. Costed proposal for further development of the preferred design to testable prototypes.There is one objective of Phase 1B:1. An initial assessment of the commercialisation route for the down-selected concept from Phase 1A. The output from this assessment will be a roadmap of the activities that are required to develop a commercially exploitable version of the concept. Part of this assessment will include two meetings with the Networks preferred exploitation partner.
Abstract Current breathing apparatus typically uses a hard material interface, which requires the wearer to be clean shaven for an effective protective facial seal. As a result users must be clean shaven for fitting of the apparatus, and remain so even if it is used infrequently. In reality operatives are not always suitably shaven to meet the manufacturers safety requirement, which negatively affects the fit and sealing capability, causing a health and safety risk of inhalation of airborne particles or gases. This restricts the wearer from having facial hair, limits the role of those who have legitimate medical or religious exemptions and is and requires significant resource and time to enforce this unpopular but necessary control. Additionally this has a negative impact on presenting NGN as a potential employer for those interested in Operational roles.
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 08/11/22