Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGN_252 | |
| Title | Novel Seal PPE - Phase 2 | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Demographics) 75%; Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Other 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 February 2020 | |
| End Date | 01 January 2021 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £169,154 | |
| 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_252 |
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| Objectives | The technical and commercial development of this project will include: Technical development:• Concept downselection• Definition of design parameters (e.g. required performance, safety and manufacturing standards)• Materials documentation• Concept design development• Prototype build• Laboratory (lab) testing• User testing• Simulation field trials Commercial development:• IP management• Market analysis• Economic analysis• Recommendations for commercial success The aim of Phase 2 is to develop one Phase 1 concept into a testable prototype (3 of), whilst considering commercial viability and engaging with key stakeholders. The outputs will be in the form of:• Trial results from a proof-of-principle prototype• Understanding the Freedom to Operate• A supporting business case In order to achieve the outputs listed above, this Phase considers both the technical and commercial requirements of arriving at a final design state. In addition to working in partnership with the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) and NGN, consultations and workshops with manufacturer Avon Protection (Avon) will inform the development of the product from a manufacturers perspective. 1. Initial identification of technical and commercial requirements2. Prototype production3. Prototype user fit testing4. Simulation field trials | |
| 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. This restricts personal style choices from the user, as well as the potential to impact on religious belief. The solution is to develop improved breathing apparatus seals that can form a complete seal for users who have beards. This will: Improve protective sealing between the face and breathing apparatus (full face and half mask) Accommodate changes in facial hair styles Accommodate variations in musculoskeletal structure Improve fit and comfort Increase safety and compliance Provide personal styling freedom for operatives (which could potentially improve moral) | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 02/11/22 | |
