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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_NGN_253
Title	Overcrossing Sleeve Investigation Tool
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 2020
End Date	01 October 2020
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£124,698
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_253
Objectives	The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) were asked to propose an investigation into whether any NDT inspection methods are suitable for determining if fill material is present inside these buried gas pipe sleeves. Ideally the solution should also be able to provide some data on the degree and/or location of any corrosion. The intent would be to replace the current inspection method, which involves costly and disruptive groundworks. Pipelines are typically 11-60 cm in diameter, with an average sleeve section length of 42 m and buried depth of 1.1 m. Both pipelines and sleeves are typically manufactured from carbon steels.The project will be delivered in an agile methodology, following the MTCs proven process. This will include gated reviews and opportunity to review the project at appropriate stages, should the outcomes not be technologically achievable, in doing so reducing risk and exposure to both parties. The MTC propose to use an extensive down-selection process to identify the most appropriate technique to identify the filled/unfilled condition inside buried metal sleeves and to establish whether it would be possible to identify the degree of corrosion of the carrier pipe. The first deliverable will review current practices, outline problem areas observed and identify the level of detection the gas network wish to achieve, taking into account practical limits, such as the depth and locations of buried pipes. From this, the key technological requirements will be clearly defined.Following this stage, an assessment of the capabilities of technologies that could potentially solve the challenge will be carried out. A weighted Pugh matrix framework, together with practical considerations for each technology, will inform the most appropriate solutions. The most appropriate technologies will then be trialed on a representative component provided by the gas networks, in order to validate its performance. The final element will be Field Trials for proof of concept on a maximum of two technologies on representative scenarios within NGNs network or equivalent. Experimental results and recommendations from the actual field trials will be presented in the fourth deliverable of this project, along with recommendations on the next stages of the project. It should be noted that NGN are looking for a working solution. It is therefore envisaged that the next stage of the project will be a Development and Extensive Field Testing and User testing phase to rapidly look to progress to this outcome. 1. Define the key project requirements;2. Undertake a paper-based down-selection to identify the most appropriate; inspection systems out of all identified, to progress to inspection trials;3. Conduct initial laboratory trials of up to two of the most likely identified technologies on representative pipe samples / rig;4. Conduct validation field trials of up to two of the most likely identified technologies on representative buried gas pipelines;5. Report findings and recommendations of the inspection system.
Abstract	The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) were asked to propose an investigation into whether any NDT inspection methods are suitable for determining if fill material is present inside these buried gas pipe sleeves. Ideally the solution should also be able to provide some data on the degree and/or location of any corrosion.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	02/11/22