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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_NGN_256
Title	LeakVision
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 March 2020
End Date	01 August 2022
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£1,531,098
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_256
Objectives	LeakVision is a novel leakage detection sensor. The system is used for the inspection of features to indicate the presence of leakage from pipeline features (joints, connections & defects). This project builds on and is de-risked by a successful and previously completed NIA project completed by Cadent (NIA_CAD0019) and additional prior and post independent work by Synthotech Ltd. The additional work developed a proof of concept demonstration unit that has shown the ability to indicate leakage within a simulated leakage scenario.The aim of this project is to build on prior learning and develop a system to identify bulk leakage, enabling pinpointing of leaking features and defects. The project will develop a comparable simple traffic light reporting model relating LEL/GIA, PREs and joint leakage indications and locations. The simple model will highlight features that show leakage requiring action (red) and those that may be in a state of failure (amber) as well as the potential combined effects which may cause PRE/GIA. The project will take place across two phases which are broken down into six stages.Phase 1: Research and Development At the end of stage 1 the project will have developed, tested and demonstrated the technology from TRL4 to TRL7. It will also deliver pre-conformance testing and live field trails, demonstrating the technology in a real-world environment (field trials).Phase 2: Certification and Productionisation At the end of stage 5 the project will have delivered certification of the system (from TRL7 to TRL8) and will have achieved full network approval enabling operational use as to roll out to BAU. The scope will include four key constituent elements:• Sensor system to locate leakage/deterioration on pipelines allowing for leakage pinpointing• Development of sensor delivery mechanism• Development of sensor system for leakage detection• Modification of the existing required ancillariesThe scope will include two key technology packages:Package 1 - Manufacture and build of one TRL8 LeakVision™ system for size range 12”- 36” • 150m scanning inspection coverage• Operate at pressures that are between the range of 22 mbar and 75 mbar (LP)The aim is to develop a system to identify bulk leakage. The project is aimed to develop understanding of the correlation between LEL/GIA, PREs and joint leakage rates. This will be further evaluated in Phase 1 testing and verification.Package 2 - Manufacture and build of one TRL7 for size range 8”-12”• Undertake trials to document and improve performance and assess business case• Enable pre-certification unit to be developed to an agreed standard within budgetThe development of a small diameter sensor will allow identification of future potential as a separate project to develop a commercialised system that will be reviewed in Phase 1.LeakVision –details highlights:• Operate at pressures that are between the range of 1.5 Bar to 2 Bar (MP)• 20m scanning inspection coverage (stretch target 30m) • Develop SLS concept (3D printed) - Concept should provide real world data on performance within laboratory test and simulated rigs for data on applicability of technology to NGN.• Create gas verification rig - Provide a gas rig to test project assumptions and provide data and calibration. The rig will allow the concept to be assessed for suitability.• Complete modelling - Provide detailed data modelling to allow the optimisation of the detection within the project. • Create prototype - Create a prototype system for deployment across the network to assess the detection, operation and potential of the technology in a real-world environment.• Completion of gas trialling - Provide a minimum of 10 and maximum of 20 network field trials for the assessment of the LeakVision technology within the real-world environment. This will be summarised in a short report.
Abstract	LeakVision is a novel leakage detection sensor. The system is used for the inspection of features to indicate the presence of leakage from pipeline features (joints, connections & defects). This project builds on and is de-risked by a successful and previously completed NIA project completed by Cadent (NIA_CAD0019) and additional prior and post independent work by Synthotech Ltd. The additional work developed a proof of concept demonstration unit that has shown the ability to indicate leakage within a simulated leakage scenario.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	02/11/22