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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_NGN_284
Title	ESeal 2 Extension
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 January 2021
End Date	01 March 2022
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£187,620
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_284
Objectives	In order to solve this problem, a 15” diameter system and above is required. Technical design work will be based on learning from the previous size ranges of ESEAL and ESEAL2. The project will be managed in phases.Project Stage – Phase 1 – Data GatheringDescription – NGN and stakeholders to investigate expected work basket for the future.Purpose – Allows for the project scope to be detailed and drawn up with clear objectives in the short and long term.Project Stage – Phase 2 – Design, Development and TestingDescription – SVI to undertake all Design, manufacture and testing of new equipment. Documentation of the phase will also be produced for stakeholder review.Purpose – A necessary phase in the progression of the project. It will establish the correct design and methodology to take forward into the Field Trial stages for all Tier sizes.Project Stage – Phase 3 – Field TrialsDescription – SVI and NGN to undertake field trials of the newly designed 15” system.Purpose – Assess the project in its entirety and establish if it has met the initial scope and objectives formulated during Phase 1. It should leave the project in a situation where implementation into the NGN and SVI business models is easily achievable. The system will use established GIS:LC14 approved sealants.The established tier 2 design will be adapted and developed to work in pipe diameters of 15”. Adaptation of current designs, instead of redesign, will speed up development and testing times.The initial prototypes will be installed into sample metallic pipes of 15” Tier 2 diameters. They will then be injected with LC14 approved sealant and allowed to cure. Once cured, the remaining void in the metallic pipe behind the prototype Foambag will be mass filled with MP-41 sealant and allowed to cure. These pipe lengths will then be pressure tested from end to end using metallic endcaps and the SVI SMARTester Bluetooth pressure logger. Pressure data will be collected from the cloud and detailed in the Design & Development Log.Once a successful system has been produced, the project will move forward into the Field Trials phase. Field trial sites have already been identified for new system. A total of 5 field trials on 15” diameter pipe will be required in order to provide substantial evidence to ensure safe roll out of an end solution. Design - Tier 2 ESEAL sealing system for abandoning 15” stubsMeasured using pressure testing, installation validation testing and data collection via the Project Log document. Phase success measured at the stage gate meeting. Overall success measured with Field Trials and reporting to be assessed at the project closeout phase.Phases - Tier 2 ESEAL sealing system for abandoning 15” stubsThe project must meet the requirement of each phase stage gate in order for it to progress onto the next phase. All documentation must be published and approved to G23 standards by SVI and NGNPreparation to enable – 15” systemThe project will be measured using all of the published and presented data and reports.
Abstract	Northern Gas Networks currently abandon metallic stubs using a mixture of ESEAL and traditional tee piece cut out techniques.The ESEAL system and ESEAL 2 system can be employed on metallic Tier 1 and Tier 2 pipes currently up to 14”, beyond this there is difficulties and inconsistencies in applying the current methods available. Northern Gas Networks, and all other GD Networks, have a vast array of larger diameter pipes that could benefit from the ESeal system, which was proven successful through previous NIA funded projects, and still to date delivers benefits. The cost for cutting out tier 2 diameter tees using standard techniques is substantial. There is a large impact on the environment due to excavation size and the resulting traffic management to accompany this. Standard cut out practices also introduces further risks to our own gas engineers and members of the public. The majority of Tier 2 tees and stubs will require deep excavations in highways in order to cut them out, bringing with it further risks.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	02/11/22