Alternative PE joint preparation

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
Northern Gas Networks

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 January 2017

01 April 2017

3 months

£27,600

Technical Consultancy

Yorkshire & Humberside

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, Northern Gas Networks

Project Contact, Wales and West Utilities

A report will be produced by the project partner Steer Energy Solutions Ltd detailing the conclusions of the project, along with basic prototypes. Success of the project will be a full assessment of the issues around PE pipe preparation for jointing, assessment of existing solutions for pipe preparation and the potential identification of new/improved methodologies and/or techniques for PE pipe preparation for jointing. This will be documented in a report to be produced by Steer Energy Solutions Ltd at the completion of the project.

The Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) utilise electro-fusion of Polyethylene (PE) pipe and associated fittings, as the main component of the distribution network. The current methodology for the surface preparation of PE pipes for electro-fusion involves the scraping of any surface contamination or impurities with a hand scraper not originally intended for this purpose. The electro-fusion process is used to join the majority of pipe for the replacement of existing iron distribution mains as part of the on-going 30/30 replacement program and to expand and alter the existing PE distribution network. It is therefore imperative that the electro-fusion joints used to connect the PE pipe are constructed to the required standards to ensure a safe operating distribution network. Due to the conditions on site in which electro-fusion jointing is undertaken and the procedure required for preparation of the PE pipe ends there is the potential for unsuccessful or inconstant quality of jointing. There is evidence following investigations undertaken when electro-fusion joints have failed that the root causes are: Hand scrapers, which are not desirable for consistency e. g. over or under scrapingDirt retained in the pipe - significantly reducing the strength of the jointOvality of the pipe to be electro-fused With input from both the manufacturers and the field operatives to understand the issues involved, the project will seek to create, and prototype a number of solutions. These solutions will then be taken for a validation workshop where they are reviewed and their advantages and challenges examined. A report will be produced by the project partner Steer Energy Solutions Ltd detailing the conclusions of the project.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

26/04/18