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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA2_SGN0038
Title	Stopple Testing to 100% Hydrogen
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen, Other infrastructure and systems R&D) 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 SGN
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 June 2023
End Date	30 September 2023
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£311,866
Industrial Sectors	Energy
Region	South East
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , SGN (100.000%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , SGN (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA2_SGN0038
Objectives	"This project proposes the testing of an 18” under pressure drilling and stopple operation on a hydrogen test rig. Below is a high-level method statement for the trial. Before starting work – atmosphere checks must be undertaken. An extensive pre-check of all stopple equipment should be carried out to ensure that the equipment is suitable to withstand the line pressure and temperature to which it will be subjected and is otherwise fit for purpose. Under pressure drilling (preparation) – select suitable full-bore valve and cutter for drilling operation. The bore of the valve is to be checked for trueness and to be free of any obstructions. Select drilling machine adapter to suit tapping valve flange series and ensure flange joints are aligned correctly. Mount the drilling machine and adapter on the closed tapping valve. Re-open tapping valve and introduce nitrogen through the drilling machine valve until the pressure is equal to line pressure and confirm that assembly is free from leaks. Close tapping valve and blow down section on the machine side of the valve through the drilling machine vent valve. This will confirm that the valve seals are satisfactory. Extend boring bar until the pilot drill touches the pipe. Confirm on the machine measuring rod or rev counter that the correct distance has been travelled. Stoppling (preparation) – the fittings will be set out and sized. Williamson sandwich valves only will be used on stopple fittings to ensure accurate alignment and sufficient bore clearance for stopple cutters, stopple plugging head and L.O.R plugs. Under pressure drilling will be carried out and coupons retained as required for replacement in the completion stage. Completion (preparation) – Williamson drilling machines are used to set completion plugs to permit recovery of all the tapping valves. After plug has been attached to the plug holder and drilling machine boring bar, retract the plug into the drilling machine adapter until plug stops. Take measurements and record plug setting distance. Mount drilling machine and adapter on to the closed valve and tighten joint bolts ensuring correct alignment of flanges. Under pressure drilling (operation) – Lower upstream plugging head into position, vent down pipe section between stopples to atmosphere. Insert nitrogen-inflated bags between the stopples to determine if the stopple seals are acceptable. Once operational seals have been obtained the section between the bags will be purged to nitrogen until a safe atmosphere exists. Purge section of gas between the stopples and equalise pressures across the stopples. Retract upstream stopple first followed by downstream stopple. Close sandwich valves, vent down stopple housings and remove stopple units from valves. Following the stopple operation, equipment will be stripped down and examined. This will determine the affect of hydrogen on the sealing elements. " "A pipe loop is being constructed in Spadeadam to assess the suitability of materials, procedures, and equipment with 100% hydrogen gas streams. The scope technical assessment will be completed in accordance with: Onsite testing at Spadeadam within 100% Hydrogen environment, including installation and testing of grouted 18” Stopple system Analysis and review of suitability of current PMC policies and performance specification for Hydrogen Review of maintenance certification Support and develop suitable performance testing regime of stopple against BISEP Final performance analysis delivered in a technical report" "The objectives of the project are to: To test currently used stopple equipment to determine if these can be used to stop the flow of gas in a hydrogen environment ahead of any hydrogen transition. Capture details of sealing capabilities of stopple equipment, in this instance Shortstop II. Compare sealing capabilities against current business policies Capture details of the condition of the sealing elements post stopple operation. Determine what if any modifications may be required to current equipment for use in a hydrogen filled pipeline"
Abstract	This project will utilise the test loop funded and constructed under the LTS Futures funding to deliver additional evidence and justification that decarbonisation of the Location Transmission Network (LTS) is feasible. The project will provide critical insight into the current industry standard flow stop tooling for use on major project and emergency works which will ultimately need to be assessed for its suitability for operations within 100% Hydrogen.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	01/11/23