H100 Design of Purging Trailer for Emergency Operations

Completed

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen, Hydrogen transport and distribution)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
SGN

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 October 2024

31 January 2025

ENA months

£32,380

Energy

South East

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, SGN

The project will use a combination of technical methods to design and fabricate a purging trailer. These include:1)Technical Design and Engineering: This will involve a detailed technical design phase where engineers will assess the requirements for the trailer, including capacity, pressure ratings, material selection, and safety features. Existing trailer modifications will be made based on this design. The design will adhere to British Standards for gas distribution networks, ensuring compliance with safety and operational guidelines.2) Fabrication and Assembly: Once the design is approved, the fabrication of the trailer will commence. This will include the integration of equipment such as gas cylinders, valves, pressure regulators, and any digital control systems required in an existing trailer for efficient and safe nitrogen distribution.3)Testing and Commissioning: Before being put into operation, the trailer will undergo rigorous testing to ensure that it meets all technical standards, including pressure tests, leak tests, and operational tests under load.4)Technical Documentation Development: A detailed product manual will be created, outlining all operational steps, safety procedures, emergency protocols, and maintenance schedules. This document will be created by the engineering and operations team, ensuring clarity and adherence to health and safety guidelines. The project scope of works include:1)Design and build a fit for purpose Nitrogen trailer to meet current industry standards and regulations utilising existing trailer.2) Produce a product manual on how to safely operate the trailer.3)Supply Nitrogen Gas required for operations.4)Routine maintenance and servicing up to two years.5) Knowledge dissemination. The project aims to facilitate energy system transition through the development and demonstration (develop new learning, design and fabricate) a prototype nitrogen purging trailer (rig) and trainable work instructions allowing for indirect purging operations for use with 100% hydrogen, specifically for the H100 Fife Hydrogen Gas Distribution Network. However, it could be adopted by the rest of the GDNs for future rollout of Hydrogen Projects.

The project aims to facilitate energy system transition through the development and demonstration (develop new learning, design and fabricate) a prototype nitrogen purging trailer (rig) and trainable work instructions allowing for indirect purging operations for use with 100% hydrogen, specifically for the H100 Fife Hydrogen Gas Distribution Network. Current Industry standards recommend indirect purging of gas systems for a range of situations to avoid the potential for a temporary flammable atmosphere to develop within pipework. Whilst there are ongoing projects to provide further evidence for direct purging in a 100% Hydrogen Network, there is no guarantee that key stakeholders will sign off direct purging evidence for our H100 Distribution operations. As a result of this SGN needs to ensure H100 Distribution Network system readiness with a deployable solution for indirect purging before the go-live date.

02/04/25