Projects

Projects: Projects for Investigator

SGN have been allowed a total of £1,804. 1m for REPEX operations throughout RIIO-GD1 to replace the ageing metallic low pressure gas network and the associated service pipes. The relaying of a domestic service can be carried out using a number of methods, which can cause significant disruption to customers. Serviflex is a corrugated dual wall liner that when used with specialist installation equipment can negotiate tight radius bends without compromising the design life of the material. This method of relaying a service greatly reduces the amount of disruption caused, the time it takes to relay the service and the cost to SGN. Serviflex has been in use since the mid 1990s for the renovation of gas service pipes. The principle of operation is to avoid the need to relocate the gas meter from inside the property to a suitable external position. Serviflex has been used with great success to relay services, but in its current form can only be used on services 1" in diameter or greater and only after the service has been decommissioned. This project focuses on extending the use of Serviflex to cover " services and to develop a method of inserting a service without decommissioning it. The potential cost savings can vary depending on the length of service and the method that would currently be used to relay the new service i. e. ground mole or open cutting. Furthermore, the amount of copper work required to reconnect the customer also plays a large part in the labour resource, the materials required and ultimately the disruption to the customer.

The first part of this project (started under IFI) focuses on extending the use of Serviflex for replacement of 3/4" service pipes using the existing Serviflex pipe. A programme of development was put in place including, modification of installation equipment, performance testing of installed pipe, development and testing of a suitable annular gap sealant. Some initial development work has been undertaken by Synthotech which has provided positive results from insertions into and through " tight radius bend. The second part of this project (also started under IFI) investigates extending the use of Serviflex to enable 1" live service insertion. This will follow standard live insertion methodology but will enable replacement from the existing meter position direct to the main connection (subject to maximum permitted insertion lengths). If successful this will eliminate the cost and environmental impact of excavation and subsequent reinstatement as well as greatly reducing the impact on the customer and general public. The work carried out under IFI to date has covered the following milestones:

• Milestone 1 - Development of Specifications and ProceduresDevelopment of theoretical method statement/instructions. Gap analysis between current practice/procedure/equipment. Development of a specific Serviflex insertion specification for testing. Development of parameters and scope of the project.
• Milestone 2 - Feasibility StudyEvaluate the gap analysis and identify possible solutions. Complete a cost benefit analysis about Serviflex insertion. Evaluate the parameters and scope of the project against anticipated probability.
• Milestone 3 - Parts and Equipment Design FolderConcept design for installation equipment, annular sealant and connection fittings to existing networkProcedure of operation.
• Milestone 4 - Manufacture of prototype parts
• Milestone 5 - System testing75mbar with a safety factor of 2. Dynamic testing of insertion parts. The final stage of this project will be funded from SGN’s Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) and will address the following areas for both parts of this project: 
• Milestone 6 - Review of data and design folder and field trial Field trial of developed products across SGN’s three networks. Concept review. Parts review. Procedural review.

Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above