Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_SGN0012 | |
| Title | Seeker Particles | |
| 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 | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 50%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 50%; |
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| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given SGN |
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| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 September 2013 | |
| End Date | 01 May 2014 | |
| Duration | 8 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £107,309 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Information Technologies | |
| Region | South East | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , SGN (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_SGN0012 |
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| Objectives | The objectives of this conceptual study are to: Define detailed problem definitionReview relevant prior artProvide possible solutions to the scope. Carry out conceptual development of the discrete particle sealingDevelop concept test system and undertake testsReport on the concepts developed and testing undertaken, including recommendations of the solutions to be taken forward. The success of this project will be determined against the quality and content of the conceptual study. The project will be deemed to be successful if the following outcomes are achieved: Short study on the types of defects and leakage most commonly experienced, including high level look at industry and SGN standards to ensure that the solutions developed are compatible with these standards. Brief review of relevant patents, current techniques and state of the art which ensures no third party IP infringement occurs, protects project partners and aids concept development. Realisation and testing of preferred concepts using a mixture of in-house prototyping and third party manufacture. Comprehensive report and presentation on concept development and testing undertaken. | |
| Abstract | From the 1850’s up until the 1950’s cast iron mains were used extensively across Great Britain (GB) gas distribution network. Since then the gas industry has moved away from this source of material and is using steel and polyethylene. However a significant portion of cast iron is still in use today. At present across Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) there are some 20,000 kilometres (km) of metallic mains that are ageing, requiring inspection, repair or replacement. Extensive investigation, has demonstrated that the majority of larger diameter tier 3 mains (18-48" diameter) are less likely to fail through cracks and fractures, and more likely to fail due to leaks within the existing joints. In the past Network Licensees would either fully replace these ageing assets, which are a high cost activity, or aim to maintain them to prolong the asset life. To date the options available to repair large diameter joints have been limited to the use of mechanical joint clamps, encapsulation, or injection of anaerobic sealant into jute packing. While cheaper than full replacement, these repair techniques have a number of disadvantages including the costs incurred due to significant excavations and material requirements, and considerable disruption to SGN customers. Discrete sealing particles have been used to seal leakage issues in the oil and gas industries for a number of years, and have also been applied in the water industry by Yorkshire Water, Scottish Water and Suez. Once introduced into a leaking asset, discrete sealing particles intelligently locate and seal leaks. However, the Method has never been applied to the low pressure gas pipeline situation of the gas distribution networks (GDNs). To provide a benefit to GB GDNs, the discrete sealing particles must function across the entire range of the pipeline operating conditions, including all metallic mains diameters. This requires a material, or combination of materials which will be compliant enough to form a robust seal and which will remain in the leak site whilst the low pressure varies according to operating parameters. The project will use the experience gained by the supplier in developing a remotely deployed particulate sealing product for use in live gas lines at pressures from 10 to 150 bar. It is envisaged that this application will require sealing particles which are suited to a pressure range of 0-7 bar in the local distribution system, with particular emphasis on the lower range. Material selection is critical to the success of this project. It is likely that the initial material selection will include very soft elastomers, compatible with the hydrocarbons in the gas. These elastomers are likely to be augmented with gels which behave like solids in the steady state and flow like liquids when subjected to shear forces such as those induced by the differential pressures across a leak. The gels can also exhibit adhesive properties to ensure that the seal is maintained once the pressure is dropped off the pipeline system. The material selection will go hand in hand with the study of the most appropriate method of injection into the pipeline, conveyance along the pipeline, entrainment into the leak site, sealing and longevity of seal at the leak site. The removal of the unused particles will be taken into account along with detection techniques to give the location of the leak. The relevant standards and regulations will be taken into consideration from an early stage in the project to ensure that the material selection and techniques will be viable for implementation. The project will include examination of prior applications and propose a number of technologies for initial investigations of feasibility for use in gas distribution networks. These technologies will be reviewed and shortlisted for adaptation to this application. Representative small scale test rigs will be developed to assess the performance of each technology. This project represents Stage 1 (Concept Development) of a 4 stage project proposal. The purpose of completing this initial stage as a discrete project is to refine the various concepts and take these to representative small-scale testing facilities for verification.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 11/12/18 | |
