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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_SGN0018
Title	Microstop
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	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 September 2013
End Date	01 June 2017
Duration	45 months
Total Grant Value	£370,000
Industrial Sectors	Technical Consultancy
Region	South East
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , SGN (100.000%)
Web Site	http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_SGN0018
Objectives	The aim of this project is to assess the suitability of the Microstop system to support partial replacement of network risers where pipe work is found to be in satisfactory condition. The objectives of the project are to: Review relevant specifications and manufacturer information to determine risk and suitability for use across GB. Assess the practicality and feasibility of deployment on network risers. Assess the product’s potential to improve speed of operation and reduce customer interruption. Assess the product’s potential to resolve aesthetic issues associated with other live transfer techniques. Assess the product’s potential to reduce the amount of materials required to carry out riser replacement. The success criteria for this project are to: A review of the manufacturer’s specification, and their suitability to the GB gas industry. Completion of extensive field trials to test the equipment in a variety of different scenarios. A report containing the findings of the field trial. Improve speed of operation and reduction in customer interruption. Resolve aesthetic issues with other live transfer techniques. Maintain gas supplies whilst replacing below ground riser section. Reduce the amount of materials required to carry out riser replacementIf successful, Microstop will support partial replacement of network risers where pipework is found to be in satisfactory condition, further to risk assessment.
Abstract	SGN have around 188,000 network risers within multi-occupancy buildings across our Scotland and Southern licence areas. These can range from 3 storey tenement-style properties, built in the 17th century to 40+ storey high rise properties built in the 1960’s. The age of the buildings and their associated gas supplies vary significantly and standards for construction have seen significant change. These risers are commonly found to be installed internally within high rise properties and it is not unusual for a building to contain more than one riser. Failure on these installations is usually recognised by our customers in the event of an emergency where a smell of gas has been detected, in the course of undertaking mains replacement work, or as a result of our proactive policy survey programme. The root cause of failure can take different forms, be it from corrosion, fatigue and stress from thermal expansion, electrical fault conditions, fire or vandalism. The impact of failure varies significantly based on a number of factors, such as where on the riser failure occurs, where the riser is within the building, what the building layout is in terms of access and egress, the likelihood that escaping gas will result in a public reported escape, the occupancy level of the building, the vulnerability of the occupants and other social and environmental factors. In any of these cases, all of the pipes supplying the property will be subjected to a risk assessment and in certain circumstances this may result in the need to disconnect supplies on the grounds of safety. Where it is possible to undertake a permanent repair, this will be carried out. A disconnection usually leads to an extended period of time before the gas supplies can be restored or alternative permanent arrangements made. From a customer service perspective, disconnection of gas supplies gives rise to a high degree of inconvenience and disruption, albeit unavoidable on the grounds of safety. SGN has recently carried out a detailed review of network riser management, including the development of a risk model and associated management procedures to avoid unnecessary replacement of risers which causes significant disruption to our customers. A key output from this review is that network risers need not be replaced in their entirety, rather can be partially replaced as a suitable means of risk management. This project will aim to investigate the suitability of a new system to allow a network riser to be partially replaced whilst maintaining the supply to the end users, an option which currently isn’t available. Microstop is a new innovative technique for flow stopping (diverting the flow gas around a section of pipework requiring maintenance or replacement whilst maintaining the flow downstream) on a network riser. The system has been developed by an Italian company, called Ravetti, who supply Pipetech Pipeline Technology Limited. To assess the suitability of the Microstop system, the project will be carried out in two stages: Stage One involves an Independent review of relevant specifications and manufacturer information by MACAW Engineering who will produce a proposal for an appropriate test programme to investigate the performance of the Microstop equipment. Stage Two will be undertaken by SGN operatives with continual support throughout the field trials from Pipetech Pipeline Technology, who will also be supplying the Microstop units to the field trial locations. In addition, Pipetech Pipeline Technology will work alongside SGN to deliver a satisfactory training package following successful completion of the works. A detailed cost benefit analysis from the field trial and production of the technical report will be completed for presentation to other Network Licensees.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	14/09/18