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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_SGN0031
Title	Stent Bag
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 November 2013
End Date	01 November 2017
Duration	48 months
Total Grant Value	£144,612
Industrial Sectors	Energy
Region	South East
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , SGN (100.000%)
Web Site	http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_SGN0031
Objectives	The aim of this project is to design and field trial a prototype piece of equipment that will facilitate the repair of a damaged gas main whilst maintaining the supply of gas through the pipe. The salient objectives are: Review relevant specifications and manufacturer informationProduce a proof of concept and design studyProduce a feasibility study based on proposed designSarco to produce prototype productPropose of appropriate test programme to investigate performanceConduct field trial (location yet to be determined)Produce training material in support of field trial. Produce report detailing the findings of the field trialEvaluate the performance of the Stent Bag through field trial The success criteria for the project are: Development of a piece of equipment that will generate pressure stabilisation and limit the loss of gas on high pressure metallic mains breakagesAssess extent to which the speed of a repair operation can be improved during a damage incidentAssess extent to which the speed of a supply restoration operation can be improved during a damage incidentAssess extent to which a reduction in customer interruptions can be achieved during a damage incidentAssess extent to which a reduction in associated costs can be achieved during a damage incidentAssess extent to which a reduction in the amount of natural gas released to atmosphere can be achieved during a damage incidentProduction and dissemination of learning around the project outcome and expected operation of equipmentIn order to determine whether this project has been successful or not it will be reviewed at key milestones; this will ensure value for money is received by the customer, with the avoidance of unnecessary expenditure.
Abstract	Impact damage to a pipeline or a gas main from excavators and mini diggers can lead to a significant escape of gas, a loss of supply and incur a significant financial cost with considerable environmental damage. Recent examples of this are the two third party interference damage incidents in Scotland in 2012/13, each of which involved a loss of supply to between 3,000 and 4,000 customers. Depending on the extent of the damage, the first choice option for dealing with third party damage is to try to maintain the gas supply to customers. The current method for achieving this is to temporarily repair/control the leaking pipe with a repair clamp and/or sandbags and then construct a bypass around the damage, subsequently cutting out the damaged section. The caveat to this method is that it must be carried out within a critical time window before too much gas escapes through the damaged pipe and a loss of supply occurs. If the supply is lost in this way, air can be drawn into the gas system which can create potentially explosive atmospheres within the network. Therefore often the only available method for safely dealing with network damage is to close a valve upstream and turn off the supply to customers until the damage has been remediated. After the damage has been remediated, supply to customers is restored by means of a purge and relight at every affected household. This is a costly and time consuming operation. This project specifically aims to provide a solution this problem by developing a method which could be used to extend the critical time window for dealing with gas mains damaged by a third party or otherwise. This solution would also simultaneously mitigate the escape of gas to the environment and negate the requirement for a costly customer restoration programme. The idea for this project was originally received via our internal suggestion scheme called ‘Ignite’, following the two recent damages in Scotland. The original idea has since been developed to form this project. In order to protect the network and minimise our impact on the environment, this project aims to develop a method to vastly reduce the amount of gas loss when dealing with broken or damaged mains up to 2barg but continue to allow sufficient gas flow to protect the downstream supplies. The method proposed by this project is to insert a stent into the damaged main. Stents are commonly used in the medical industry, typically used during heart surgery to maintain a blood flow. Applying the same methodology as a medical stent, a similar solution could be applied to the gas industry. A stent tube would be inserted into the damaged main via a drill point immediately upstream of the damage. The stent would then be inflated, creating a seal around the inside of the pipe and preventing gas from escaping. Due to the ring shape design of the sent gas would continue to flow through the annular space and therefore maintain the supply to customers. The project shall involve the collaboration with both Sarco Stopper Limited and Advanced Engineering Solutions Limited (AESL) to support the development and technical evaluation of equipment that will generate pressure stabilisation and limit the loss of gas on high pressure metallic mains breakages.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	14/12/18