Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_SGN0050 | |
| Title | Seeker Particles (Stage 2) | |
| 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 July 2014 | |
| End Date | 01 June 2015 | |
| Duration | 11 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £298,258 | |
| 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_SGN0050 |
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| Objectives | The objective at this stage of the project is to develop a liquid sealant for the repair of leaking joints from within a live pipe. This involves researching materials for the sealant as well as the tooling to apply the sealant into the joint, for deployment from a platform within the pipe. This must be deployed remotely or through a tethered system. Successful production of a tested liquid sealant suitable for deployment from the inside of the pipe with a 50 year life expectancy. Suitable tooling to allow application of the sealant. Completed investigation and report into the potential of integration with a third party delivery platform. Completed study of sealant conveyance methodology to increase distance. Completed project reports. | |
| 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. Following on from Stage 1 (Concept Development) of this proposed 4 stage, project, stage 2 of the project will concentrate on application and assessment of different liquid sealants using the test rig developed in Stage 1. Stage 2 of the project aims to deliver a range of tested options for sealing that are suitable for use in a live mains trial. This work can be summarised by three high level activities: joint sealing and assessment, sealant conveyance and integration of deployment tooling. Joint Sealing and Assessment: The joint test rig used in stage one will be used again to apply and assess the relative performance of a variety of different sealant types. The tests are to include representing environmental conditions that are found in live pipes. The results will be assessed with reference to long term stability of the seal given the fifty year target lifespan. The joint sealing aspect will review the materials and rate the seals in terms of: {C} Overall quality for sealant type{C} Bonding to the pipe wall{C} Assessment and control of the make-up process of the seal to determine the resistance to gas break through{C} Assessment of the strength of the seal in terms of flexibility of the seal and the joint after sealing{C} Assess a wide range of joint types and environmental conditions{C} Statement of the permanence of the seal Sealant Conveyance: The sealant conveyance aspect of the project will investigate how the sealant is to be managed prior to deployment. Steer Energy will investigate two options for sealant delivery. The first option is to make use of a pipeline tether the second is to localise the sealant in a reservoir on the platform itself. In both these cases the sealant muse be managed so that there is ready supply in the deployment head and that it cures only when it is in place, sealing the joint. Integration of Deployment Tooling: The integration of deployment tooling will focus on the requirement for mounting the tool heads onto 3rd party platforms with particular focus on integration with robotic platforms.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 | |
