Gas Polymerisation - Proof of Concept

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas)

Applied Research and Development

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
SGN

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 August 2014

01 July 2015

11 months

£150,200

Technical Consultancy

South East

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, SGN

The overall objective of this project (Stage 1) is to provide experimental Proof of Concept for a series of potential gas sealant chemistries operating within the gas flow, and to investigate how these could be deployed the gas distribution mains and network riser systems. Recommendations for and progression to next stage of technology development. Development and validation of the experimental testing rigCompleted evaluation of Alkyd Technologies and their potential for use in the gas distribution mains and network riser systems. Completed studies of Organoborane Catalysis. Completed evaluation of thiol disulphide substitution reactions. IP review and strategy for next stage progressionFinal Project Report

There are a number of contributory factors to Scotia Gas Networks’ (SGN’s) direct carbon footprint; however, approximately 95% is from Natural Gas Leakage. The majority of leakage is from lead yarn and mechanical joints within low pressure distribution networks. One of the highest operating cost areas for SGN is in response to Public Reported Escapes (PREs), it is estimated, based on data from 1998-2008 that joint repairs accounts for around 85% of all repairs. This project aims to build on the work carried out under the project entitled "Seeker Particles" (NIA_SGN0012). As part of the Seeker Particles project, a number of ambitious and highly innovative technology opportunities were identified. This proposal aims to demonstrate proof of concept of one of those innovative technologies, namely gas polymerisation, which uses gas sealants that are transported with the gas and remotely repair leaks by exploiting chemistry that reacts with unique environmental factors found at leak points. During the "Seeker Particles" project, various patent filings were identified that described volatile gas transported chemistries to seal leaks within a gas pipeline. Steer Energy Solutions has engaged with their technology partners to produce a review of chemistry options, comprising both step growth and chain growth polymerisation chemistries and including nanoparticles and microparticles, to highlight technology areas that warrant further evaluation as in situ reactive leak remedies. During that work, three main development streams were identified that would allow an initial Proof of Concept valuation to be achieved. The chemistries that have been selected for investigation are: Alkyd chemistryOrganoborane /oxygen initiated polymerisationReactive Nanoparticles. The proposed solutions target the environmental factors at the leak site or within the gas stream.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

16/08/18