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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_SGN0064
Title	Advanced Gas Detection
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 (Chemistry) 50%; PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics) 50%;
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 January 2015
End Date	01 January 2017
Duration	26 months
Total Grant Value	£1,053,228
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_SGN0064
Objectives	The objectives of the project are to produce a portable gas detection device to detect methane and CO gases, and determine if readings detected on site are from a natural gas leak. Development of digital capture of site investigation data and inventory management will also be developed as part of the project. Summary of Work RequiredDevelop a working prototype of the gas detection device to meet relevant industry standards and specifications. Develop work procedures for using the productTrial the solution across SGNs regional networksCommercial appraisal for the overall use of the product and potential efficiency savings resulting from the success of the field trial. The success criteria for the project are: Carry out design and development of a conceptual gas detection device Complete the manufacture of 20 prototypes of the solution to meet the relevant industry and SGN standards and specifications. Development of in-vehicle calibration devices Development of an associated training package for field trial Undertake field trials across SGNs regional networks Produce operator guidelines detailing the correct operating procedure of the equipment Produce and disseminate learning based on final project report
Abstract	SGN currently use three primary types of gas detection equipment across its three networks, Gascoseekers, Gastechs and Gas surveyors. The units are predominately used by First Call Operatives (FCOs) when attending a reported gas escape, and subsequently the engineering teams throughout the repair process. The units involvement in the detection process is critical in providing pinpoint readings of the levels of methane present; allowing the operative to identify the source of the leak and determine the risk score and category of the escape. The result of the investigation is manually recorded by the operative on to a Leakage Investigation Sheet (LIS), which allows continuous site monitoring. There currently is no equipment in use by Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) that will reliably do all of the following: Determine the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) and methane,Establish the level of mercapton (odorant)Establish whether a report is from natural gas or from another source andRecord it electronically. Currently, when GDNs receive a report of gas it must be investigated and recorded. These reports are then sent off for analysis if they are not thought to be natural gas. This analysis can take up to a week to be returned. This project will result in a unit that can detect these gases, differentiate natural gas from other sources; and record the data electronically using GPS. Instances commonly occur where no evidence of a leak can be found, known as a No Trace. Across SGNs networks approximately 48,000 no trace surveys were conducted between September 2013 and September 2014, at a cost of approximately 739,000. To ensure no readings have been detected as a result of equipment failure, another full site survey must be carried out with a different detection device; if the result of the survey is the same the job can be closed. To facilitate the recheck; operatives either carry multiple devices or a second visit is made the following day. For sites that are programmed for future works, the hard copy of the LIS has to be handed over to the next operative attending site to allow him/her to narrow the site search criteria in accordance with industry standards, reducing the time it takes to complete the site survey by 40%. If the detail on the previous site survey isnt physically handed over, a full site survey must be conducted again. Currently each LIS completed throughout the life of a leak must be stored for three years. It will be possible to functionally check the new equipment on-site, avoiding the need to do a full site survey again. Work orders will be electronically recorded and transferred to operatives on-site, avoiding the need to hand over hard copies and avoid the administrative aspects needed to manage the data. In order to address this project, SGN will work with GMI to develop gas detection equipment which will build on instruments that are already being used by GDNs throughout GB. The project will develop a new method ofmanaging site investigation data. Currently hardcopies of LIS worksheet pads are collected from the operatives once completed and stored for three years in each depot. The GS700 unit will have the ability to record the data electronically, using a web based application. This has the potential to allow full site work history to be available anywhere across the business, providing a rigid audit trail, whilst removing the need for a resource to manually manage the hardcopies of LIS. This will also facilitate live inventory reports based on the operation of each unit, the calibration history and compliance with safe operating procedures. The unit will also have the ability to detect levels of Carbon Monoxide and mercapton and will determine when false readings are detected on site. Currently this requires sample to be taken and sent for analysis.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above
Publications	SGN (2016) Progress report (PDF 74 KB)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	20/03/18