PE Bodied Valves

Completed

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

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
SGN

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 February 2015

01 June 2016

16 months

£253,172

Technical Consultancy

South East

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, SGN

The investigation, technical assessment, gap analysis and field trials for extending the use of PE bodied valves for use on the GB Network. A review of Double Block and Bleed valve requirements on SGN’s distribution network. The discovery and approval for use on SGN’s network of PE valves >63mm. The production of a new (or amendment of existing) specification allowing the use of PE bodied valves of greater than 180mm on SGN’s distribution network The following success criteria apply to this project: Completed review of global products currently available. Completed review of double block and bleed requirement for distribution network valves. Completed Gap Analysis of current products with current specifications and standards. Completed off site testing of selected products and completion of live filed trials. Approval of selected >63mm PE Valve products for use on SGN’s distribution network. Completed draft Specification for PE bodied Valves >180mm. Completed full project report.

SGN is the second largest gas network licensee in Great Britain (GB) and operates two of GB’s largest gas distribution networks (GDNs) which distributes gas in Scotland and in the south and south east regions of England, providing a safe and secure supply of natural gas to 5. 8 million customers through 74,000km of gas mains. In order to do this, gas valves are required as an integral, essential element throughout every aspect of SGN’s distribution network operations. However, PE valves are currently only used for up to 63mm diameters, therefore metallic valves are still used for all greater than 63mm activities and incur the associated costly corrosion protection and remediation activities. This identified problem is becoming increasingly apparent as SGN’s distribution mains and service asset portfolio continues to move towards PE and away from metallic materials. Current Gas Industry Standards (GIS) allow for the use of PE bodied valves of up to 180mm on the GB Network. SGN currently only utilise PE valves for 32mm and 63mm applications. This means that there is a risk of corrosion and the need for corrosive protection (CP), anodes, wrapping etc, for above 63mm valves utilised by SGN. Adopting the use of PE valves for all of SGN’s distribution activities provides an opportunity to reduce expenditure associated with preventing and repairing corroded assets. Also being carried out as part of this project is a review of the ‘Double Block and Bleed’ requirements on SGN’s distribution network as this currently represents a restriction to the opportunities of utilising many valve types including PE bodied valves. This project has been divided into three key phases, detailed below. Phase 1 : Product ReviewReview of existing manufacturers of PE valves and available products. Review of requirement for Double Block and Bleed facility on distribution network valves. Engagement with manufacturers to assess cost and availability of products. Assessment of suitability of available products for SGN network operations. Phase 2 : Product TestingDevelop testing criteria for preferred PE bodied valves. Arrange off site testing for preferred products. Report results of off site testing and recommendations for live field trials. Develop criteria for live field trials of PE valvesMonitor progress of live field trials. Report results of field trials complete with conclusions and recommendations. Phase 3 : Production of Specification for >180mm PE Bodied ValvesDraft new specification for the use of PE bodied valves >180mm on the SGN networkDevelop work instructions for operatives based on SGN approved specificationSupport for Draft Spec through SGN Governance and approvalIn addition, a final project report will be produced detailing findings from all stages and include conclusions and recommendations.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

17/09/18