Automated Regulator Maintenance (ARM) (Phase 1)

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 September 2015

01 September 2017

24 months

£733,260

Technical Consultancy

South East

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, SGN

The objective of this Project is to review the existing Plexor system designs, as well as trial the equipment on a regulator stream ranging in pressures form 0. 4 - 75 bar, semi-automatically onsite and remotely using GPS to determine the systems capabilities in live environmental conditions. This Project phase will be deemed to be successful if the following outcomes are achieved: Undertake an assessment and review of the Plexor system design. Produce SGN/PM/G/17 and SGN/PM/G/23 documentation detailing the correct operating procedures, risk assessments and methodology to be applied for the trials. Development of an associated training packages for the onsite trials. Carry out onsite field trials of the Plexor system. Identify and assess the data management method and asset management protocolProduce and disseminate learning based on final Project report.

Throughout RIIO-GD1 Network Licensees are considering maintenance activities as part of their total expenditure (TOTEX) targets. SGN carries out a number of maintenance activities daily across its 7973 regulator sites. These are completed at periodic times thought out the year for pressure reducing assets operating at pressures up to 7 bar and above and are based on a mixture of Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) and risk-based maintenance systems. Traditionally these maintenance activities are completed manually by trained operatives who follow a set of maintenance instruction onsite, assessing the equipment for its performance against known parameters. However, these results can be open to interpretations by each trained individual to assess whether it meets the pass or fail criteria. SGN are now looking to develop a more advanced innovative solution to further improve and modernise the capabilities of maintenance activities, through the introduction on an Electronic Regulator Diagnostics system that can be operated both remotely and manually, with the ability to be developed further to provide a augmented feature that would be used on site to assist in any possible repairs that may occur. This project will inform SGNs Asset Management team of the potential product advantages compared to current practice and how it will perform on SGN’s network. The Project will look to evaluate a more advanced innovative solution, known as the Wigersma & Sikkema Plexor inspection system. This system is an Electronic Regulator Diagnostics system that can be operated both remotely and manually to further improve the operational safety and efficiency measures, as well as modernise the capabilities of maintenance activities. The aim of the Project is to: Trial the Plexor inspection system on a regulator stream ranging in pressures form 0. 4 - 75 bar, semi-automatically onsite and remotely using Global Positioning System (GPS) as a location mark. Trial a number of predefined maintenance tasks automatically. Assess the data accuracy of the results and readings. Monitor productivity of maintenance operatives on site. Explore single man working on certain sites. Compile a historical register of faults and their repair methods and evaluate the likelihood of developing a live step by step augmented repair process for the operative to follow onsite. Assess the possibility of being able to create a live link with a technical expert who can assist in diagnosing problem areas. Overall the Project will evaluate the Plexor inspection system and new techniques that could be used in improving the high cost of maintenance activities, future skills issues and modernising of SGNs maintenance philosophy. This could potentially transform the way in which the industry maintains their pressure reduction assets in the future.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

10/07/18