Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_SGN0093 | |
| Title | Small Diameter PE Flowstop | |
| 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 May 2016 | |
| End Date | 01 May 2018 | |
| Duration | 24 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £320,000 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | South East | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , SGN (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_SGN0093 |
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| Objectives | The objectives of the project are to: Produce and test equipment to carry out PE flowstopping on Tier 1 assets and prove compliance with GIS/PL2 and that the equipment is suitable for use in a 600mm core excavation. Provide report detailing test results to allow field trial documentation to be produced. Completion of full suite of field trials to be carried out on a range of diameters in both conventional and core excavations to prove the equipment to carry out PE flowstopping can be of benefit in a ‘live gas’ scenario. Completion of final project report. The success criteria for the project are to evaluate and test the new small diameter bag off equipment against conventional flowstop techniques and compare the performance in terms of: Evaluate the suitability of the equipment as a replacement for conventional flowstop methodsConfirm compliance with GIS/PL2 (Parts 1,4,5 & 6) for use of equipment in extended size rangeDemonstrate the effectiveness of small diameter PE bag off as a permanent replacement for conventional squeeze off in both conventional and core excavations and across the extended size range. Evaluate performance versus conventional techniques detailing benefits of the new technique versus conventional. Produce acceptable detailed final report including test results showing compliance with standards and field trial results showing detailed potential savings. Disseminate information and project outcomes | |
| Abstract | Since the introduction of Polyethylene (PE) mains in the early 1980’s as a replacement for metallic mains systems, the main way to stop the flow of gas to abandon, connect or maintain these pipes has been to squeeze the pipe closed. This method is known as "squeeze off". The previous PE Asset Life Project (NIA_SGN0004) identified some issues with the use of squeeze off as a main flow stop method. The project identified issues with sections of PE pipe which had been "squeezed off", potentially reducing the expected life of the asset by upto 20%. Although there is an alternative bag off solution for larger diameter PE mains, no alternative currently exists for mains sizes upto 250mm (Tier 1). Currently there is no alternative for small diameter pipes as PE bag off and fittings are only available from 250mm PE upwards. This project would extend that range down to 90mm PE in order to maximise the associated benefits and minimise the need to carry out PE squeeze offs. The provision of the extended range and newly designed fittings would also enable the use of equipment previously developed under the Core Drilling and Flow Stop (NIA_SGN0052) and Water Extraction Reel and I Branch (NIA_SG0027) projects, to be used on PE mains. The fittings would be designed to allow them to be fitted and used in a 600mm core excavation or very small conventional excavation, thereby reducing the amount of imported virgin reinstatement materials and the impact of our works on members of the public by reduction of traffic disruption and reduction in overall job time.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 | 14/12/18 | |
