Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_SGN0098 | |
| Title | Oxford Flow Optimised Pressure Reducing Station | |
| 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 (Physics) 25%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 75%; |
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| 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 September 2016 | |
| End Date | 01 September 2018 | |
| Duration | 24 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £521,448 | |
| 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_SGN0098 |
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| Objectives | The objectives of the project are to: Develop a market-ready optimised PRS delivering significant improvements in whole life costs over current PRSsComplete designs for an above ground, semi-submerged and below ground PRSTest the Oxford Regulator in the fieldEvaluate the fully optimised PRS in the field The project will be deemed to have been a success if the following criteria have been met, Testing and evaluation will be conducted offsite at the Oxford University flow test centre and on site during field trials. The PRV, pilot and cyclonic filtration unit operates in the field continually over two seasons with no maintenance and control issues. A notable reduction in noise levels is recorded when used with the silencer when compared to traditional PRS designs under high flow conditions. Construction and whole life costs prove to be lower than the current traditional PRS designsThe PRS of the future conceptual study is evaluated by SGN and TSP and considered viable. | |
| Abstract | Pressure Reduction Stations (PRSs), whether above or below ground, are a fundamental element of the gas distribution network. SGN has thousands of pressure reduction stations with inlet pressures ranging from 2 > 80bar. PRSs are largely robust, solid and reliable systems, but with a high capital cost and requiring regular high quality maintenance. Designs for some of the stations and in some cases the regulators and other equipment on site date back many decades. Regular replacement of the diaphragms in Pressure Reducing Valves is key to ensuring performance. Innovation and development common in other industries has been little applied to the design of the PRS. SGN has a need for PRSs with: reduced capex, improved reliability and maintenance, improved ease of maintenance, reduced installed size and (in some locations) reduced noise. SGN is now looking at approaches to reduce the whole life costs of its PRSs, based on technologies currently available, innovative technologies near to market, and longer term innovations. Oxford Flow, a spin-out from Oxford University, has developed an innovative Pressure Reducing Valve. The Oxford PRV is a compact, responsive PRV with only one moving part and no diaphragm. The company in addition has designs in development for innovative filters, silencers, pilots and other elements for an optimised PRS. The project has the overall objective of field testing an optimised PRS in the network, with a scoping exercise for further innovation to improve Pressure Reduction Stations. Oxford Flow will: Work in partnership with SGN and other stakeholders to characterise current PRSs and define performance targetsTest and assess the individual elements of a traditional PRSField trial the IM Series PRV over two seasonsDesign, develop and test an optimised PRS in the lab, including innovative designs for: - Regulator- Pilot- Silencer- Filter- Overall layout, optimised for efficiency of maintenance and reduced footprintTest individual elements of the improved design in the fieldTest the full improved PRS in the field over two seasonsScope the PRS of the futureThe overall output is a 7bar-2bar PRS tested in the field, with full designs for above ground, semi-submerged and below ground options, with a scoping exercise for more long term PRS developments.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 | 17/09/18 | |
