Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_SGN0111 | |
| Title | Ironclad (Component Prototype Phase - Graphitisation Stage 2) | |
| 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 | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100% | |
| 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 March 2017 | |
| End Date | 01 December 2018 | |
| Duration | 21 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £357,600 | |
| 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_SGN0111 |
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| Objectives | The specific objectives for this project (Stage 2 Component Prototyping) are: File patent application to secure freedom to operateProvide test rig demonstrations of coating fluid manipulation and curingProvide test rig demonstrations of coating fluid solidificationConfirm subcontractors that would be used for System Prototype workRefine scope of Phase 3 - system prototyping and controlled testing The success criteria for the project are as follows: Patent filed and search results reviewed and reported on. Demonstrate a first-generation magnetically manipulated coating fluidDemonstrate the size and power of magnetic tooling required by the techniqueHigh level robotic & moling interfaces with particular attention on magnetic compatibility defined. Options for coating verification techniques identified and assessed | |
| Abstract | Corrosion is the process by which, in certain conditions, the metallic components of pipes is selectively leached out, leaving wall thinning and a much weaker pipeline. This results in increased pipeline failures and their associated remediation costs. During the current CIRRIS Robotics Pilot and previous CISBOT programs that were carried out across SGN’s network, pipeline coupons have been routinely analysed by a Technical Services Provider. Graphitic corrosion has been detected on all samples to date with pipelines suffering from between 20% and 60% graphitisation in localised areas along the length and around the circumference of large diameter metallic pipes. It can therefore be assumed that this is an issue that affects all cast iron pipelines within SGN’s gas distribution network. Ofgem’s definition of Decommissioning includes other risk intervention measures and is not limited to physical decommissioning, therefore any development that can address pipeline issues such as graphitisation has the potential to assist in creating both cost and time efficiencies in meeting our GD1 Tier 2 and 3 targets. Stage one (NIA_SGN0077 - Graphitisation Feasibility Study) was a blue-sky concept development exercise carried out by Steer Energy Solutions, a specialist research and concept development company, completed in June 2016. The focus of the project was the identification of existing technologies as well as technologies that could be brought together in new ways to create products for the prevention, arrest, remediation, and potentially condition monitoring of graphitisation within cast iron pipes. The target was to take a number of technologies to the "Proof of Concept" stage. During the time of the project, three promising techniques for addressing graphitisation and corrosion of buried cast iron pipes have been tested successfully. These were: Unloading the pipeHighly localised impressed currentFunctional coating - injecting a magnetically responsive fluid onto the outer surface of the pipe and manipulating it by magnets aboard an in-bore robotOf these technologies, it was concluded that the ‘functional coating’ technology offered the most significant impact against graphitisation, and external corrosion. This project will aim to develop the magnetically manipulated functional coating for system prototyping. This programme of work focuses on the development of the key technology components in parallel so that fundamental challenges can be identified and worked on in a timely manner. The work has been split into 7 Work Packages (WP) that fall into three categories. FramingFurther definition of the problem requirements and solution specification to cover distribution and transmission mainsDefinition of requirements for system prototype testingComponent developmentFluidsMagnetic manipulationRobotics & molingCoating verificationDeliveryProject Management, reporting and steering group activitiesUpon completion of this work, the key components of the Ironclad coating technique will have been prototyped and the groundwork laid for system prototyping.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 | 10/09/18 | |
