ERS Module Regulator Conversion 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 November 2018

01 November 2019

ENA months

£84,368

Energy

South East

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, SGN

Conceptual design to replace the ERS (Engineering Research Station) regulators contained within the buried module with a bespoke axial flow regulator cartridge system or suitable alternative, utilising the existing module to install the new bespoke cartridge system it is intended that the new unit will fit directly into the existing vessel and lead to minimum disruption of the network. The project will focus on the production of a conceptual 3D model & CFD of the ERS cartridge and the bespoke module for analysis and electronic testing, sourcing the Axial Flow Valve supplier or alternative. Undertake conceptual design study for the conversion process and report on the outcomes including CBA & prevention of water ingress to demonstrate that a phase 2 project to manufacture and field trial is a viable option to progress. The objectives of this project are to complete conceptual design to replace the ERS (Engineering Research Station) regulators contained within the buried module with a bespoke axial flow regulator cartridge system or suitable alternative, utilising the existing module to install the new bespoke cartridge system it is intended that the new unit will fit directly into the existing vessel. It is envisaged that if this project is successful it would lead to; significant savings in not having to replace the ERS regulator modules

Currently there are 559 sites with ERS modules that were originally designed by British Gas Research centre in the early 1980s installed across SGN which are no longer supported by the original manufacture, and these are having to be replaced due to many assorted reasons. This can include obsolescence, the obtainability of spares, the soft spare parts are still produced but there is no support for the internal hard parts and the issues relating to the existing ERS module regulator configuration outdated and the general condition of the ERS Modules where a number are suffering from water ingress issues.Following a competitive tender exercise, DNVGL have been chosen to partner with SGN to complete the conceptual design of an ERS module regulator conversion.

02/12/22