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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_SGN0151
Title	Sleeve Assessment Technology – Phase 1
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 July 2019
End Date	01 March 2021
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£531,614
Industrial Sectors	Energy
Region	South East
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , SGN (100.000%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , SGN (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_SGN0151
Objectives	This project follows on from a study by the United Kingdom Onshore Pipeline Operators Association (UKOPA) that was commissioned in 2016 jointly by all the GDNs. The study reported that surveys will need to be carried out on each sleeved pipeline site to understand existing sleeve conditions, current levels of corrosion and accessibility to determine the type of remedial works which should be performed. At present, there is no means of inspection for SGN other than to carry out extensive excavation works, which are costly, time-consuming and a resource burden.The objective of Phase 1 of this two-phase project is to undertake the design, fabrication and field testing of a vent line inspection tool and asset management prioritisation decision support tool for pipelines with air filled sleeves. Successful development of this innovative technology will enable GDNs to manage sleeved assets more efficiently. This project has been split into two phases that will run consecutively. Phase 1 will be executed as a series of tasks, as highlighted below:Phase I – Vent Line Inspection Tool Task 1: Project Kick Off Task 2: Specifications research and development & decision support tool developed Task 3: Conceptual Design Task 4: Detailed Design Task 5: System Integration Task 6: Offsite Field Testing Task 7: Live Field Trials Task 8 : SGN Operative Training Task 9: Reporting Summary and System Modifications The completion of Phase 1 will allow SGN to assess the pipelines condition and integrity of their sleeved population allowing informed decisions to be made on these assets. This data will then determine whether the development of a sleeve inspection robot (Phase 2) is beneficial in order to undertake detailed inspections inside the sleeve while navigating past debris and other obstructions. The scope of this project is to design and develop a vent line inspection tool that is capable of launching into 2” vent lines and navigating through multiple 90-degree bends to reach the sleeve. The device will be capable of extracting a water sample from within the sleeve which can subsequently be tested on-site for the presence of corrosion. This capability will enable SGN to rapidly and affordably assess pipe condition and determine whether further inspection is required. A decision support tool for managing sleeves integrity will also be developed to enable SGNs Asset Management team to categorise the findings and to establish the next course of action. The completion of Phase 1 will allow SGN to assess the pipelines condition and integrity of their sleeved population allowing informed decisions to be made on these assets. This data will then determine whether the development of a sleeve inspection robot (Phase 2) is beneficial in order to undertake detailed inspections inside the sleeve while navigating past debris and other obstructions. The objectives of Phase 1 of the project is to develop a vent line inspection tool and decision support tool that will enable SGN operatives to rapidly evaluate the corrosion levels inside of sleeves. Summary of the work required: Carry out design and development works associated with the vent line inspection tool. Develop a working prototype vent line inspection tool to meet the relevant industry standards and specifications. Develop a decision support tool that also meets the relevant industry standards and specifications. Deliver training to SGN operatives on the use of the vent line inspection tool. Trial across SGNs regional network. Commercial appraisal for the overall use of the products and potential benefits realised from the asset management decision making process.
Abstract	All GD Networks (GDNs) in the United Kingdon (UK) have high pressure gas pipelines that are sleeved (the carrier pipe which the live pipe sits in) to protect them in locations where they cross third-party infrastructure such as railways, rivers and roads. These sleeves were installed in accordance with IGEM/TD/1 (Steel pipelines and associated installations for high pressure GT) to protect pipelines from any point loads or conditions which could potentially impact their integrity; however, with the implementation of IGEM/TD/1 edition 3 these were no longer permissible. The condition of these sleeves has been problematic to quantify, and it has been envisaged that sections of sleeved pipeline could be exhibiting significant levels of corrosion. Due to the age of the pipeline, pipeline coating and end seals, water ingress can occur inside the sleeve and external corrosion on the gas pipeline can initiate and accelerate. It has been identified that there is a higher risk of external corrosion on the pipeline located in a sleeve. SGN has approximately 600 Air Filled Sleeves currently in operation on Scotlands Local Transmission System (LTS). Within this population, approximately 116 of these are on pipelines that Inline Inspection (ILI) cannot be performed but require inspection (condition assessment) as a regulatory requirement, these are a known as OLI/4 Pipelines. Moreover, a further 484 OLI/1 sleeved pipelines with limited condition data. Current inspection methods require extensive excavation works to dig out the pipe, remove the sleeve and visually inspect it, which are often costly, time-consuming and a resource burden on the GDNs. In June 2003 Advantica Report R6196 was produced which provided a risk assessment methodology for OLI4 pipelines contained within Air-Filled Sleeves. This report made a number of recommendations as to how potentially make a desktop assessment to select which pipelines should be exposed and inspected. Since this time sleeves have undergone a limited number of condition assessment since this was published and recommended as the overall cost is extremely prohibitive. A means of inspecting the sleeves without the need to excavate would greatly simplify the process of assessing these sleeves, limit interference and inform any future action taken by the networks.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	09/11/22