I-Branch Seal

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 April 2020

01 September 2020

ENA months

£13,359

Energy

South East

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, SGN

To further enhance these processes this project will involve the development and testing of a new seal design for the synthotech keyhole camera designed as part of the Core Drilling and Flowstop project. When completed the developed core I-Branch Seal will be rolled out into the business and incorporated with the existing water extraction reel to provide a truly keyhole solution to water ingress.Project will be carried out with partners Pipeline Technology where terms and conditions will be set as per previous project agreements with Pipeline Technology. The project will have a start Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 and ending TRL of 8. The aim of this project is to develop a new seal design to allow for keyhole camera and water extraction. This will involve carrying out design and development of the existing seal, inhouse testing and field trials to demonstrate the suitability of the developed I-Branch Seal. The objectives of the project are to:1. DevelopmentModify the design of the existing seal that has been previously tested to allow use with the new core drilling equipment.Manufacture mould and produce samples for testing.2. TestingCarry out testing procedure on the modified seals to ensure compliance with current standards.Produce summary report including test evidence to support SGN/PM/G/23 submission.3. ProductionProduction of 6 units for field trials.4. Field TrialCarry out agreed number of field trials including any modifications required to ensure seal is fit for purpose.5. Project ClosurePipeline Technology to produce final project closure report in SGN format detailing all development, testing, field trials and feedback. Report to provide conclusion and recommendations for potential implementation of the I-Branch Seal into SGN business as usual.

Water can enter our low-pressure distribution network in several ways. For example, water can enter from; corrosion holes in metallic mains, degradation of lead yarn and mechanical joints, and mains fractures such as third-party damage. Over time the volume of water contained within the pipe will begin to rise and eventually the water will extend along the pipe, mixing with the gas and disrupting the supply of gas. This project looks to develop a seal that will allow inspection and water extraction to be carried out simoultanously.

02/11/22