Advanced Gas Detector Implementation Trial (AGD-IT)

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 December 2019

01 May 2020

ENA months

£39,324

Energy

South East

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, SGN

As in the previous 3 trials, SGN will work with GMI to define the design of the gas detector. The reason the same spec. cannot be used as previously is because there were elements of complexity that were introduced previously, which if present again would likely add complexity to the field trial without any additional benefit. In addition, a new Infrared (IR) sensor was introduced during Trial 3 which will also be utilised during this trial. It has many advantages such greater reading stability and its seen as a valuable addition to this instrument.There are two builds proposed for these instruments that would have different sensors, as the machine is modular in concept and design, allowing the user to choose the arrangement;- Build 1; Vol gas, LEL- Build 2; ppm, Vol gas, LEL, CO & O2.The rational behind the 2 builds is that it will enable the business to have 2m different units depending on where these are needed, such as emergencies and escapes or replacement activities. The Project will be broken down into the following sections: GS700 scoping and expansion – this will involve defining the 2 gas detector builds, as well as developing the charging base and a carrying out the testing for battery longevity and ease of vehicle installation. Development of training materials and laboratory testing by GMI will proceed in parallel DNV GL to review and evaluate GS700 gas measurement and response time data supplied by GMI / GasPTS Development of field trial process documentation and success criteria (G/23 field trial procedure) Live trials on SGNs network both in Scotland and South over 3 to 4 depot locations.The data produced, and operative feedback can be used to review the field trial against success criteria. The objectives of the project are to produce a portable gas detection device to detect methane, CO , O2 and have the capability of being charged from the vehicle.Summary of Work Required Develop a working prototype of the gas detection device to meet relevant industry standards and specifications. Develop work procedures for using the product. Trial the solution across SGNs networks.Commercial appraisal for the overall use of the product and potential efficiency savings resulting from the success of the field trial. Continued protection of SGNs Intellectual Property

SGN currently use three primary types of gas detection equipment across its three networks, Gascoseekers, Gastechs and Gas surveyors. The units are predominately used by First Call Operatives (FCOs) when attending a reported gas escape, and subsequently the engineering teams throughout the repair process. The units involvement in the detection process is critical in providing pinpoint readings of the levels of methane present; allowing the operative to identify the source of the leak and determine the risk score and category of the escape. The result of the investigation is manually recorded by the operative on to a Leakage Investigation Sheet (LIS), which allows continuous site monitoring. The previous NIA funded project (NIA-SGN0064) was ambitious in its scope in trying to connect the various elements to the gas detection equipment. The clear outcome of this project was to identify the great potential and versatility of the GS700 gas detection equipment. Because the previous 3 trials, this machine had been linked to other elements (calibration station, tablet and cloud application), it was not viable for the equipment to be approved for use on the network.There is still a need to have a versatile, modular unit that can; Determine the presence of carbon monoxide (CO). Determine the presence of Oxygen (O2). Verify new Infrared detector is in compliance with SGNs standards (INQ3 and INQ4). Utilise rechargeable batteries

09/11/22