Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGGT0009 | |
| Title | Removable Composite Transition Pieces (CTP) | |
| 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 National Grid Gas Transmission |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 July 2013 | |
| End Date | 01 July 2016 | |
| Duration | 36 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £632,000 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , National Grid Gas Transmission (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_NGGT0009 |
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| Objectives | The research and development of a removable Composite Gas Transition Seal Unit. Application of knowledge gained during the feasibility study, concept design and field trial of a removable composite gas transition seal unit that is fit for purpose. | |
| Abstract | The project looks to address costly, labour intensive and potentially high risk works involved in the access, repair, removal and replacement of failed seals located on gas pipe exiting at concrete inspection pits. Feasibility study into concept and solution identification. Short list two concepts and propose options for installation and removal of the component. Concept design and design verification with G35 and G17 approvals. Fabrication and workshop testing of composite unit. Issue report of test results and any implications. Redesign, test and produce final report following any modifications as a result of initial tests. Identify two locations to conduct field trials which provide examples of different test conditions and produce final report. The project has progressed to an additional stage and the change requirements outlined below have necessitated an increase in the overall budget and time: The field trials in phase 2 were prolonged due to a need for de-watering on site. In practice this meant that the actual head of water encountered was more than anticipated by the team. But the benefit of the increase in water pressure meant the Gas Transition Piece (GTP) unit was satisfactorily subjected to higher water pressures than expected and captured the associated learnings. Whilst being a successful field trial, this phase of work resulted in more than anticipated useful learning points, which have led to required modification to the GTP unit design in Phase 3. In reviewing sites to identify one suitable for the live trial during Phase 3, a number of situations were identified that have further influenced modifications to the GTP design in order to accommodate future GTP use. As a result, phase 3 now includes formal designs of these modifications such that the final design and a number of approved modifications can be included in the Standard Design documentation. The design developments in phase 3 were completed based on the learning points from Phases 1 & 2. In preparing the designs further, developments have been identified to improve the GTP design and its suitability for wider use. Examples include; the need to create a ‘flat bottomed’ variant due to the close proximity of pipelines to pit floors and to develop designs and manufacture tooling for the range of pipe sizes typically encountered. The Phase 3 work was initially delayed due to the need to identify a suitable operational site which has a suitable pipe size was experiencing transition wall failure and had a planned outage that we could work within. In developing the operational technique for installation, it has been recognized that there is the potential to be more innovative and if proves practical to avoid the need for excavation on the outside of the pit by the injection of polyurethane foam to prevent the ingress of water and soils during installation and subsequently on any future GTP removal. This is an extension in the scope necessitating a cost and time increase but if it proves practical will make significant reductions in excavation costs, temporary worksite disruption, installation time and in the associated risks. The project in now in the final stages and additional costs were incurred associated with extra internal time and resources in order to finalise acceptance of final designs and product specifications prior to full business roll out.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 | 11/12/18 | |
