Novel vibration measurement technologies

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
National Grid Gas Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 December 2013

01 April 2015

16 months

£110,000

Technical Consultancy

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Gas Transmission

The desired result would see demonstration, through laboratory and field trials, of the capabilities of novel vibration measurement sensors and systems, which could be deployed for assessing the risk of vibration-related fatigue failure of process pipework, specifically for sites with high levels of electromagnetic interference such as the newer electric drive compressors. Successful field trials prove the performance of one or more of the various sensor systems such that the product can be rolled out across the National Transmission system sites.

Vibration of instrument stabbings and other pipework at National Grid’s compressor stations and terminals has previously given rise to fatigue failures. Monitoring and assessment of asset integrity is necessary to reduce the risk of vibration-related pipework failures, and to avoid the associated hazards and costs. The proposed Method has two key elements: Laboratory demonstration of new sensors and system architectures: Tests for four technologies will be carried out as follows: A. Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensors - FBG sensors are optical strain sensors which use fibre optics to transmit information. Because they do not use electrical wires they are completely immune to magnetic interference and are intrinsically safe. B. Wireless USB - Wireless technology would significantly reduce the set-up time required to install vibration sensors on site. C. Ethernet Based System from National Instruments - This technology would reduce the number of cables required on site which would reduce the set-up time required. D. (MSR 165) Miniature Data Logger - This is a small, self-powered recording device that has an in-built accelerometer. It can be attached to a structure and left to record data for up to 6 months. Although a miniature data logger cannot replace long term monitoring hardware, it may be a cost-effective solution for vibration logging in some applications and could prove useful in initial site surveys. Field demonstration of selected technologies at an electric drive compressor station: Following on from the findings of the tasks outlined above, demonstration of the most promising technologies will be carried out by deploying them for a short field trial at a National Grid compressor station. This is likely to be a site with electric drive compressors, in order to demonstrate the immunity to electromagnetic interference relative to conventional instrumentation. During the technology testing phase of this project it was ascertained that an extended and modified field trial demonstration is required for the Wireless USB and Ethernet Based System, impacting the overall project budget. In addition, issues encountered with hardware provided on loan from the manufacturer, has meant a delay in project completion.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

17/09/18