Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGGT0041 | |
| Title | On Site Chemical Analysis of Pipeline Materials | |
| 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 | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 75%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 25%; |
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| 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 September 2013 | |
| End Date | 01 January 2014 | |
| Duration | 4 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £30,000 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Technical Consultancy | |
| 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_NGGT0041 |
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| Objectives | The objective is to determine if current portable Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) or X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) equipment will meet National Grid requirements for material sampling and reduce operational costs. The information provided by OES/XRF, if found to be accurate during this study, will supplement existing records and will achieve a reduction in the time required to sample materials. Review and assessment of Portable Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) equipment for on site chemical analysis of pipeline materials. Confirmation that the accurate determination of pipe/fitting material compositions using a new method while under site conditions has been validated and that a significant reduction in the time taken to complete the product analysis is possible. | |
| Abstract | Before welding on existing pipelines or installations National Grid need to positively identify pipe and fitting material type, chemistry and strength. On some of the older existing pipelines and above ground installations (AGIs), records may be incomplete or unavailable to provide confirmation of material properties and composition. It is usually impractical to remove a section of existing in-service pipe to carry out mechanical testing for characterization purposes therefore in-situ pipe material sampling is necessary. Current practice is to remove fine cutting samples from the pipe surface and send these to a laboratory for analysis and to evaluate the results. This process usually takes 3 to 4 days. A reliable method of material sampling that will deliver results in an improved timescale is desired. The suitability of using portable Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques for site use to carry out material chemical analysis will be assessed via the following tasks: Task 1A comparative desk based study of chemical analysis techniques and equipment available for site use will evaluate expected analysis performance, including minimum measurable element content, accuracy/error of analysis and range of elements which can be analysed. The study will consider the size and ease of mobility of Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment and excavation requirements to allow access of the equipment to existing pipelines. A risk assessment will be carried out for the use of portable chemical analysis equipment on live gas sites to relevant health and safety standards and once suitable products for field trials in Task 2 have been identified an assessment criteria will be developed to rank the available options. Task 2A field trial will be carried out by MACAW Engineering Ltd. and the manufacturer’s representatives (which will be witnessed by a National Grid) to assess the performance of up to three different manufacturer’s equipment. The trial will be performed on a range of different pipe/fitting material types, grades, diameters and ages. Carbon manganese steels, and a limited range of stainless steel and aluminium pipe or fittings are included within the scope of testing. Each pipe or fitting sample will have the chemical analysis evaluated using at least three of the methods described below for comparison of accuracies. Portable OES Current material sampling procedure - laboratory OES/ICP analysis Review of mill certificates where available Optional: Laboratory OES analysis of a material coupon sample from the pipe or fitting being sampled The field trials will take place at the National Grid PMC Ambergate and the practicality of using the chosen equipment outdoors under site conditions will be assessed and any limitations reported. Given a successful outcome to the trials a method statement will be developed for the use of OES/XRF equipment on National Grid sites. A written report detailing the findings of these field trials will be produced by MACAW Engineering Ltd.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 | 17/09/18 | |
