Feasibility study of onsite non-welded interlocking pipe construction

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 July 2014

01 October 2015

15 months

£370,000

Technical Consultancy

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Gas Transmission

Feasibility of utilising onsite non-welded interlocking pipeline construction technique for UK Gas Transmission purposes. One of the most significant differences between operating pipelines in remote locations compared to the UK is the increased risk associated with third party interference. This increased risk means that any National Grid pipeline has to be able to deal with a third party strike without significant escalation of the resultant damage. This project will: Establish, by utilising computer simulation (FEA), if the unique interlocking method used can withstand a third party strike without significant escalation. Establish if the current design for small diameter pipelines can be scaled up for larger diameter pipelines that are typically utilised for Gas Transmission in the UK. Establish, by utilising computer simulation (FEA), if the design method for larger diameter pipelines used can withstand a third party strike without significant escalation. Investigate the costs associated with producing a modular system capable of dealing with the larger diameter pipelines. Carry out a cost benefit analysis study into the actual benefits that could be realised by the introduction of the technology. Establish the physical tests that would be required to prove the technology at the next stage of this project. The project has been broken down into six high level stages with stage gate meetings to be held at the end of each stage. If the project is not feasible at any stage the project will be halted.

National Grid Gas Transmission utilises pipe, in various sizes and manufacturing techniques, in 12 or 18 metre lengths formed at the pipe mill and then coated in a different plant, or potentially different location completely. Each pipe length then has to transported to site and then welded together to form the pipeline. These traditional arrangements incur a significant amount of logistical and welding costs. A new technology is being developed, for applications in remote locations, which will allow for onsite production of a spiral wound, interlocking small diameter pipe that can be produced at a rate of at least 1 kilometre per day. This technology would significantly decrease the logistical and welding costs associated with pipeline construction and potentially decrease the overall construction period. This project wants to investigate the feasibility of utilising this emerging technology for gas transportation purposes in the United Kingdom. Stage 1 - Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) investigate how the current available small diameter pipe (6") would perform when subjected to an impact from an excavator. Stage 2 - Utilise FEA to develop scaled up design options for larger diameter pipes (24", 36" and 48"). Stage 3 - Conduct FEA on these larger diameter designs and how they would perform when subjected to an impact from an excavator. Stage 4 - Conduct a mobile manufacturing design study for the larger diameter pipes to define costing of manufacturing equipment required. Stage 5 - Conduct a cost benefit study into the application of the technology. Stage 6 - Design of the physical test programme required to prove FEA. If these stages of the project are successful further stages, including manufacturing and testing, will be required to demonstrate that the pipe will meet the requirements set out by National Grid and industry standards. These stages will be covered by extending the scope of this initial project.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

14/08/18