NTS Block Valve Connections

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 April 2015

01 January 2016

11 months

£114,000

Technical Consultancy

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Gas Transmission

To provide an engineering solution for customer connections onto block valve sites. To deliver an engineering design and process for using small block valve sites to connect onto the NTS as an alternative to the conventional custom built connection process.

Currently National Grid policy directs third parties looking to connect onto the NTS to follow the Uniform Network Code (UNC) ‘Application to Offer’ (A2O) process. This process, in its simplest form, delivers a conceptual design study for the connection and has predominantly been used to connect gas fired power stations and similar large connections over the past 2 years. However it has been identified that block valves sites could potentially be used to connect smaller types of connections in a more cost effective way which is not something National Grid has done before. The deliverables are as follows: Develop Basis of Design Document (BoDD) - Development and production of a Basis of Design Document (BoDD) to clarify design scope and design parameters. Optioneering - Development and production of an Options Report. Installation ELDs / PFDs - - Development of various option ELDs / PFDs (up to 6 option arrangements) to enable discussion with National Grid and other stakeholders as appropriate. Installation 3D models & GA’s - Based on the ELDs and PFDs, develop installation 3D models and GA’s for the preferred options. BIM / BIM Bank Strategy Document - Development of a strategy report of how BIM can be utilised at the connection sites, discussing the opportunities and constraints with using BIM, and the BIM strategy that could be adopted to reduce cost, carbon and programme. The document will include the learning from other NIA projects. Renewables Strategy Document - Development of a report of how renewable technology can be utilised at the connection sites, discussing the opportunities and constraints of using renewables to provide power, typically wind and solar. Opportunities & Constraints Matrix - Population of an Opportunities and Constraints Matrix to critically evaluate each option proposed. Project Costing Model Document - Develop a project cost model document to scope and define how a software based cost model tool could be developed to allow project costings to be determined from standard / basic project input data. Project Risk Register (Commercial) - Develop a project risk register in order that National Grid can understand the project risks and their potential commercial impacts (cost and programme). The risk register will consider the commercial implications of renewables, BIM and the taking ownership process. Project Programmes / Timelines - Develop project programmes, for different project delivery models for example, traditional, using BIM, cost modelling software, taking ownership process etc. Design Risk Register (H&S) - Develop a design H&S risk register, the risk register will take the form of a CDM Risk Register that can be developed if future projects develop. Taking Ownership Process (Adoption) - Develop a report on how a potential taking ownership (Adoption) process would / may work, detailing National Grid requirements (i.e. audits) and third party requirements etc.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

14/09/18