Cathodic Protection for Pipelines within a Tunnel

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas)

Applied Research and Development

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
National Grid Gas Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 July 2015

01 December 2015

5 months

£32,000

Technical Consultancy

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Gas Transmission

To investigate options for CP of pipelines within a tunnel and develop a specification based on the most appropriate techniques. This will deliver reduced procurement and construction costs for tunnel CP systems, provide greater integrity for pipeline during its lifecycle and potentially reduce requirement to design. Market review of techniques and existing specifications. Production of the specification for review and acceptance by the NGGT Cathodic Protection engineer. Long term - incorporation into ECP/ suite of specifications and sanctioned as a live document via Gas Engineering Policy Implementation Group (GEPIG).

National Grid are looking for novel solutions for Cathodic protection (CP) of pipelines within a tunnel environment. Within the gas transmission business there is currently no standard or specification which covers the application of CP on a pipeline within a tunnel. NGGT currently have onshore specifications (ECP suite) for CP, but nothing for flooded tunnels specifically. There are individual conventional CP solutions available including Impressed Current and Sacrificial Anode types used by National Grid on projects including tunnels however it has been identified that past projects have not fully optimised these for the marine application. Existing Tunnel examples: UKT - River Exe Feeder 20UKD - Harefield Southall, Warburton Tunnels (open air)By providing a specific CP in a Tunnel specification with a marine approach / angle rather than utilise the traditional solutions mentioned in isolation NGGT could generate significant savings over the lifetime of the asset. This is because there would be more confidence that the CP is performing to specification and to allow gas transmission operational staff to monitor its health remotely. On tunnels where no permanent access is required i.e. fit and forget, this is critical as the cost of temporary works to go back once installed (if there are complications) is costly. The project will look to develop a CP Specification for a Tunnel Environment. Firstly, consideration will be given to marine standards and specifications such as BS EN ISO 15589-2 Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries. Cathodic protection of pipeline transportation systems. (Offshore pipelines). BS EN 12473 - General principles of CP in seawater Dr Pat Lydon will canvas worldwide experience on the methodologies available and assist in rationalising which of these are optimum for National Grid’s applications. Mid-point reviews with Dr Pat Lydon will occur where Martin Hadfield and Paul Lee (NGGT) will discuss progress on the work and to understand key developments. Prior to final completion of the works (Development of the Spec guidance) Dr Lydon will present his findings to National Grid. Finally NGGT will narrow down select their preferences from the valid techniques presented and look to incorporate into NG standards / specifications.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

07/06/18