Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGGT0090 | |
| Title | Infra-red photography for maintenance | |
| 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 | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given National Grid Gas Transmission |
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| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 April 2016 | |
| End Date | 01 December 2016 | |
| Duration | 8 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £52,200 | |
| 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_NGGT0090 |
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| Objectives | The objective of this project is an evaluation of the effectiveness of infrared cameras for maintenance, inspection and diagnostics when applied to compressor station plant assets. The evaluation will include recommendations on the most appropriate use of infrared cameras. The outcome of this study will enable National Grid to focus structure and optimize their maintenance resource and effort. This project will produce a comprehensive document with recommendations that detail the appropriate use of infrared cameras for inspection, diagnostics and maintenance across the National Grid compressor fleet. The programme will enable National Grid to make an informed decision on whether to implement the use of infrared cameras as an aid for inspection diagnostics and maintenance of the compressor fleet. If a decision is taken to use such a tool, it will provide the maintenance engineer with the information to target appropriate and critical parts of their compressor station plant for maintenance using infrared cameras. This process could then lead to the leveraging of the strengths of infrared cameras (remote sensing, non-intrusive and temperature visualisation) to tackle appropriate maintenance activities more effectively. In addition, because infrared cameras can give the maintenance engineer the ability to spot some developing faults before they adversely impact on operability, the early detection and subsequent intervention will improve plant availability. | |
| Abstract | Heat build-up on a component or system can be a precursor to impending failure of that component or system; National Grid has used infrared cameras on an ad-hoc and limited basis on some of their compressor station assets as maintenance and inspection aids, however there is no formal evidence of the effectiveness of infrared cameras for monitoring National Grid assets where temperature rise can indicate the presence of a fault or an impending failure. As a consequence the use of this technology, and the potential benefits that it might realise are not being achieved. To further optimise the maintenance and monitoring of electrical and other assets across the network, increasing operational efficiency there is a need to assess the latest advances in infrared camera technologies and where clear benefits exist, embed these techniques in the current maintenance processes. The programme will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study of infrared diagnostic and evaluation technologies, highlighting where the technology fits with need. The study will cover the following three areas: Desktop Study - An overview of the technology and the type of inspection, diagnostics and maintenance activities that can be undertaken with the aid of an infrared camera will be produced. Inputs for this study will include information from equipment suppliers and other sources and provide information related to suitable infrared equipment that would provide the most effective solutions. Field Data Gathering and Assessment - Specific application areas on National Grid compressor station assets where infrared cameras can improve on inspection diagnostics and maintenance will be identified and examined in detail. These areas will include: Standard Gas Transmission Electrical systems Electric Compressor drive system Other auxiliary mechanical systems This task will involve visiting up to three compressor stations nominated by National Grid to examine plant and equipment where it is perceived that infrared cameras can be used to aid diagnostics, inspection and maintenance activities. It may be that some plant items, although suitable candidates for infrared inspection, diagnostics and maintenance, may in practice not be readily accessible for various reasons. Such plant items, if and where they exist, will be highlighted and where possible, a methodology suggested allowing for infrared inspection. In addition to highlighting the areas where infrared cameras will improve on the existing maintenance activities, the current maintenance processes for the targeted areas will be assessed. This examination will include broad discussions with maintenance personnel about the existing maintenance activities that they perform. This activity is intended to formulate a method for how the addition of infrared cameras would fit into the existing maintenance regime and the necessary process modifications that would need to be put in place to integrate this technology effectively into the business. Following the field data gathering and assessment, the suitability assessment will outline the specific requirements for the successful use of infrared cameras on a National Grid compressor station: Type of compressor station assets that infrared examination should be applied to. Potential minor and cost effective modification to plant items (e. g. infrared window to check on heat build-up on an internal component). Training requirement. Data interpretation requirement. Costs factors, including camera costs and their maintenance. Overall perceived benefits of using infrared cameras for targeted assets. Recommendation - Based on the suitability assessment, a set of business and implementation options will be given for the use of infrared cameras on National Grid compressor station assets.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 | 31/08/18 | |
