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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number NIA_NGGT0097
Title Permanent PE slab protection
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 BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science) 10%;
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Civil Engineering) 20%;
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 70%;
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 November 2016
End Date 01 January 2018
Duration 16 months
Total Grant Value £199,000
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_NGGT0097
Objectives To develop an approved method for the use of shaped PE lightweight slabs fitted over shallow pipelines in fields so as to provide a degree of protection from third party damage from agricultural activity. An approved method accepted for use by National Grid in clearly defined and appropriate circumstances.
Abstract When line walking surveys of feeders are carried out an increasing number of instances have been identified where the pipeline is at a shallower depth than the specifications allow. The risks from shallow pipes in agricultural fields may possibly increase due to farming activities been carried out (such as ploughing) as damage to the gas transmission pipes can occur; if a pipeline is ruptured this has a knock on effect to National Grid customers (distribution network operators) as it will cause a reduction in pressure, if there’s significant damage National Grid may need to close the pipeline to carry out repairs which may cost £100ks. As there are a very limited number of options to mitigate these risks it is imperative that the pipelines are protected so to not comprise the network integrity, ensuring an efficient maintenance of the transmission network. This project is to develop and install shaped PE slabs in appropriate situations. The approval will be evidenced by an approved PE slab design, field trials to demonstrate the effectiveness of the solution for varying diameters, depths of pipelines and ploughing depth. The project will include: Scoping study for in ground testing on large diameter NTS pipelines with shaped PE slabs laid at differing depths, etc. Field testing of large diameter PE mains using known pipeline contractors managed by an approved consultant. Final report on the field testing and proposed range of solutions.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 17/09/18