Permanent PE slab protection

Completed

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

Applied Research and Development

BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Civil Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
National Grid Gas Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 November 2016

01 January 2018

16 months

£199,000

Technical Consultancy

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Gas Transmission

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.

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

17/09/18