Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGGT0098 | |
| Title | Composite Pipe Supports Phase 2 | |
| 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 August 2016 | |
| End Date | 01 January 2018 | |
| Duration | 19 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £177,510 | |
| 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_NGGT0098 |
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| Objectives | The project objective is to develop a suitable alternative design of pipe support for use on the NTS. The project will provide the necessary designs and experimental data to support the use of alternative pipe supports across the NTS. | |
| Abstract | Despite the need for numerous pipe supports across the National Transmission System (NTS) network, there is little commonality in design and installation method, excepting in material of construction which is usually metal. The need to investigate alternative approaches for pipe supports, in terms of materials and design, has already been undertaken. The key drivers for this programme were: To alleviate existing manhandling issues. Manhandling issues are a concern because the requirement for manoeuvring the supports in close proximity to the pipe which can be problematical for personnel and also in terms of the risk of pipe damage. To reduce problems due to corrosion of metal to metal contact areas. To facilitate inspection of the outer pipe surface (and pipe cradle surface) between the outer pipe surface and the support cradle. The inspection of the interface between the pipe and the support cradle and, at present, in the case of larger supports, this can only be achieved by removing the concrete plinth which sits beneath the support To reduce pipework and support maintenance costs. While the initial programme provided an extensive review of alternative pipe support design and materials it was unable to progress to deliver a fully engineered and tested alternative design. Alternative pipe support solutions have considerable potential to improve pipeline asset maintenance and this programme will progress the most suitable pipe support solution to the detailed design stage and accordingly produce relevant documentation to implement the safe use of the supports. The programme will also produce all the relevant specifications and installation guidelines that would meet existing requirements of National Grid and allow the new pipe support designs to be expediently implemented within the business. The programme will be will be undertaken in four stages. 1. Review of the state of the art. This stage will conduct a full review of the work conducted to date on composite pipe supports. 2. Analysis A full and detailed design will be conducted, inclusive of any necessary finite element modelling, for all typical pipe support sizes (300mm, 450mm, 600mm, 750mm, 1050mm, 1220mm) configurations. The analysis will also confirm: Any material property anisotropy on design loadings. The stress/strain loading relationship at all pipe support sizes. The suitable mechanical testing regime to evaluate the chosen support designs. Allowable stress concentrations around bolts and flanges. Material properties under cyclic thermal and mechanical loading conditions. Feasibility of incorporating monitoring sensors (load, temperature, pH) within the support to allow for in service performance monitoring. 3. Testing A testing programme will be undertaken to perform representative crushing tests should be performed by applying horizontal loads to representative samples in a test rig. The intention will be to test with both vertical and horizontal applied loads to better reflect expected in service conditions of the support. 4. Design Specifications A design and procurement specification will be developed that will allow the procurement and design of suitable GRP supports for use on the NTS. The specification will also set out the acceptability limits for in service use. To facilitate the use of GRP supports on the NTS standard drawings and models will be developed for each of the standard GRP/polymeric supports. For each support design, the standard T/PM/G/19 model appraisal will be developed. CC1 July 2017: Initial crush testing carried out has raised some issues over the design of the testing method. As a result, an additional crush testing stage will be added to the project timeline following a redesign of the testing method. The addition of a second test, which is expected to take place in August 2017, has led to a change control request of 7 months. The new timelines will enable the supplier to redesign the testing approach to ensure it is representative of on-site conditions and the data generated will be input into the FEA models.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 | 10/07/18 | |
