Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
||
| Reference Number | NIA_NGGT0109 | |
| Title | Epoxy Grout Investigation and Analysis | |
| 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 | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry) 25%; PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics) 25%; PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 25%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 25%; |
|
| 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 June 2017 | |
| End Date | 01 January 2018 | |
| Duration | 9 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £298,000 | |
| 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_NGGT0109 |
|
| Objectives | To assess and qualify a new type of epoxy grout such that it is suitable for pipeline repair and epoxy tees . In doing so the project looks to :To reduce the number of different epoxy grades from 4 to 2. Eliminate the risk of single source sole supplier Reduce commercial and operation risks to the repair strategy To assess the new grout by evaluating two grades in two different installation conditions and ensure that the product is suitable for pipeline repair. | |
| Abstract | Currently, there are three methods to repair pipelines. Cut out and replace this is costly; Welding which is a higher risk operation as welding on to a live pipeline and epoxy grout. The epoxy grout currently used is a 3-part grout for pipeline repair and grouted tees for both Transmission and Distribution networks. The epoxy is made up of 3 separate components i.e. resin, hardener and filler powder which are available in 4 different grades of epoxy grout which are selected depending on the ambient and pipeline design temperature. Each grade has a very narrow range of installation operating temperature. For many years the current supplier has been the sole supplier; however they have recently removed their subsea epoxy grout due to their perceived view on commercial risk. The onshore range of epoxy repair grouts are still being supplied however there is a potential risk to pipeline repairs and epoxy filled hot tap operations if the supplier makes the decision to stop supplying epoxy products. The project looks to assess a new type of epoxy, potentially suitable for pipeline repairs and grouted tees. The lab based qualification test program will look to qualify the new grout for both winter and summer grades. The test apparatus shall be set up to establish key materials parameters suitable for National Grid pipeline operating conditions. They include installation properties such as pot life and curing rate at both ends of installation temperature for each grade. The programme includes assessing material physical properties in order to establish whether these two grades would meet National Grid’s minimum specifications of materials properties such as adhesive, cohesive, tensile, concentric shear and compressive strengths. The epoxy grout shall be capable of (or exceed) the following practical requirements: Cured epoxy grout shall be free of cracks in any longitudinal, circumferential or near circumferential planes. Each epoxy grout component may have contrasting colour from each other. (i.e. It has been proposed blue for winter grade and red for summer grade)The physical mechanical requirements of the epoxy grout should be or exceed the following on steel surface preparation equivalent to SSPC-SP10 (SSI-Sa2. 5) for surface cleanliness with surface roughness above 30 micron. Mixed epoxy grout during its pot life cycle is pourable and pumpable @ 5°C for winter grade and 20°C for summer grade. Epoxy grout components should have a minimum shelf life of 12 months. Epoxy grout to be supplied in small containers suitable for manual handling purposes. Cured epoxy grout product is to be an inert material. Qualification testing shall be divided into two phases in order to establish short term performance and long term material ageing and strength degradations, if any. Phase 1This work scope includes assessment of short term physical properties such as cohesive, adhesive, compressive, concentric shear and tensile strengths of each grade of epoxy. This phase assesses key aspects of material strength profile during the curing period and other installation properties such as pot life and material shrinkage after curing. Phase 2This phase assesses long term degradation of epoxy grout using an elevated temperature methodology. All samples are mixed and cured at room temperature for at least 7 days before subjecting them to soaked temperature at the test periods.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 | 14/08/18 | |
