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Case Study

EasyAssist™

ECV accessibility when customers need it most

Impact:

Transformational

Key benefits/themes:

Customer | Environmental | Health & Safety | Financial

Project partners:

Oxford Gas Products, Cadent & Northern Gas Networks

East Assist Emergency Control Valve

The Challenge

All customers who are supplied by mains gas in UK have an Emergency Control Valve (ECV).

 

This valve enables customers to isolate their gas supply in the event of an emergency to ensure and maintain their safety.

 

Approximately 2 million of these customers are restricted physically, which can limit their ability to manually operate their ECV in an emergency, therefore putting themselves and their families at risk.

The Solution

Oxford Gas Products (OGP) have developed a mechanical spring-powered device known as EasyAssist™ which is designed to be fitted to customers current ECV’s or as part of an ECV exchange.

 

In the event of an emergency, the EasyAssist™ can be quickly triggered by the customer, by pushing the red 'stop' button.


The device will then mechanically turn the ECV handle to 90 degrees (which isolates the gas supply), ensuring the safety of the property and its occupants.

 

There is no physical dexterity or strength required for the operation of the EasyAssist™, making the device perfectly suited for a wide spectrum of customers with differing vulnerability challenges.
 

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Project Partners

The EasyAssist™ is a collaborative network innovation allowance (NIA) funded project delivered by Oxford Gas Products (OGP), with Cadent Gas and facilitated by the EIC.

 

Phase one of the project delivered an initial mechanical spring-loaded prototype. Phase two incorporates a heat activation sensor that automatically isolates the gas supply in the event of a fire and phase three offers remote activation from two metres away from the ECV.

 

It's envisaged that all phases of this project will deliver significant societal benefits.

The Project

To date, two project phases have been successfully completed.

 

Phase 1: Delivered an initial mechanical spring-loaded prototype with a red stop button that is easily activated to isolate the gas supply in the event of an emergency.

 

Phase 2: Included the addition of a heat activation sensor to automatically isolate the gas supply in the event of a fire.

Key Lessons Learnt

  • Engage policy stakeholders early to prevent delays in the deployment of innovations into business as usual

  • Engage with procurement departments early in innovation projects to obtain the necessary support and ensure successful implementation
 
  • Ensure that testing facilities are provided with clear guidance on test requirements.

The Impact

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Customer

The device will empower vulnerable customers and reassure them they are in control of the isolation of their gas supply in the event of an emergency.

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Health & Safety

Vulnerable customers can isolate their gas supplies quickly, making their homes safe. The heat activation sensor will reduce the rare occurrence of domestic house fires being exacerbated by gas flow.

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Environmental

In the event of an escape, less gas will be wasted and vented into the atmosphere.

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Financial

Operative callouts to temporary isolation of gas supplies will be reduced, plus time take to vent affected properties.

The Project

Live field trials demonstrated various benefits for network partners, including reduced operational expenditure (OPEX). One trial conducted on a sample section of the gas distribution network in the north of England demonstrated that LeakVISION reduced the overall time required to locate and repair multiple gas escapes, minimising disruption to customers.

As part of the SIF funded project, a trial was completed in a live hydrogen pipeline to assess the device’s functionality and its capability to safely detect leaks. The trial proved successful, providing confirmation that both the deployment and retrieval approach for the device are secure.

Streetworks SGN
  • The successful implementation of a live thermal imaging robotic system within an operational gas distribution network. 

 

  • The system potentially could identify specific ‘areas of interest’ that require remediation. 

 

  • The system has future capability to guide more agile asset investment decisions. 

 

  • A robotic device that uses a heating element to warm-up flowing gas, in a live distribution network, safely and without incident.  

 

  • Identification of design improvements for field operations. 
Streetworks SGN

The Impact

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Customer Service

Minimised disruptions from excavations to assess pipes in difficult to reach places. 

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Societal

Reductions in the number of excavations and faster repair times.

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Environmental

Reductions in the volume of gas vented to the atmosphere during complex-to-locate gas escapes.  

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Operational

A reduced number of excavations will lead to improved safety and will result in fewer injuries to operatives. 

The Project

The aim of StreetScore Phase 2 project was to improve the accessibility and experience of street works for customers in vulnerable situations and the wider public. The focus was on prototyping and validating concepts that could minimise disruptions experienced during street works, before potentially undertaking further developmental and testing activities that facilitates the transition to Business as Usual (BAU) deployment(s).

Streetworks SGN

Workshops were also held to facilitate active engagement between network operators and key stakeholders, such as community groups, charities and advocacy groups. These sessions allowed network operators to develop a greater understanding of the challenges faced by customers in vulnerable situations and provided valuable insights into how customers adapt their behaviours and lifestyle around street works. The feedback gathered has also helped to inform the shortlisting of potential prototypes and concepts for future development.

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The Impact

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Customers

Improvements in accessibility and safety around street works, particularly for customers in vulnerable situations.

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Community engagement

Improved engagement between network operators and third parties like community groups and charities.

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Health and safety

Potential to reduce the number of incidents for customers when navigating street works. Learnings from the project have also enabled recommendations for changes or updates to existing regulations.

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Financial

Improved guidance in working around street works thus reducing instances of fines for networks.

The Impact

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Customers

Improvements in accessibility and safety around street works, particularly for customers in vulnerable situations.

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Community engagement

Improved engagement between network operators and third parties like community groups and charities.

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Health and safety

Potential to reduce the number of incidents for customers when navigating street works.

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Financial

Improved guidance in working around street works thus reducing instances of fines for networks.

Next steps

Cadent is planning to launch EasyAssist™ across its networks in Q2 2024 and to start supplying this innovation to customers as part of its 'Service Beyond the Meter' programme. Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is also trialling EasyAssist™; should the trial prove successful, NGN also plans to roll out the device.

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Access to the latest opportunities in the industry

EIC icon_money 2

Funding support and guidance

EIC icon_network 3

Connect and collaborate with innovators in the industry

The EIC Hub dashboard

Sign up to our energy innovation hub to take advantage of the benefits and see our innovation opportunities