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Case Study

Plassgas

It’s necessary for gas networks to provide a continuous supply of gas to their customers, even during the repair of Polyethylene (PE) gas mains due to leaks or damage. 

This is achieved by a process known as electro fusion, which is used to install a temporary bypass. The challenge faced by the networks is that this process creates considerable PE waste, due to the single use application and it is also time consuming to construct.

The Solution

Plassgas fittings provide a safe, gas tight bypass that’s designed to be re-used multiple times, considerably reducing PE waste.

These fittings also reduce operatives’ construction times for bypasses allowing them to carry out relevant repairs quicker, leading to greater efficiency. 

Partners

The successful trial was supported by the EIC, Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and Plasson.

Impact

The impact is incremental, improving an existing technique with new technology.

Impacts

Financial: A more efficient process for operatives and less wastage of PE. 

Environmental: Considerable reductions to PE waste.

Customers: Their gas supply is maintained.

Operational: Creates an improvement to operational efficiency. 

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.

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Access to the latest opportunities in the industry

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Funding support and guidance

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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