This award will be presented to the entry which best demonstrates the use of detection, location or Inspection techniques to overcome significant challenges.
Other category finalists can be found here https://www.ukstt.org.uk/2024-finalists/
The finalists for the Detection, Location & Inspection award are:
ELECTRO SCAN UK LTD / ARAMCO
FELL Technology Approved by Saudi ARAMCO to find hard to find leaks in non-metallic pipes
Electro Scan was contacted by ARAMCO to discuss a possible trial to assess the FELL technology on what defects it could find and how accurate the equipment was at finding them. After months of planning and meetings, Electro Scans UK team was deployed to KSA in January 2024 with the ES-400 push rod equipment to conduct the trial. The trial consisted of two sections of buried pipe, one being a metallic pipe with a Cement Mortar Lining and the other being a non-metallic pipe (GRP) Both pipes had been administered defects by members of the ARAMCO team and the defect locations kept with them to see what we would pick up.
We conducted the first test on the metallic pipe explaining how the technology works, how the equipment operates and also letting members of ARAMCO staff have a go to see how simple it was to operate the system. We were given 6 chances to scan the line as they also wanted to check the repeatability of the equipment. After this was completed, we moved onto the 2nd pipe, which was the GRP line, again 6 chances were given to scan the line to check for repeatability.
Once all the scans were completed, Electro Scans team uploaded the scans via a WIFI connection to our online Critical software where the results are sent back to the teams on the ground within 5-10 minutes. Once our snapshot results were back, we had a quick debrief with the management team to explain some of the results we had found and then went away to compile a full report to present to them the next day.
The day of the presentation, we presented the metallic pipe findings first where we had been notified by the ARAMCO team that we had found 13/14 defects administered by their team, a great achievement by the team and was verified as a PASS. We then presented the second pipes (GRP) findings where we were told that we had found all of the defects that they had fabricated but brought our attention to a defect we had found in the middle of the pipe and said this was a false positive as they had done nothing at that location. Electro Scan explained that with our technology, if an electrical current has escaped from anywhere in that line, then it will flag up and we can assure them that there is a defect there. ARAMCO had a private meeting and came back to us stating that they were going to dig up the plastic line to verify the defects. We accompanied the team while they excavated the line and while this was happening, the Electro Scan team noticed something in the middle of the line, a patch. This was pointed out to management at ARAMCO who went and made a phone call to the manufacturer who confirmed that they actually had to cut into the pipe where we saw the defect and patched it up. This was noted by ARAMCO and they were very impressed due to the fact not only had we found a defect in the pipe that they didn’t even know was there but the accuracy of the equipment stating where the defect was. With all this new information and knowing Electro Scan had hit nearly all the defects in both lines they had fabricated for the trial, ARAMCO was happy to approve Electro Scan FELL technology to find hard to find leaks in non-metallic pipes and issued us our SAER official number. With ARAMCO having now approved this technology, a partnership is now forming between the organisations to help tackle any issues ARAMCO may have on any of their sites in KSA or even the USA.
This will enable ARAMCO to find defects in pipelines across their facilities before it becomes a serious issue, making them have to temporarily shut down a facility to try and find the problem.
Electro Scan is now even in talks to build intrinsically safe versions of equipment to help ARAMCO tackle problem areas in hazardous areas that current markets simply do not have readily available for them to use. As you can imagine, their safety policy is rock solid with their sites being a Petro-Chemical market and the number of hazardous areas they will have to work in will be a large number and Electro Scan is more than happy to help facilitate that need and help them with this problem.
UIS TECHNOLOGIES LTD / CADENT GAS
Valve Trak
Introduction:
UIS – Tooling & Technologies, a UK-based engineering firm, showcases its engineering prowess with a recent project for Cadent Gas. The challenge was to enhance safety in multi-occupancy buildings by improving the identification and location of Pipeline Isolation Valves (PIVs) during emergencies.
Background:
The Gas Distribution Network in the UK is considered one of the safest globally due to substantial investments from OFGEM and the Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs). Ensuring the continued safety of this network is a priority, as emphasized by the Building Safety Bill and the Dame Judith Hackitt review. Cadent’s commitment to innovation and value for money for gas bill payers led to the creation of ValveTrak, ensuring clear visibility of critical assets.
Problem Statement:
Cadent, a major gas distribution company, partnered with UIS to tackle safety concerns in multi-occupancy buildings. The goal was to enhance safety by improving the identification and location of underground assets, specifically Pipeline Isolation Valves (PIVs), during emergencies. The inability to locate and identify PIVs posed a significant challenge in emergencies, where immediate access to these assets is crucial for control. UIS developed ValveTrak to facilitate the immediate identification and location of PIVs, enabling prompt operation of these critical safety devices.
Technical Details – ValveTrak:
ValveTrak is an innovative product that enables precise location and management of underground or overground assets using a smartphone. Leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT), ValveTrak is ATEX approved for safe operation in gaseous or potentially gaseous atmospheres. The product’s application extends beyond valves to various assets.
Key features include:
A non-rechargeable, 5-year guaranteed battery device.
Bluetooth-enabled communication.
Casing made from Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) and Nylon, forming a sealed unit with no user-serviceable parts.
Compact design for easy fitting underneath valve access covers, resting on a foam insert, or attaching magnetically to metal covers.
Certified to ATEX Zone 0, specifically II 2 G Ex eb ib mb IIC* T6 Gb, ensuring operation in hazardous environments.
Results:
ValveTrak has undergone extensive development and testing, meeting all intended objectives. Its advanced technology allows it to operate effectively in various environments, providing real-time location details and asset information for asset owners during maintenance and emergencies.
ValveTrak is a fully integrated, standalone product requiring no additional hardware. Its seamless integration into the IT systems of Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) ensures ease of use, implementation, and cybersecurity. The product offers a unique solution for identifying and locating underground services, making it indispensable for gas network management.
Through this project, UIS has delivered a reliable, effective product that enhances the safety and efficiency of gas networks. ValveTrak has already been adopted by Cadent Gas and Northern Gas Networks, with UIS providing ongoing maintenance and support.
Benefits of ValveTrak:
Enhanced Safety: Quick and accurate identification of PIVs in emergencies prevents delays and ensures rapid response, significantly enhancing safety in multi-occupancy buildings.
Operational Efficiency: Real-time visibility and precise location of underground assets streamline maintenance and emergency response operations.
Cost-Effective: The non-rechargeable, long-lasting battery and durable construction ensure minimal maintenance and operational costs.
Scalability: ValveTrak’s adaptable technology allows for application across various asset types and integration into existing IT systems without additional hardware.
Compliance: Adherence to ATEX certification standards ensures safe operation in hazardous environments.
Applications and Use Cases:
Emergency Response: Immediate identification and location of PIVs enable swift action during gas leaks or other emergencies.
Planned Maintenance: Real-time asset data assists in routine checks and maintenance, preventing potential issues before they arise.
Asset Management: Comprehensive asset information and tracking improve overall management and operational efficiency of gas networks.
Future Considerations:
Looking ahead, UIS aims to remain at the forefront of asset management technology. The success of ValveTrak underscores UIS’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. As the gas distribution sector evolves, UIS will continue to develop bespoke engineering solutions, ensuring a safer and more efficient future for gas networks globally.
Conclusion:
ValveTrak represents a significant advancement in the safety and management of gas distribution networks. Its innovative use of IoT technology, robust design, and practical applications make it a deserving candidate for the Innovative Technology award. By enhancing safety, operational efficiency, and asset management, ValveTrak stands out as a transformative solution in the utility industry.
ValveTrak should win the award because it exemplifies cutting-edge innovation and addresses a critical safety need within the utility industry. By leveraging IoT technology, ValveTrak provides real-time, 24/7 visibility and precise location tracking of underground assets, significantly enhancing emergency response and operational efficiency. Its robust design, compliant with ATEX certification standards, ensures safe operation in hazardous environments. ValveTrak’s integration into existing IT systems without requiring additional hardware demonstrates its practical and scalable application. This groundbreaking solution not only improves safety and management of gas networks but also embodies UIS’s commitment to driving value for money and technological advancement.
