Flow-stop tooling is regularly used for major projects and emergency works across the LTS and NTS gas networks.  The capabilities of the BISEP tool in 100% hydrogen were previously demonstrated during phase one albeit with some challenges that needed overcoming.  This project will provide validation of installation of a grouted tee, hot tapping operations and flow stopping technology on a live field trial, linked with LTS Futures. When successfully completed, a proven double block and bleed leak tight line stopping technology suitable for 100% hydrogen will be available to the UK Gas Networks and the learning gained from this project can be applied to Network Licensees and their operations to facilitate a safe transition to hydrogen from natural gas.

Benefits

The project will provide critical insight into any identified issues and illustrate solutions for the commissioning and conversion to 100% hydrogen for the gas transmission network. LTS futures will be delivering a first-of-its-kind repurposing trial and demonstration. Flow stopping is used regularly for major project and emergency works and this project will assess suitability for operations within 100% hydrogen. The BISEP tool provides many advantages over traditional flow stop technology, as its operation is safer, more efficient and better for the environment. Upon conclusion of this project, the BISEP technology will have demonstrated sufficient technical assurance to be certified for use in a 100% hydrogen environment. As such an additional approach will have been safely demonstrated and will be the industry’s only double block and bleed technology is safe to use in a 100% hydrogen environment, providing zero leakage pipeline isolation.