Learnings

Outcomes

The project has delivered the following key output:

·        A market ready FBOS system and technique for 4” and 6” metallic mains.

·        The solution was successfully evaluated against the following drivers:

o   Integrity – ‘Foam Bag Operation on Stubs (FBOS)’ must satisfy the criteria of providing adequate containment of gas and therefore ensure adequate network integrity.

o   Compliance – ‘FBOS’ must allow Cadent to demonstrate its compliance with relevant legislation, e.g. The Pipeline Safety Regulation 1996.

o   Effectiveness – ‘FBOS’ must meet the criteria of being cost effective whilst reducing inconvenience to the consumer and road-user.

·        In addition to the lab testing Cadent have undertaken 39 field trials to prove suitability of use of the FBOS system and technique

·        Cadent has now signed off the FBOS system and technique for use across all its networks, ready for BAU implementation

·       The field trails have demonstrated that the FBOS solution is not currently suitable for use in PE pipe or fittings, therefore SVI would require further in-house tests to confirm the suitability if Cadent believe this would be beneficial for future projects

·        Full recommendations can be found on the Cadent G23 closure document, which can be provided to interested parties on request.

Lessons Learnt

·        This project identified the key benefits of a supplier who was able to rapidly update designs and produce prototypes in-between field trials. This allowed for feedback from site to be fed into design changes which could then be tested in subsequent trials.

·        The project has identified that the RLMI (FBOS) units can provide a BAU ready solution for replacement and abandoment stub-ends at 4in and 6in sizes, successfully providing a seal of the entire annular space between the main and the newly inserted PE.

·        As part of the project the TRL level has increased from a design prototype level to a market ready product, which can be implemented by all Network Licensees.

·        The field trial period also identified the possibility of further work investigating the possible development of an 8” FBOS solution as well as possibly 12”. Cadent are actively discussing the opportunity for the 8” solution with SVI.