Learnings

Outcomes

The project successfully delivered two reports: 

SOFTPANG Phase II Technical Note
Field Trails Specification and Programme

The information produced in the technical note and specification has provided to NGN the information essential information required, the methodology and a basic programme to conduct field trails. 

Given the variety of possible gas outage scenarios both in terms of cause and the effect, it was not considered feasible that a single solution would be capable of meeting the requirements for the majority of “loss of supply”, therefore two different scenarios have been developed with the intent of providing NGN with the broadest possible capability and flexibility. 

Scenario 1 focussed on NGNs ability to deliver their strategic Repex programme. 

In the face of Covid-19, NGN have found it increasingly difficult to enter properties (due to members of the public self-isolating) and this has had a negative impact on the broader Repex programme of work. NGN have also stated a desire to increase their service provision to vulnerable customers. 

Establishing a capability to connect a temporary supply during Repex works would help NGN meet both these challenges. Following the assessment of suitable solutions against scenario requirements and comparatively against each other, this report recommends that deploying “small” (18kg) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders as a temporary supply source, in conjunction with the tools delivered via the ServiSWAP project would provide NGN with an effective means of achieving this ambition. 

Scenario 2 investigated the potential to supply a much larger population (no upper limit defined) with a temporary gas supply. 

Although the need for this provision is rare, it was envisaged this capability would allow NGN to undertake larger pieces of pro-active maintenance, helping to improve the resilience of the NGN network. Following the assessment of suitable solutions against scenario requirements and comparatively against each other, this report recommends that a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) based supply delivered via Heavy Good Vehicle (HGV) would be the most effective solution.  

NGN are now proceeding with SOFTPANG 3, which is the delivery of live field trials on the network to undertake demonstration to prove effectiveness and gain full approval of both techniques.

Lessons Learnt

The availability and commitment from key operational technical experts is crucial and fundamental to supporting the Project Manager where specific actions require it.