The project seeks to investigate the deployment and use of MASiP (Mobile Automated Spiral Intelligent Pipe) in NGN’s network. MASiP is an integrated approach to digital integrity monitoring, automated mobile pipe manufacture and flexible pipe structure. The system allows for a better monitored network, increased network resilience and prepare the network for elevations in pressures, transporting of green fuels and gather data on high priority locations. The project will be a desktop study to identify the feasibility and viability of deploying such a system onto the network. Detailing the applications within high priority crossings and the creation of new hydrogen pipelines.
Benefits
Cost saving:
- Identify key issues with the existing network and quantify potential benefits
- Digitising inspection with built in sensors will improve data and reduce inspection cost
- Proactive risk mitigation with real time monitoring of sensitive areas like crossings will reduce costs from leakage failures
- Evaluation of potential cost savings from automated in field pipe manufacturing and installation
- MASiP can accommodate higher pressures using polymer pipe as the liner, future proofing replacement sections for hydrogen
CO reduction:
- Automation of pipeline construction will reduce cost and reduce carbon footprint by up to 73%
Customer Satisfaction:
- Better serve rural economy and renewable energy connections
- Improvement of public perception of risk management of hydrogen introduction
- Increasing the Networks Resilience with real time monitoring and fatigue predictions
Learnings
Outcomes
New technology brings risks and opportunities, and this feasibility study sought to introduce a radically new approach to pipeline structure, manufacture, installation. and operational monitoring using a fully digitised approach.
The MASiP pipeline system brings the opportunity of a flexible composite pipe structure that is intrinsically resistant to hydrogen even at high concentrations and high pressures. An innovative integrated forming and winding technology makes full use of a ductile grade of high strength steel that has been proven in that automotive industry and substantially improves the strength to weight ratio of the pipe. By incorporating helically wound optical fibre into the outer part of the wall of the pipe the strain history of each section of pipe wall can be monitored in real time. The integrated winding and forming technology also allows pipe manufacture to be mobile and brought to the field. This brings substantial potential advantages for environmental and cost savings.
Lessons Learnt
The study has addressed NGN pipe crossings and although it would be technically feasible to install sections into low pressure pipelines it is concluded that below 7 bar pressure or below 8-inches diameter, it is not likely to be cost effective unless there was to be an extreme sensitivity leading to a compelling need for real time strain data. This position changes completely for higher pressures.
Where there is likely to be a risk of a pipeline carrying hydrogen in a blend above 10% in hydrogen composition IGEM guidelines require full fatigue evaluations even for girth welded steel pipe. Since MASiP technology has no girth welds and the reinforcing layers are protected by a thick HDPE liner pipe, the pipe is intrinsically resistant to deteriorations in fatigue life that will occur in welded steel pipe. This reduces the risk of introducing hydrogen as well as the cost and makes MASIP an attractive option for new hydrogen pipelines.
There is the potential for very substantial cost savings for new pipelines but route specific studies are needed to qualify this. In some categories the cost savings could be 50%.
In the UK pipelines are required to comply with IGEM standards. The liner pipe is already compliant with TD3 and for higher pressures an approach has been developed to bring together tests from national and international standards to qualify MASiP for high pressure service.
MASIP has been tested both as short pipe to validate the design methodology and in a relevant field environment as part of a system as a field demonstrator. Although this has not been fully assessed, it is thought that through several years development the technology has advanced from TRL 2 to TRL5/6.
It is recommended that there is further development so that the technology is ready for incorporation into UK gas grids by 2026. This should start with an independent TRL assessment and gap analysis followed by definition and implementation of an independently verified Qualification Test programme together with an accreditation agency and a Gas Network operator.
