Learnings
Outcomes
Closure 2020/2021
The project is funded on a non-default basis and so full project reports cannot be released into the public domain. However, a lot of material is published on-line via the PRCI site and at pipeline conferences. The PRCI structures its work packages along well defined themes. In 2020, National Grid and Cadent aligned its ballot nominations to strengthen its influence over key technology themes:
· Design, Materials and Construction
· Integrity and Inspection
· Measurement
A detailed summary of these are presented in the PRCI 2020 final report published alongside this closure report on the ENA Smarter Networks Portal. In summary:
Evaluation of Semi-Automatic FCAW-S Welding Process and Implications to Pipeline Girth Weld Integrity
NGGT
The research will extend the essential welding variable methodology to a semi-automatic welding process. The member companies will have specific guidance on improving welding semi-automatic FCAW-S welding practice to optimize weld properties and improve weld reliability in high-strength pipeline construction. In general, this works toward improving FCAW-S weld integrity. The data and analysis results will help the achievement of consistent mechanical properties of FCAW-S welds. Further, an essential outcome of the work will be a document that states the potential benefits and limitations of the process so that it may be deployed in the most responsible manner.
Status – In Delivery
Composite Repairs for Dent and Metal Loss Defects – State of the Art and Full Scale Instrumented Tests
Cadent
The main outcome is a set of well defined and supported application ranges for each composite repair system as applied to dent and metal loss defects, that serve as a qualification procedure. This type of procedure includes current standards' requirements, and additionally address gaps identified in the most recent PRCI work. The final aim is for operators to be able to use the qualified composite repair techniques / systems based on the above qualification procedure. Beyond the 2-7 repair techniques addressed in this work, other repair techniques can subsequently be submitted for this qualification procedure. Based on results, updates to standards will be proposed and pursued.
Status - Completed
Remaining Life Model and Assessment Tool for Dents and Gouges
Cadent
Output from the remaining life assessment tool will guide establishment of inspection intervals or rehab priorities based on predicted crack growth rates for each MD defect identified by ILI.
Use of this software tool will not require expertise in fracture mechanics, engineering critical assessment or fatigue life prediction methodologies. A simple but effective user-interface will be developed to guide the operator in entering data, validating inputs to provide basic integrity checks on model input parameters, and provide initial “red”, “yellow” or “green” screening outputs for MD identified by ILI.
A third-party software developer may be employed to streamline and optimize development of the user-interface and on-screen output features.
Status – In Delivery
Performance Evaluation of ILI Systems for Detecting and Discriminating Metal Loss, Cracks and Gouges in Geometric Anomalies
Cadent
An improved understanding of ILI performance for mechanical damage and coincident features and a basis for defining performance/reporting specifications for ILI systems with regard to mechanical damage. An improved understanding of ILI systems capabilities to detect and discriminate mechanical damage features will help direct further research on improving ILI systems technologies and help focus efforts on improving assessment methods and models.
Status – Final Report Approved
Validate In-Line Inspection (ILI) Capabilities to Detect/Characterise Mechanical Damage
NGGT & Cadent
This project expands the current state of knowledge for ILI system performance to detect and characterize corrosion, welds, gouges and crack/crack field features interacting with dents. Understanding current performance of ILI systems will support technology enhancements and identify requirements for new technologies. The project will generate data supporting the development of revised dent response criteria being pursued in PRCI R&D projects and address recommendations issued to PHMSA by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to promulgate new regulations that address dent acceptance criteria.
Status – In Delivery
Systematize 20 Years of Mechanical Damage Research
NGGT & Cadent
The project feeds into the traditional pipeline integrity management plans, guides, and standards including ASME B31, API 1183, US DOT regulations (49 CFR 192 / 195) and other best practices and guidance documents. The pipeline integrity management community and developers of integrity management tools and guides will benefit from the availability of the proposed project results.
Status – In Delivery
Improve Dent/Cracking Assessment Methods
NGGT & Cadent
This project directly contributes to the improvement of pipeline safety by enhancing standards, and integrity management practice ensuring that finite resources are focused on features / anomalies of greatest significance and gaps in the current knowledge-base.
The project feeds into the traditional pipeline integrity management plans, guides, and standards including ASME B31, API RP 1183, US DOT regulations (49 CFR 192 / 195) and other best practices and guidance documents. The pipeline integrity management community and developers of integrity management tools and guides will benefit from the availability of the proposed project results.
Status – In Delivery
Effect of Upstream Piping on Ultrasonic Meter Bias – End Treatment Effects
Cadent
Upon completion of this project, PRCI members will have information on the effect of various end treatments on ultrasonic meter performance. The project goal will be to identify end treatments that allow for cleaning and internal inspection while minimizing the effect on the velocity profile and the overall meter performance.
Status – In Delivery
High Pressure Calibration of Turbine/USMs with an Inert Gas
Cadent
The outcome should be a verified model for the translation of a high pressure inert gas flow calibration result into a calibration certificate for a gas meter to be used in a natural gas metering application, including uncertainty and maintaining traceability to international standards. By using this model, operators can make a considered choice for either inert gas or natural gas.
Status – Final Report Under Review
Lessons Learnt
Over the last few years, PRCI membership has seen a greater diversification of membership. Where in previous years’ participation was predominantly from North American industry, there has been an increase in non-American participation from European countries and China. The uptake in wider global membership feeds into a wider range of research and areas of exploration that promotes a broader application globally. This benefits National Grid Gas Transmission and Cadent by delivering an even wider breadth of research than ever before, and an increase in the leverage available with greater uptake in membership. Following feedback from the business the innovation team will focus on ways that the results and progress of the PRCI projects can be better disseminated to the wider business. This will allow the benefits of the research carried out by PRCI to be leveraged fully.
