Currently there are 559 sites with ERS modules that were originally designed by British Gas Research centre in the early 1980’s installed across SGN which are no longer supported by the original manufacture, and these are having to be replaced due to many assorted reasons. This can include obsolescence, the obtainability of spares, the soft spare parts are still produced but there is no support for the internal hard parts and the issues relating to the existing ERS module regulator configuration outdated and the general condition of the ERS Modules where a number are suffering from water ingress issues.
Following a competitive tender exercise, DNVGL have been chosen to partner with SGN to complete the conceptual design of an ERS module regulator conversion.

Benefits

SGN Currently has 559 ERS Regulator sites & these figures have been based on the average replacement costs of 29 modules during 2015 which had an average cost of £61,116 however due to governor parts increased costs and contract rates the average cost of replacement of an ERS module is estimated to be £72,326, this possibly involves obtaining a new location for an above ground unit and excavations and the removal of the old ERS module regulators and backfilling. It is also anticipated that the other Networks will have similar numbers of these ERS Modules in operation