Simon Patient
At SGN, we want our networks to be the best they can today but also adaptable to the needs of tomorrow.
We are driving smarter, more efficient and sustainable networks now, while also exploring new technologies and possibilities to reimagine the future of our sector.
We recently had some exciting successes which has resulted in a double UK first for our business.
Simon Patient, our Engineering Manager for Major Works South East, explains more.
Several pioneering engineering successes recently have reminded me how developing innovative, more efficient ways of doing things is crucial in our modern world.
Importantly, it’s also a way in which we can play our part in the journey to net zero.
Our first achievement was during an upgrade project involving some of our medium pressure mains in Mitcham, South London.
Working with contractor partners Flowstop Services and ULC Technologies, we trialled a piece of equipment which will put a whole new ‘green’ spin on our industry.
By using the DDC-125 Drawdown Compressor (pictured below) we can recover natural gas and its emissions, then reinsert it back into the network. This is instead of our more traditional methods of venting the gas to atmosphere.
The cost of this large volume of gas being vented to atmosphere on this particular project would have been vast and the damage to the environment unacceptable.
Therefore, it was very important for me and my team to make sure we could utilise the compressor.
On the day of the operation, it was delivered to site by Flowstop Services. Under the guidance of the ULC engineer, the drawdown of gas from the pipe started when we were ready to decommission part of it.
From 12 hours to two
The operation of the machine was faultless and was completed in under two hours. By using such as innovative solution, we estimate that 17,712 Standard Cubic Feet (SCF) of gas was transferred from the old main and put back into the network.
Using this equipment presents huge benefits and savings for SGN. We cut significant wastage by stopping the release of large volumes of gas into the atmosphere.
This, in turn, will significantly improve our environmental performance, with fewer emissions and recycling gas.
We plan to use this equipment again on another large project in Kingston-upon-Thames and we are currently reviewing other projects where this could be beneficial.
Our second UK first was on one of our robotics projects (CISBOT) in Greenwich.
Robots aren’t just for science fiction. We use them all the time, including finding leaks as well as fixing them without causing any disruption to roads or people’s lives.
On this particular occasion, we managed to travel 493 metres and identified 136 joints for remediation – all from a single excavation – see the picture below. This is the highest ever length and joint count recorded in the UK.
Being able to travel these distances on a strategic London road will significantly improve relationships with all stakeholders and customers by reducing disruption.
It will also reduce costs, as fewer launch locations will be needed and increase productivity on delivery targets.
Thank you for reading!
