Learnings

Outcomes

The outcome of this project is that we have not proved the EZ valve to be repeatedly reliable through Field Trials. Whilst the latest set of Field Trials were successful, the decision was made not to progress into the long term testing Projects (I-0215 & (I-0126) because of new methods of working addressing the initial issue the EZ Valve sort to resolve, a reduction in potential installs for the EZ Valve due to the time the Project took to deliver (and its impact on the business case), and a lack of confidence in the EZ Valve’s repeated reliability in the field.

Lessons Learnt

Throughout the Project, several issues were encountered, and lessons were learnt. Firstly, the valves themselves required more development than expected to get them to a position whereby they could be trialled on a Gas Network – this directly impacted timescales. 

Secondly, because of the delays, the work volumes that the EZ Valve would’ve been applied to were reduced, leading to an ever-reducing benefits case. 

Furthermore, although further trials were completed in addition to the original scope – given the initial failure of the EZ Valve, there were question marks over its repeated reliability. In future Projects – it would be worth scoping more installations into the initial Project, to ensure there is funding in place to carry out additional trials if/when required.