PE Asset Life Research

Reference: NIA_NGGD0010

Status: Complete

Start Date: Jul 2010

End Date: Dec 2013

Funding Licencee(s): National Grid Gas Distribution and SGN

Contact: John Reader and Darren White (NGGD) /George Watson and David MacLeod (SGN)

Funding Mechanism Network Innovation Allowance

Research Area: None

Core Technology(ies): Gas Distribution Networks

Estimated Expenditure: £2,119,648.00

Introduction: The scope of this project includes; devising condition assessment methods for PE pipes and fittings, developing methodologies to determine residual service life of PE pipes & fittings , and developing a scheme to manage and rank ongoing risks to PE distribution networks which demonstrates to regulatory authorities that control of these primary assets is being maintained in a safe and planned manner.

Objectives:

The aim of this project is to develop methodologies; techniques and decision support tools that establish the current condition of the existing PE network, identifies potential threats to the integrity of PE pipes and joints, assesses the residual life of the PE network and identifies possible strategies and policies for asset management of these ageing assets included targeted replacement where appropriate.

Expected Benefits: Success of the project will be the development of decision support software tools and the development of new concepts and standards for site quality control standards and procedures which will be delivered leading to an Asset Integrity Management Scheme for PE gas distribution networks.