EPRG (European Pipeline Research Group) undertakes a wide range of research directed to increased integrity and safety of gastransmission pipelines. Corrosion, fit-for-purpose assessment and rehabilitation will constitute the major topics for existing pipelines, whereas for new pipelines in the ever-expanding European gas transmission grid, higher strength steels and higher hoop stress factors provide new challenges and opportunities for cost-effective pipeline construction and operation.

The benefits of participating in these European leveraged projects enable National Grid and Cadent to develop and implement best practice for a fraction of the full cost. Examples of completed projects include: State of the art review on pipeline resistance to earthquakes has raised awareness and understanding for future construction projects. Many of the projects of particular interest are on-going, i.e.delayed failure under constant pressure, performance of 3-layer PE coatings, the assessment of bending wrinkles, low bond line toughness girth weld defect acceptance criteria and the mechanical damage dent-gouge model.