SynthoTrax I-Seal Robot (Technical Feasibility Study)

Reference: NIA_SGN0003

Status: Complete

Start Date: Jan 2013

End Date: Sep 2013

Funding Licencee(s): SGN

Contact: Ryan Smith, Innovation Delivery Manager

Funding Mechanism Network Innovation Allowance

Research Area: GD - Repair

Core Technology(ies): Gas Distribution Networks

Estimated Expenditure: £70,252.00

Introduction: The scope of this project is to carry out a technical feasibility study to investigate the technical potential to develop a robotic system that can remotely travel to, locate, and seal leaking joints from a single live access point.

Objectives:

The objectives of this feasibility study are to provide possible solutions to the scope, broken into the following sections:

Access Fitting
Access System
In-pipe robotic platform
Sealant Application System
In-pipe CCTV
External Support Systems

In addition, the study will assess whether there are feasible development solutions available globally that can meet the elements of the complete performance specification.

Expected Benefits: The success of this project will be determined against the quality and content of the technical feasibility study, as well as the project duration. The expected outcomes, representing successful project delivery, will be:

A detailed report on the required developments of current technology available to be able to meet the scope listed above
Assessment of the associated cost of developing the current technology available to meet the specification provided
A cost comparison against current repair techniques
An identified method of progressing the technology.