Leakage Sealant Standards

Reference: NIA_WWU_034

Status: Complete

Start Date: Nov 2016

End Date: Jul 2018

Funding Licencee(s): Wales and West Utilities, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and SGN

Contact: Matthew Davies – Wales & West Utilities (Lead), Dominic Cummings (Technical) & Ollie Machan – (Innovation) SGN, John Watkins – Cadent, Matthew Sherwood – Northern Gas Networks

Funding Mechanism Network Innovation Allowance

Research Area: GD - Repair

Core Technology(ies): Gas Distribution Networks

Estimated Expenditure: £120,000.00

Introduction: This project will deliver:

The review of the efficiency and effectiveness of the current test methods as a demonstration of the effectiveness of the sealant solution.
The research and review of alternative test methodologies to demonstrate the effectiveness of sealant solutions
Recommendations for the performance requirements for each test method; and
The development of one new LC suite GIS (referred to throughout as the “Private Standard”) for gas leakage sealants. It will be a performance specification producedas a result of the review, re-categorization and amalgamation of the following sixexisting LC suite of GISs.

The standards being considered as part of this project are as follows:

GIS/LC8 Part 1 - Specification for methods of repairing leaking ferrous gas mains. Part 1 - External systems (excluding joint and pipe clamps)
GIS/LC8 Part 3 - Specification for methods of repairing leaking ferrous gas mains. Part 3 - Internal sealing methods
GIS/LC9 - Specification for methods of repairing joints on screwed pipework
GIS/LC12 - Specification For External Sealant Injection Systems For Joint Repair On Ferrous Distribution Mains Systems Operating At Pressures Equal To Or Less Than 2 Bar
GIS/LC14 - Specification for annular gap sealants
GIS/LC25 - Specification For External Sealant Injection Systems For Joint Repair On Ferrous Distribution Mains Systems Operating At Pressures Equal To Or Less Than 2 Bar Performance Specification

Objectives:

To develop and deliver a new combined standard utilising new or alternative test methodologies to allow for the cost effective assessment and implementation of leakage sealants across all UK gas distribution networks.

Expected Benefits: Production of a new Leakage Sealant Standard that has been accepted and approved by both GDNs and manufacturers as being technically acceptable, cost effective and practical to implement.