Page 28 - Gi flipbook May 2018

COLLABORATING

FOR MORE EFFICIENT

PIPELINE INSPECTIONS

Innovators at ULC Robotics join forces with contractor tRIIO and gas network
Cadent to create a new live mains inspection crawler

A STRATEGIC alliance between
ULC Robotics, tRIIO and Cadent
has resulted in the development of a
new technology to expand internal
inspection capabilities for large
diameter metallic assets. These assets
form a key part of the gas distribution
network and now, aided by funding
from Transport for London, the
M1 Live Mains Inspection Crawler
is enabling the inspection of mains
previously inaccessible by existing
technologies.
The three companies united
to conceive, develop and trial a
significantly more robust means
of pipeline inspection. This
collaborative effort has allowed
for the development of inspection
technology capable of carrying out
enablement works for critical gas
main remediation and replacement
projects on Cadent’s medium
pressure (MP) network.
Following successful live trials of
the equipment in London, Cadent
approved the system in April 2018.

BACKGROUND AND
CHALLENGES
Between the 1960s and 1980s,
internal mechanial seals were
installed throughout the gas network
to prevent leaks at joints. To allow
polyethylene (PE) pipe insertion
into the large diameter medium
pressure mains within London’s gas
distribution network, it is necessary to
remove these seals.
Prior to the development of the M1
crawler, existing pipeline inspections
Launch system enables crawler systems were unable to access
to enter pressurised mains critical sections of the London gas

U LC L I V E M A I N S I N S P E C T I O N C R A W L E R

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