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NORTH WEST SECTION HAS ENERGY ASSETS

A BLAST AT SPADEADAM By Victoria Tickle, Energy

Assets Marketing Assistant

GAS INDUSTRY EXPERTS from
By Zenon Przybyszewski, North West Section Chair across Scotland came together for an
innovative and hands-on tour filled
IN OCTOBER, the North West Section with demonstrations surrounding
visited Cumbria’s Spadeadam Testing the topic of gas detection and safety.
& Research Centre to witness a number This informative event, hosted
of different experiments demonstrating by the IGEM Scottish Section, was
the behaviour of hydrogen. held at Glasgow’s Gas Measurement
Hosts Dan Allason and Past President Instruments Limited (GMI)
of IGEM Andy Cummings welcomed and comprised multiple short
delegates, who were treated to a light presentations and a factory tour.
buffet and a chance to network before The presentations each focused
moving outside to observe an explosion on a niche area of gas detection and
and high pressure ignitions courtesy of the tools used for the job, providing a
DNV GL’s premier testing site. ZENON AND DAN AT SPADEADAM rare, informative and thorough look
The controlled explosion was into the inner workings of the gas
fantastic to observe. Many of us have on the H21 project. He told how a street detection tools on the market and
been involved in the aftermath of such has been constructed, complete with their development processes.
events, but to see its violent force first- a terrace of test properties, to analyse Each presentation was led by
hand was a stunning experience. the characteristics of hydrogen leakage industry experts in their field,
We then moved on to the testing rigs from mains and services over 40 allowing for a brief yet in-depth
for high pressure ignitions, fuelled by different scenarios. exploration of topics usually
natural gas at 70bar. Two test ignitions Next, Andy presented a history of overshadowed by larger projects.
were demonstrated, one from a leaking the site from its beginnings as a test The audience included
flange and one through a 20mm site for Blue Streak, the UK’s part in representatives from Energy Assets,
diameter hole. The force and heat the space race. Spadeadam has been GMI, Rush Construction Services
generated by these demonstrations used for many trials since to assess Ltd, Perfect Dimensions Ltd, ULC
was an intense experience, especially the effects of failures, including what Robotics, SGN and Gas Safe Register.
as we were seeing and feeling the would have happened if Guy Fawkes The IGEM Scottish Section was
effects in darkness. had succeeded. proud to host this invaluable
After removing our PPE and enjoying This was truly a memorable visit to learning opportunity alongside GMI,
a welcome brew in the warmth of an unbelievable facility. Many thanks to helping those in the gas industry to
the conference facilities, Dan gave a the staff at DNV GL for giving their time expand their knowledge.
presentation on DNV GL’s ongoing work to entertain us.

REBELLING AGAINST EXTINCTION to show the pathways and mitigation
measures needed to limit the earth’s
temperature rise.
By Ben Smith, North East & Yorkshire Section Chair The final presentation was given by
Antony Green, IGEM President and Head
THE IGEM NORTH EAST member of Extinction Rebellion. of Engineering and Asset Management
& Yorkshire Section held its ‘Net-zero, Alan shared his concerns about for Gas Transmission at National Grid.
Climate Change, and Adaptation’ event climate change and provided an His presentation showed just how
in the main hall of Newcastle’s historic insight into Extinction Rebellion’s advanced the hydrogen feasibility and
Trinity House. strategy and structure. He also gave an implementation projects are in the UK
The event illustrated, through a overview of some emerging ideas, both gas industry. Emphasis was placed on
series of presentations, the synergy local and national, with an emphasis the need for continued national and
between changing public opinions, on permaculture design, transition international collaboration.
climate science, and the significant towns, and regenerative cultures. Following three great presentations,
projects being undertaken within the Next up was Dr Alistair Ford, Senior which promoted active listening to
gas industry to reduce emissions in Lecturer at Newcastle University. ideas both inside and outside of the
line with UK government targets. Alistair shared findings from recent gas industry and healthy debate, it was
The first presenter was Alan climate science studies, including a pleasure to award Alec Breen with
Charlton, a retired school teacher, the IPPC’s recent global warming his IGEM silver medal for his 2018
who is now involved in several report. Alistair discussed past trends paper, Established, Expert, Connected.
permaculture initiatives and is a in global temperature and used this Congratulations, Alec!

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