Page 38 - Gi flipbook June/July 2018

IGEM NEWS | Young Persons Paper Competition 2017

without gas suspension, meaning gas
users are not inconvenienced. FIGURE 7: Process flow diagram
Typical riser replacements can take
up to a week to complete, but
following a series of field tests we
have proved the Smart Riser Jacket REGULAR SAFETY
can repair a gas riser permanently in INSPECTION USE PUTTY STICK
about 30 minutes. TO STOP THE GAS
LEAKAGE
APPLICATION IN
DIFFERENT SCENARIOS YES
The jacket is designed to fit different
scenarios and environments. Aside
from use on long, straight gas risers,
the thread can be covered by a RISER YES GAS
jacket to enhance corrosion CORRODED LEAKAGE? NO
resistance under weathering. GAS LEAKAGE
The slim design of the uPVC STOP?
shell means it can also fit in narrow
gaps that cannot be easily reached NO YES
by a machine. NO

High reliability USE SEALANT ON THE CORRODED RISER
The Smart Jacket Riser has been
tested for its protection abilities
under different pressures.
Laboratory tests showed the design INJECT FOAM DUCT SEALANT INSIDE THE SHELL
withstood up to 700kPa of gas
pressure. This test pressure is much
higher than a normal riser would be
expected to endure, which is only COVER THE RISER WITH THE uPVC SHELL
7.5kPa. Moreover, the design
performed well in an outdoor
weathering test, remaining in good SPREAD ANTI-CORROSION PAINT ON THE SHELL
condition after 18 months of
exposure. Both tests proved the
Smart Riser Jacket is a reliable
method for riser repair.
END OF INSPECTION
Cost and material saving
Compared with riser replacement,
the cost of the Smart Riser Jacket is REPORT THE GAS CLOSE THE GAS
lower as the raw materials are LEAKAGE VALVE TO STOP THE
cheaper. Besides this, the Smart Riser FOR FURTHER ACTION GAS LEAKAGE
Jacket is quick and easy to install,
reducing labour costs. Considering a
0.3m hole on a 3m service riser, the
cost of using the Smart Riser Jacket is
33 per cent less than replacement. TABLE 3: Cost comparison
Without removing the whole riser
section, the Smart Riser Jacket is RISER REPLACEMENT SMART RISER JACKET
estimated to save 22.3 tons of
material waste each year, Material cost $2,611 Material cost $1,720
contributing a great deal to our Scaffolding cost $2,970 Scaffolding cost $1,980
environmental sustainability goals.
Total $5,581 Total $3,700
Avoidance of service
lateral corrosion CONCLUSION of the gas service, reducing
As previously mentioned, riser The Smart Riser Jacket provides an inconvenience to users. As the
replacement induces stress on the alternative method with less risk, number of aging buildings increases
lateral risers and worsens their lower costs and shorter repair times. in Hong Kong, it is expected that gas
corrosion status. Fortunately, the This cost-effective method can be riser repairs will also increase. A quick
Smart Riser Jacket avoids riser implemented in a wide variety of and effective repair method such as
removal, therefore ensuring gas situations. Moreover, the gas riser the Smart Riser Jacket can help to
supply safety with fewer hidden risks. can be repaired without suspension overcome this rising demand. ■

38

IGEMNews_YPPC.indd 3 17/05/2018 17:17