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igem news – yppc

FOAM ANNULAR SEALANT 1. squeeze to burst (squeeze)

THROUGH KEYHOLE

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPLETE SOLUTION TO SUPPORT

SGN MAINS REPLACEMENT OPERATIONS

By Stuart Sherlock, Innovation Project Officer at SGN and YPPC 2020 finalist
4. foam will continue to expand

DUE TO THE UK’S ageing metallic FIGURE 1 EXAMPLE OF ANNULAR SPACE
gas pipeline infrastructure, SGN, along
with the other gas networks, has an
obligation to replace the gas pipes
with PE pipe to maintain operational ANNULAR SPACE
safety. Operations must be carried
out efficiently to minimise disruption
to customers and road users, and
innovation plays a crucial role in
developing new techniques and more
efficient ways of working.
Over the years, SGN has developed a
number of innovative techniques and FIGURE 2 CURRENT SEALING METHOD
technologies to improve its operational
activities, increasing efficiency on
site and safety to operatives and
customers. One area of improvement
during metallic pipe replacement
is to operate in a smaller worksite
footprint, meaning reduced impact
and disruption to customers. Our
innovation projects also aim to reduce
the time spent on site, again reducing
disruption to our customers.
This paper gives an overview of the
innovation work that took place while FIGURE 3 THE FINAL FOAM ANNULAR SEALANT PRODUCT
developing the Burstpack product,
developed by SGN with project partner
Steve Vick International (SVI). I will
also describe my role and responsibility
as project manager and the skills HARDENER
developed during the project.
BURST POINT/
LEADING EDGE
Background
Overview
The current method within the gas RESIN
industry for replacing metallic mains
with PE pipe involves inserting PE pipe
through the old metallic mains, resulting MIXING POINT
in an annular space between the PE pipe GUIDE PINS
and metallic main being created.
When carrying out a service
connection, the metallic main is space must be closed to prevent soil Problem and objective
opened, exposing the PE pipe for backfilling into the annular space, Current methods for closing annular
connection. Once the service has been which can cause road surfaces to slump. spaces are expensive, cumbersome
connected and before the excavation It also prevents gas leaks travelling and require numerous personnel to
can be reinstated, the annular along the annular space. be present. They also take a long time

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