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The next evolution of CISBOT

CISBOT CAN NOW SEAL MECHANICAL AND LEAD YARN JOINTS
INTERNAL ROBOTIC GAS main and minimising customer disruption. construction between 1950–1970.
remediation is continuing to transform High quality in-pipe video footage is After conducting a recent extensive
the way gas distribution networks provided back to the networks, helping collaborative research and development
manage, repair and remediate cast to update pipeline asset records and project to expand the capabilities of
iron assets as well as playing a critical minimise asset risk through improved the system, ULC’s field services team is
role in supporting net zero targets. operational efficiency. now able to deliver the next-evolution
Using a combination of advanced Since CISBOT was first deployed in of CISBOT, which is capable of sealing
engineering and cross-collaboration GB, the system has been continually both mechanical and lead yarn joint
with the industry, the capabilities improved, including expanding the types inside 15-36in gas mains.
of the Cast Iron Joint Sealing Robot diameter sizes that can be remediated,
(CISBOT) have been further advanced and the types of joints that the system RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT & IN-HOUSE TESTING
to enable mechanical joint sealing. can seal. In April 2021, ULC worked
Throughout RIIO-GD1, ULC In 2019, ULC took additional steps collaboratively with SGN and Cadent
Technologies introduced world leading to further reduce carbon emissions to undertake a research, development,
innovative technology to the Great by expanding the ability to deliver and testing project to enable CISBOT
British (GB) gas industry. CISBOT technology from custom-made eco to upgrade mechanical joints. Field
systems were deployed across SGN and control cabins, equipped with solar samples of mechanically jointed cast
Cadent’s gas distribution networks to panels used to charge the cabins’ iron gas mains and network asset
internally seal over 100km of lead yarn generators. This eco-friendly solution records were provided, enabling ULC
joints inside live gas mains in the UK. mitigates noise pollution and minimises to gather a detailed understanding
CISBOT launches into a live gas project emissions, creating the of how mechanical joints were
main through a small excavation. opportunity to start 24-hour operations constructed to develop an effective
Using precise computer controls, in the heart of London, where the noise remediation method.
the robotic system drills and injects pollution from traditional construction Using in-house industry and
sealant into the joint from multiple activity restricts site activity. engineering expertise, ULC began
positions from inside the gas main. Historically, CISBOT has been used performing rigorous testing with
The innovation helps gas networks to remediate lead yarn joints, which selected sealants and application
overcome the typical challenges they is estimated to make up 70 per cent of methods on a pressurised 24in
face when using conventional repair or the UK gas networks’ large diameter mechanical jointed gas main sample.
replacement methods: cast iron mains construction. The DNV was commissioned by SGN to
CISBOT can remediate up to 450m in construction of this joint type was oversee the testing and development
either direction from one excavation, widely used across the UK between process and provide a third party
reducing the need for multiple 1850–1950, before mechanical joints technical validation assessment.
excavations, providing cost savings became the preferred option for The key focus areas for the testing

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