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this work, NGN teamed up with
specialist suppliers Synthotech and
ALH Systems to build a state-of-the-
art robot that can travel down large
diameter pipes.
The resulting robot, STASS (System
Two Access and Seal Solution) has
been nicknamed STAN by engineers,
and since early 2019, has been
regularly deployed under the streets of
the North of England.

A camera and an engineer in one small package
Measuring just 430mm in length, STAN
can be inserted vertically into a pipe,
before travelling up to 130 metres along
its length in either direction.
The robot is equipped with a camera that
transmits live footage of a pipe’s condition
back to the operator on the surface. It
can also treat imperfections in a pipe’s
joints by applying a special ‘flexspray’,
supplied by project partner ALH.
This keyhole surgery approach to
pipe inspection and repair is what
appealed to NGN, promising the
smallest possible excavation in order
to target leaking pipe joints.
Following a successful application for
Network Innovation Allowance funding,
an 18-month process of development with
Synthotech got underway in June 2017.

Trials and refinement
The project team trialled a number
of different variants of the robot
throughout 2018, before settling on a
version which had a longer wheel base,
enabling faster and easier negotiation
of pipe debris.
Field trials were held in demanding
conditions, including under a busy
four-way road junction in Huddersfield.
Mark Tindley, Synthotech’s Managing
Director, said: “STASS is the first robot
in the UK gas distribution industry to
be owned, managed and operated by
a direct labour team, passing the cost
benefit back directly to the network.
“Working with NGN and their
integrated innovation model has meant
that the operational team has been
part of the development from day one,
thus allowing us to develop a robot that
meets the challenging requirements of
NGN’s operations.”
Northern Gas Networks introduces STAN, the robo-engineer To support the use of STAN, ALH
on the front line of pipeline maintenance repurposed an existing technique
N orthern Gas Networks (NGN) Their size and location often makes established method – applying a saddle
known as bond and bolt. This
to the crown of a main – allows access
these maintenance and repair jobs
owns and maintains around
to large diameter mains without the
extremely time-consuming and
1,700 kilometres of large
expensive, as well as disruptive to
diameter gas mains.
need for large excavations.
These pipes, the motorways
As well as increasing efficiency and
of the ‘tier 2’ low pressure network, motorists due to the size and number of reducing impact, it’s a much safer way
excavations required.
require regular upkeep and assessment. In an effort to accelerate and simplify of gaining internal access to the main.
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