DPAG group sees latest BG distribution technology
DPAG group sees latest BG distribution technology
Keywords: BG Technology, Gas, Distribution
A "live" launch of its latest detection technology using "tethered pigs" was one of the highlights of a programme of demonstrations and presentations put on by BG Technology recently. The BG plc owned business was hosting a week-long visit from the Distribution Project Advisory Group (DPAG) of the Gas Research Institute (GRI) of North America.
BG's Gas Research & Technology Centre at Loughborough in Leicestershire,UK, was the venue and distribution technology was the main topic ( Plate 1).
Two GRI project managers joined representatives from five gas suppliers responsible for the deployment of new technology into the gas network. The companies represented were: Consolidated Edison, Public Service Electric &Gas (PSEG), Keyspan and the New York Gas Group (made up of 11 small companies serving some four million customers). The fifth supplier was Consumers Gas(formerly Enbridge) from Canada.
In many instances North America is grappling with a problem also endemic to the UK distribution system -- cast iron pipes well over 100 years old. BG Technology's knowledge both of this problem and in researching the most cost-effective test and renovation solutions to overcome it is well-known throughout the international gas community.
Whilst visiting Loughborough the DPAG party was also shown mains cleaning methods and "pipe bursting" rehabilitation techniques. The latter using special nose cones with pipe linings attached which, first, burst the pipe, and then pull through the lining thus retaining the pipeline's full diameter.
Plate 1 A "Live" launch of its latest detection technology using "tethered pigs" was one of the highlights of a programme of demonstrations and presentations put on by BG Technology recently
A workshop on anaerobic sealant was also held, along with an interactive session to discuss the many technology issues now facing the gas distribution market. Information Technology was also on the agenda, with software and hardware control of flow and pressure among a series of presentations.
Inevitably, environmental issues featured strongly. Here, BG Technology's programme of land remediation techniques for sites contaminated by PAHs(Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons) and benzines was presented in full to the delegates from North America. BG Technology claims to be a leader in this field as a result of the UK's long history of towns' gas contamination from the earliest days of widespread gas production and distribution.
BG Technology's Commercial Licensing Group was also amongst those giving presentations. As its research capability and reputation have grown, so demand for BG Technology's techniques has grown from utilities throughout the world. In consequence, it now has teams of demonstrators making frequent visits to other countries, demonstrating the many techniques available for use under licence.
Details are available from: BG Technology, Gas Research & Technology Centre. Tel: +44 (0) 1509 282525; Fax: +44 (0) 1509 283131; E-mail: patrick.hogan@bgtech.co.uk
