Issue link: https://htpgraphics.uberflip.com/i/768723
Acoustek ® was first used as a tool for detecting blockages in high pressure natural gas pipelines. Working with Circor, the technology is now used routinely in the oil & gas industry to detect and locate blockages at distances of over 10 km. More recently, the technology has been adapted so that it can be applied to locate blockages and other features in gas distribution pipeline networks. During a two-year project, supported by all four UK gas distribution operators (National Grid, SGN, Northern Gas Networks and Wales & West) the technology has been successfully applied to survey gas distribution pipelines in over 30 trials. The technology is set to revolutionise the market as the tool designed for the gas distribution market can quickly and accurately locate features at distances of more than 300 m which reduces the number of excavations which must be made to remediate problems and ensures a more rapid resumption of service to customers. New applications of this versatile technology are being explored through collaboration with a range of partners and adaptations of the technology to new customer needs. For example, inspection companies are able to use the technology to survey heat exchanger tubing and identify corrosion and other damage more quickly than by use of existing methods. Inventor Professor Barry Lennox of the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering comments: "The work with the gas distribution operators has proven to be highly successful, with a commercial product expected to be available within the next year or so. Through our engagement with the Energy Innovation Centre and this awards programme, we are hopeful that we will secure the necessary support to see the technology undergo a thorough evaluation around the UK's gas distribution network."