TPT May 2011

T echnology U pdate

Wireless detection and communication system for utility network piping

AT the Gastech conference in Amsterdam (21-24 March), RYB, the French leader in utility networks and piping, unveiled a solution that enables detection and communication for underground assets. Developed in collaboration with CEA-Leti, the unique RFID technology revolutionises safety, monitoring and maintenance for gas, energy and dangerous matter networks, reducing the risk of industrial accidents in these areas. The risk of industrial accidents is a serious consideration in the gas and energy sectors, as well as for dangerous liquid transport in general. One of the critical aspects of these activities is related to the piping and underground networks used to carry various resources and matter. Numerous industrial accidents, sometimes with serious consequences, are directly caused by the involuntary cutting or breakage of poorly identified underground pipes. This situation is often due to incomplete network maps, or by the fact that techniques for locating pipes are complex and generally difficult to perform in the field. In order to resolve this issue, RYB worked with CEA-Leti to develop a complete wireless detection and communication system for underground networks, named ELIOT ® (equipment for localisation and identification by object technology). Dedicated to detecting networks, the technology represents a breakthrough for monitoring and maintaining networks, as PRESTIGE Industrial Pipework Equipment (PIPE) Ltd is a specialist supplier of pipework fabrication cutting and bevelling equipment. The company caters for any cutting and bevelling requirements, whether cold or hot cutting, for workshop or on-site environments. Two of the company’s most popular machine ranges are the split frame cutting and bevelling machines: the heavy duty steel frame ‘supercutter’ and the light-weight alloy body ‘MCA Clamshell’. The machines are designed for the cold cutting and bevelling of pipe, where the use of a hot cutting method is prohibited or a machined bevel is required. The split frame design enables the operator to mount the machine anywhere

well as reducing industrial risks and costs related to networks that are broken. The system provides advanced traceability for underground networks, both for infrastructure resource management and maintenance. The new generation of RFID technology developed by RYB and CEA-Leti, protected by international patents, offers the following features: • Detection up to 1.5m underground, providing accuracy within a few centimetres • Support for harsh network environments for detection, localisation and reading of information stored on a chip: networks covered by all types of ground (tar, sand, dirt, rocks, dry, wet, etc), or submerged underwater (such as in the water table) • Instant feedback • Information storage: detected network type (application), manufacturing date, installation date, serial number, diameter, nominal pressure, etc • Tags with no power supply requirement, integrated directly in the fitting or pipe, or as standalone electronic markers • A simple reading system with an adapted antenna, compatible with products available on the market • A signal measured on the surface precisely describes the detected pipe, avoiding interference in case of multiple nearby networks The new-generation RFID tags are integrated directly in piping or network parts along a pipeline to cut and bevel the pipe simultaneously. Suitable for on-site work or in areas where there is restricted access to the pipe, due to their low profile design, once clamped on the pipe, the cut and bevel is produced by an inner rotating ring, housing cutting tools mounted in spring loaded toolboxes that follow the contour of the pipe to produce an accurate weld preparation. Cutting tools are available to machine mild steel, stainless steel and exotic materials such as duplex and super-duplex. Machines are available with electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motors, with models available to cut from 1" to 60" pipe (larger sizes made to order), with all types of weld preparation achievable on wall thicknesses up to 60mm.

using the patented process. Information specific to each type of piping is embedded onto each tag. Standalone markers can be used to identify existing underground works. “Wearepleased tohave successfullymet the technical challenge of developing this detection and autonomous communication technology, specifically adapted for piping and underground networks,” commented Marc-Antoine Blin, general manager of RYB. “This solution is unique in the world today. This development effort required over three years of close collaboration with CEA-Leti, involving research on numerous potential options and over €1mn in investment. A new era has now arrived for underground network-related works. The ELIOT solution meets operator needs for gas and energy networks, as well as for the transport of dangerous matter in general, making it easier to monitor and maintain underground works and significantly reduce the risk of major industrial accidents in many sectors.” Tests were also performed on the GDF- Suez group’s experimental platform. GDF- Suez provided expertise in terms of the major issues in the field, enabling RYB/CEA-Leti to properly adapt the technical solution to real- world operational requirements. RYB SA – France Fax: +33 4 76 93 53 01 Website: www.eliot-tech.com

Pipe cutting and bevelling innovations

Other equipment that PIPE Ltd will have on show will include its extensive range of pipe jack stands and supports, pipe welding alignment clamps, and specialist pipe purging equipment. PIPE Ltd – UK

Email: sales@pipe-ltd.com Website: www.pipe-ltd.com

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