Reduct As-Built Check Services

Reduct As-built data

by Reduct

 

Reduct As-built data

 

The most cost-effective way for utilities to ensure independent, consistent and accurate as-built data for trenched and trenchless network infrastructure.

 

The as-built accuracy dilemma

 

Accurate as-built maps are essential for the safety and integrity of underground utility networks. When awarding new network installation projects to contractors, utilities expect or assume they will receive post-installation as­built data. However, that is not always the case, particularly when the utility’s tender document is unclear about the as-built accuracy or the measurement method to be used. When left open for interpretation, inaccurate as-planned data, or worse, end up in the GIS platform.

 

However, many utilities are reluctant to tighten as-built accuracy or method requirements in tenders because they do not have the means to implement a Quality Assurance and Control (QA/QC) process to verify the requirements.

 

Recognizing this dilemma, Reduct Cloud Services has introduced the As-Built Check (ABC) service. The ABC service integrates technology, training, and quality control into a one-stop concept. The utility only needs to amend the as-built requirement clauses in their tender documents for new build trenched and trenchless network installations. Reduct will equip and train the designated contractors with the appropriate gyro­mapping technology. Once operational, Reduct experts can remotely monitor the performance of each measurement, operator, and mapping tool. Daily or weekly reports can be sent to the utility.

 

The ABC service is offered on a per-meter or foot basis.

 

Reduct desktop

 

How the As-Built Check service works

 

Interaction with the utility

 

• The utility adds accuracy and method specifications to the new-build tender document.

• The contractor delivers the as-built report as usual.

• Simultaneously, performance data are sent to the Reduct Cloud for quality assessment.

• The utility receives a daily or weekly performance quality report for all installation activity since the previous report, and, if necessary, recommended or planned remedial actions.

 

Interaction with the contractors

 

• Each contractor receives performance reports per measurement, unit or operator.

• Reduct QA/QC experts will suggest procedural changes, additional training, or other performance-enhancing measures when necessary.

• Reduct QA/QC experts will liaise with product engineers to implement mechanical adjustments to the equipment to improve performance further.

 

Reduct as-built diagram

 

Contact your Territory Manager for more information on Reduct pipeline mapping tools, or visit www.egwutilitysolutions.com/reduct.

 

Take no risk, get it mapped!

 

Reduct Case Study – Steel pipe bend radius verification (1000xD Rule)

Reduct case study 5

by Reduct

Pipe Material: Steel

Pipe Size: 12.7″ OD

Pipe Length:  427′

Pipe Depth: 15′

Product:

Reduct DR-4

 

When installing pressurized steel pipes, the long-term integrity of the pipe is paramount. Wall thickness and bend specifications typically follow industry ‘rules of thumb’. The 1000xD rule for steel pipe HDD installations is one of them. This rule states that the bend radius of a (straight section) pipe must be at least 1000 times the pipe’s diameter. Engineers specify the wall thickness and other properties of the pipe based on this rule, and a bend radius smaller than 1000xD could lead to higher than desired stress on the pipe. Higher stress equals higher risk.

 

 

Reduct case study 5

 

 

Because the DuctRunner technology logs at 100Hz frequency (100 samples per second), the 2D and 3D bend radius of a pipe can be accurately determined. In this case, an HDD curve was designed to comfortably meet the 1000xD rule. However, the depth profile of the Reduct measurement reveals that the actual curve deviates significantly from the design, particularly between 40 and 70 meters of bore length.

 

The pipe in this case study has a diameter of 323mm. Following the 1000xD rule a minimum radius of 323m should be observed (black dashed line). Using the X-View bend radius calculator, the minimum radius observed is only 190m. A radius of 190m is equal to about 590xD, a serious undercutting of the Industry Standard specification. As a result, the pipe did not pass the customer’s safety specifications and had to be removed and re-drilled by the contractor.

 

For more information on the Reduct DR-4, click here.

 

Reduct Case Study – Beware of Straight-line HDD As-built Data in Your GIS platform

Reduct Case Study 4

by Reduct

Pipe Material: HDPE

Pipe Size: 1.5″ ID

Pipe Length:  1,416′

Pipe Depth: 45′

Product:

Reduct DR-2

 

Reduct case study

 

A telecom utility was requested to provide duct depth information to the waterway authorities ahead of a planned deepening of the canal that the duct crosses. The utility owner realized that for this particular HDD crossing, the data stored in their GIS platform was unreliable, so they commissioned a gyro survey.

 

The mapping result proved this to be a wise decision because the actual location of the duct infrastructure was significantly different. In fact, the segment contained an HDD and, subsequently, a trenched segment back to the public road.

 

Reduct case study depth profile

 

Although this is an extreme case, all too often, as-built data stored in GIS platforms is as-planned/as-permitted data, or in case both of those are not available, a straight line between the nearest known manholes. At first sight, straight lines may appear plausible for HDD segments, but in reality, and with 20+ years of data to prove it, they hardly ever are!

 

For more information on the Reduct DR-2, click here.

 

 

Features and Benefits of 3D Gyroscopic Pipeline Mapping

Reduct 3D pipeline mapping

by Reduct

Reduct Gyroscopic Mapping

 

What is Gyroscopic Pipeline Mapping?

 

Gyroscopic pipeline mapping is a technique used within the utility pipeline construction and survey sectors to provide 3D geographical information on underground utility pipes and ducts.

 

As an autonomous Orientation Measurement Unit (OMU) passes through a pipe or duct, a range of inertial sensors captures its change in heading, inclination, and acceleration at high frequency.

 

The resulting 3D profile links to the pipe segment’s start and endpoint coordinates, and an as-built map is created, which can be immediately uploaded into any GIS platform.

 

Reduct gyroscopic map

 

Gyroscopic mapping of underground utility pipes uses:

 

• Damage prevention The lack of underground utility data is a significant cause of pipeline damage, injuries, death, environmental damage, and delays during civil engineering projects. Gyroscopic mapping of underground utilities improves the data quality of utility survey records. 

 

• Stress analysis Pressurized pipes typically must adhere to minimum bend radius specifications. Thanks to the high-frequency sampling rate, the standard bend radius calculation feature in the Reduct gyroscopic mapping solutions instantly yields highly accurate bend radius information.

 

• Flow management in gravity sewer systems As the name suggests, gravity is used in most sewers, and deformations resulting in localized sagging could lead to clogging of the pipe over time. That is why an inclination assessment of newly installed sewer systems before contractor handover or at periodic intervals of existing sewer systems is essential for optimal network management.

 

• Maintenance planning As policy demands, all utilities must be maintained and inspected periodically. However, the level of maintenance required may vary depending on the pipe’s condition or the soil surrounding it.

 

Sometimes a pipe can traverse several types of soil or is situated in an earthquake-prone area. Through periodic mapping, you can detect changes in pipeline subsidence at an early stage and redirect maintenance dollars to those areas where pipe movement is most severe.

 

Reduct gyroscopic mapping

 

Benefits of gyroscopic mapping technology

• Does not require aboveground tracing or tracking Gyro-mapping tools operate autonomously between entry and exit points.


• Can map at any depth Because tracing or tracking is not necessary, the probe can map deep-laying pipes, pipes crossing underneath rivers, highways, train tracks, or buildings with ease.


• Unaffected by groundwater level and electromagnetic interference A significant advantage over other types of locating technologies.


• Takes less than one hour to perform measurement Once the unit has run through the pipe four times, you can analyze the data on-site by uploading it to the field laptop.


• Samples at high frequency At 100Hz (100 samples per second), gyro mapping creates a very rich data set from which accurate and highly detailed positional and bend radius information can be derived.

 

Reduct Gyroscopic Mapping

 

When is the best moment to gyro-map underground utilities?

 

• Right after installation Mapping a pipe immediately after installation is the most cost-efficient moment in a pipe’s life cycle to obtain an accurate as-built. Besides the value as an independent technology to verify the contractor’s performance, it will also help protect your pipe from 3rd party damage during its remaining operational lifetime.

 

• Temporarily decommissioned utility pipes For existing pipelines with questionable as-built data, the best moment to map is during shutdowns for maintenance or repairs. The highly efficient operational procedures of gyro-mapping systems mean that the incremental shutdown time is minimal. Typically, you can map a 500m section of pipe in less than one hour.

 

To learn more, visit www.egwutilitysolutions.com/reduct.

 

Don’t take the risk, get it mapped!

 

ZEVAC: Starting Points for Local Distribution Companies

ZEVAC group

by ZEVAC

 

ZEVAC group

 

Getting started guide to fleet selection and starting ZEVAC® implementations

 

INTRODUCTION: What is ZEVAC & How it works

 

ZEVAC® stands for Zero Emission Vacuum And Compressor. ZEVAC® comes in various form factors and sizes and has been used by natural gas operators and contractors to perform a myriad of tasks. In this application guide, we will explain how ZEVAC® can be utilized to do a wide variety of work without venting gas. These procedures are for informational purposes only and should not be used without good judgment and operational practices. Our goal is to end the practice of intentional venting, and we hope this guide assists you in changing the way you do work for the better.

 

ZEVAC® works by transferring product (liquids and gasses) from one pressurized system to another. In most applications, this takes the form of moving the product from one part of the system to another by compressing gas from one side (“suction” or “drawdown” side) to the other side (“discharge” or “injection”) of a valve or isolation point. Occasionally, transfers from one system to another separate system are performed, and those differences are noted in this guide.

 

The ZEVAC® is a linear compressor. This means there is no spinning crankshaft or rotating drivetrain, which affords the ZEVAC® equipment some special functionality and advantages such as handling 100% gas as well as mixed gas and liquids even up to 100% liquid service. Whether your ZEVAC® equipment is pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric driven, you will find the ZEVAC® to be a simple and robust tool that can be integrated into your daily operations with minimal disruption to normal daily operations. The basic working principle is illustrated here:

 

Zevac working principal illustration

 

In the ZEVAC® equipment, the actuator is driven in a linear, reciprocating motion. The back-and-forth action of the actuator powers a double-acting compressor section. Together, an actuator and compressor section is called a ZEVAC® Core. Each Core can act independently, and multiple Cores can be arranged in parallel to increase flow rate, or cores can be arranged in series to increase the overall compression ratio and discharge pressure. Each core uses an actuator and compressor section to draw in the product through a set of 1-way check valves to fill the compressor section and then pushes the product out on the reverse stroke through another set of 1-way check valves. In this way, the ZEVAC® core can move 100% liquids, mixed fluids, or 100% gaseous products.

 

Through this simple and robust, patented functionality, ZEVAC® is used daily to transfer pressurized products in a way that enables operators to depressurize systems for operations and maintenance without releasing the product(s) to the environment.

 

ZEVAC for DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

 

Natural Gas Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) have unique challenges that are different from other parts of the natural gas supply chain. Some of the issues related to operations and maintenance of LDC systems include:

 

• Urban Environments
• Traffic
• Odorized Gas
• Public Visibility
• Weather-dependent flow conditions
• Unionized workforce
• Long budget cycles
• Public Utility Commission Approvals
• Overpressure Protection Critical
• Old Infrastructure
• Aggressive ESG Ambitions

 

This list could go on for several pages, but it is evident through our experiences with LDC operators that what works out in the oilfield doesn’t usually work in the city, and vice versa. We will show in this section how distribution operators are using ZEVAC to perform the following activities without venting gas.

 

Main Replacements – Main replacement programs are large scale planned operations where old (usually cast iron and bare steel) pipe is replaced with modern piping systems. Traditionally, the old main would be vented for retirement.

 

Commissioning New Lines – Newly laid distribution piping is traditionally “purged into service” by blowing gas through the lines and venting a gas + air mixture until a suitable gas purity is achieved.

 

Meters & Regulators – Small systems such as meters and regulators have frequent maintenance requirements such as calibration, repair, and replacement that require the equipment to be depressurized prior to the work being performed.

 

Odorization – Odorization equipment poses unique challenges related to the saturation of mercaptan that frequently results in “leak” calls if any venting occurs.

 

Main Repairs – When valve replacements, tie-ins, or cutouts are required, venting is part of the traditional standard procedures.

 

There are many different approaches to getting started, and we will show 3 ways operators are using ZEVAC® to achieve the same end result, but without the venting of the product. Notes are made in the procedures where we have seen different operators use different methods. Ultimately, each LDC will decide what works best for them, but we encourage operators to challenge their field personnel and contractors to find a way to do the work without venting.

 

OPTION 1: Maximum Company & Culture Impact

LDC Operators who want to drive ESG goals throughout the company

 

• Favors higher numbers of smaller equipment placed with many crews
• Impacts as many people as possible
• Drives ESG awareness and “culture of gas containment”
• Equip a high % of people who vent gas to perform capture & recycle
• Address a high % of methane venting occurrences

 

This approach usually occurs with operators who are currently under or anticipate regulation that focuses on intentional releases. By equipping a large number of people and crews to do daily work without venting, these operators are focused on preparing their workforce to behave in a way that controls the gas instead of releasing. When larger projects occur, these operators can mobilize several of their smaller machines to work in tandem on a large drawdown, mimicking the performance of the larger ZEVAC® equipment.

 

Sample projects and anticipated results using ZEVAC MINI powered by crew truck air

 

• 1000’ of 2” pipe, 25 psig → 0 (<5 minutes) [60 scf recovered]
• 5280’ of 8” pipe, 25 psig → 0 (3 hrs) [5mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 8” pipe, 100 psig → 0 (7 hrs) [14.4mcf recovered]

 

Sample projects and anticipated results using ZEVAC TWIN LP powered by 185cfm

 

• 1000’ of 2” pipe, 25 psig → 0 (<5 minutes) [60 scf recovered]
• 5280’ of 8” pipe, 25 psig → 0 (2 hrs) [5mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 8” pipe, 100 psig → 0 (4 hrs) [14.4mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 8” pipe, 230 psig → 0 (12 hrs) [30.7mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 12” pipe, 230 psig → 0 (28 hrs) [69mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 12” pipe, 400 psig → 0 (48 hrs) [117mcf recovered]

 

OPTION 2: Large Project Focus

LDC Operators who want to use high-profile projects to deliver emissions reduction

 

• Favors smaller numbers of larger equipment placed with specialty crews
• Impacts large projects with fewer deployments
• Drives ESG awareness by making high-profile projects emission-less
• Equip a focused group of people who vent gas to perform capture & recycle
• Address a smaller % of methane venting occurrences, typically larger releases per event

 

This approach usually occurs with operators who are currently looking for a solution to address a handful of applications that have large releases associated with them. By concentrating on a small number of people and crews who are involved with high-emission projects, these operators are focused on getting the “low hanging fruit” in terms of the largest releases. When larger projects aren’t going on, these specialty crews and large equipment can make short work of smaller drawdowns, which can be a good way to show the other departments how quick & easy it is to recover gas instead of venting.

 

Sample projects and anticipated results using ZEVAC TWIN LP powered by 185cfm

 

• 1000’ of 2” pipe, 25 psig → 0 (<5 minutes) [60 scf recovered]
• 5280’ of 8” pipe, 25 psig → 0 (2 hrs) [5mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 8” pipe, 100 psig → 0 (4 hrs) [14.4mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 8” pipe, 230 psig → 0 (12 hrs) [30.7mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 12” pipe, 230 psig → 0 (28 hrs) [69mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 12” pipe, 400 psig → 0 (48 hrs) [117mcf recovered]

 

Sample projects and anticipated results using ZEVAC QUAD powered by 375cfm

 

• 1000’ of 2” pipe, 25 psig → 0 (<5 minutes) [60 scf recovered]
• 5280’ of 8” pipe, 25 psig → 0 (1 hrs) [5mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 8” pipe, 100 psig → 0 (2 hrs) [14.4mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 8” pipe, 230 psig → 0 (6 hrs) [30.7mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 12” pipe, 230 psig → 0 (14 hrs) [69mcf recovered]
• 5280’ of 12” pipe, 400 psig → 0 (24 hrs) [117mcf recovered]

 

OPTION 3: Minimum Company Burden

LDC Operators who want to utilize contractors and non-company resources

 

• Favors an engineering and standards approach to ESG efforts
• Allows flexibility of scale & timeline vs cost on large projects
• Drives ESG awareness by standardizing emissions reductions into procedures and standards

 

This approach usually occurs with operators who are organized with an engineering-first structure where a standardized approach is developed and then written into the company’s O&M manual or bid documents. By deploying standards and procedures, these operators enable each department and operating group to scale their efforts up and down as their workloads go up and down. Many LDCs are not doing much venting during the winter due to the slowdown in maintenance activity, and they do lots of work in the summer – so a standards approach allows the operator to avoid being locked into a certain set of equipment and instead places the burden of fleet and manpower onto the crews who are doing that work anyway. These crews, by being on-site already as part of a project, can use ZEVAC in a cost-effective way.

 

Sample specification language:

 

“This work has the potential to emit approx. ____ scf of natural gas if performed with a blowdown. All bidders are expected to utilize ZEVAC to reduce actual emissions to <5% of the potential to emit”.

 

“In support of our sustainability and ESG goals, the company requires the use of ZEVAC or similar emission recovery equipment to reduce all emissions to less than ___ scf”

 

“Contractor will perform the pipeline cleaning work. During this pipeline cleaning and in-line inspection work, a filter/separator unit with the frac tank will be utilized to separate and collect any debris or liquids that are present in the pipeline. Additionally, on a needed basis, ZEVAC units will be used to recover natural gas eliminating blowdown to the atmosphere. Bidder may provide a separate quote for filter/separator and frac tank, ZEVAC units, and/or combinations of equipment.”

 

“Contractor is expected to perform this work using tools such as ZEVAC to meet the company’s goal of ____% emission reduction this year. Any work that does not meet this goal should be approved through the project manager for an exception.”

 

SUMMARY: All of the Above, Eventually

LDC Operators will use all 3 approaches as ESG programs mature

 

• Large projects will get focus and attention from large equipment and specialty crews
• Smaller, high-frequency work will impact the culture and will align the workforce with ESG
• Contractors respond to standards and bid requirements, which can be modified to transfer the effort to the EPC and contractor workforces who can act as a peak-shaving and force-multiplying lever for LDC operators to use.

 

ZEVAC checklist diagram A

ZEVAC checklist diagram B

ZEVAC checklist diagram C

ZEVAC checklist diagram D

ZEVAC checklist diagram E

 

For more information on the ZEVAC and to request a demonstration, click here.

 

About ZEVAC

ZEVAC was founded in 2014  as TPE Midstream and holds multiple issued and pending patents on the ZEVAC and its underlying technology. ZEVAC also operates a full-service equipment rental division, with offices in Pittsburgh PA, Tulsa OK, and Temecula CA. ZEVAC supports operators by providing the equipment they need to perform pipeline system maintenance safely while being heroes in their neighborhoods and taking care of the environment they operate in.