JD7 wins innovation award

A gas leak detection technology transferred from the water industry has helped secure the Innovation Award at the 2015 Gas Industry Awards for Northern Gas Networks (NGN). The gas supplier is celebrating the win after working closely with JD7, a specialised technology provider focussed on pipeline assessments and inspections in the utility sector.

NGN used ‘core n vac’ technology to take a small, circular core from the pavement or road. This was combined with JD7’s Investigator Gas system, which comprises high-resolution CCTV camera sensors and a highly sensitive acoustic sensor coupled with a sonde.

The acoustic sensor is used for precise leak detection, pinpointing pipe weakness in all materials and pressures. A combined CCTV-acoustic camera is then used to detect gas leaks, reducing the size and number of holes that need to be dug in the highways and pavement, resulting in faster repair times and minimising disruption for members of the public.

The judges were impressed with the way that NGN cleverly combined a new innovation with existing technology used outside of the gas industry.

Ian Whitehead, regional performance manager, NGN, said of the award win: “We are delighted to have won a Gas Industry Award for our ground-breaking use of acoustic camera and core n vac technology. We are the first gas distribution network to bring the two technologies together, helping us to deliver a more efficient service when repairing gas leaks. It has reduced the time taken to repair gas leaks from days to just hours, minimising disruption to our customers.”

JD7 Technical Director Daniel Krywyj said: “This is a very exciting time for all of us at JD7 and we are pleased to be recognised for our part in revolutionising leak detection and pipe repair in the gas industry. As we maintain our growth in the UK and most recently North America, we plan to continually develop innovative ways to minimise disruption to services while inspecting our infrastructure.”

The winners were announced at an event hosted by the Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IEGM) on 14 May at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane in London.

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/11062015/jd7-wins-innovation-award/