At one of London’s most iconic sites, gas distribution company Cadent, has a project to repair a number of gas escapes on the roundabout at Trafalgar Square.
Only one excavation has had to be dug to complete the repair. This week, a robot camera will be put into the main and thread through two 24" low pressure gas pipes.
Once a fault has been located, the robot will spray a sealant onto the inside of the gas pipe to complete the repair and stop any further gas escapes.
The robot will enter the gas pipe at a point where two pipes meet in Trafalgar Square. The robot will investigate the pipes 125metres in each direction from this single point, along the Strand, Pall Mall and Whitehall. All from one excavation.
George Blatchford, repair engineering apprentice explained, "The beauty of this technology is that we only have to use one small excavation, to carry out the investigation and repair work, not long excavations exposing all of the pipes.
"Another benefit of this type of repair is that we don't have to disrupt any gas supplies. All this work can be carried out whilst the gas is still in the gas pipes."
“Last week engineers were preparing the pipes and this week the robot will be put in the pipes to complete the repair."
Cadent is also working with the local authority, so their contractor can complete some repair on to the road surface at the same time. Working together we can avoid further disruption to traffic in the future.
George continued, "It’s not only about keeping the gas flowing but keeping the traffic moving too, keeping any disruption to a minimum."
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
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