GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

847-768-0500 | www.gastechnology.org

1700 S Mount Prospect Rd Des Plaines, IL 60018

Developing New Technology, Technical Insight, and Training

AGA Operations Conference & Biennial Exhibition | May 19-22, 2015 | Grapevine, TX

EMAT Sensor Researchers have developed a bench-scale electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) sensor that allows operators to detect cracks and defects in transmission pipelines. Pipeline failure due to cracks and other planar manufacturing and construction defects is one of the core causes of gas pipeline failures. The EMAT sensor is designed to assess small diameter and unpiggable pipelines, find the cracks in the welds and pipe walls without a liquid couplant, and improve overall system integrity and safety.

The next step of this project is to develop a field-ready prototype to test various defects and conditions in a controlled, unpressurized field environment. Field-testing will ultimately lead to a field demonstration on a live gas line and commercialization.

GTI | OTD | Quest Integrated, Inc.

Gas Safety BreakawayResidential gas meters, and other aboveground gas facilities, are exposed to risks from a variety of outside forces. The new Gas Safety Breakaway technology reduces potential hazards (e.g. vehicle collisions, fire, falling ice or snow) and enhances the overall safety in the delivery of natural gas. If a significant force occurs to the meter set, the Gas Safety Breakaway fitting disconnects from the gas line and shuts off the flow of gas.

GTI and OTD project sponsors are now moving forward with pilot installation trials to further evaluate and assist with the implementation of the breakaway fittings; from ease of installation to providing protection in case of impact. The project team is seeking additional sponsors to assist with pilot installations.

GTI | OTD | OPW Engineered Systems

GTI | OTD | Mainline Control Systems Kleiss Flow Stopping SystemThe Kleiss Flow Stopping System stops the flow of gas in natural gas pipelines operating at pressures up to 60 psig. The technology is designed to reduce equipment weight, size, and complexity, making it portable and easy to use. The system provides for safe opera-tion with a gas tight seal and integrated pressure sensors to monitor the pressure in the stopper as well as in the pipeline.

The innovative system uses a patented multi-dimensional safety (MDS) stopper instead of conventional flow stopping methods. The MDS stopper is a user-friendly, flexible, stopper device which can stop off gas in any type of pipe material (PE, PVC, steel, cast iron, etc.) or wall thickness and various pipe diameters. By using high-quality materials, implementation of strict production requirements, and a 3X safety factor, the MDS Stopper offers the optimum security when working on pressurized pipes.

GIS SolutionsGeospatial information system (GIS) technology is helping utilities to view information in advanced geographical maps, providing a more holistic and graphical view of infrastructure and assets. Developed with sponsorship from OTD, GTI has developed an asset lifecycle tracking technology that maps and collects field data within a GIS environment. The technology is part of the 3-GIS Mobile 2.1 platform and integrates with high-accuracy GPS and barcode scanning in real-time. The technology is now marketed as LocusMap through LocusView, a new start-up and subsidiary of GTI International providing advanced mobile geospatial solutions.

GPS Excavation Encroachment GTI is developing and deploying GPS technology to track excavation activity and prevent damage. The technology can provide the ability to alert supervisors and pipeline owners when digging is encroaching upon pipelines and other facilities.

Researchers initially partnered with Virginia Utility Protection Service (VUPS), a one-call center for utility locates, to pilot the initial GPS Excavation Encroachment technology. As the technology improved, it became possible to use low-cost hardware and GIS concepts to monitor, alert and characterize the movements of construction equipment in real-time. GTI most recently partnered with Pacific Gas and Electric to pilot the monitoring of construction equipment in the field and provide awareness to stakeholders.

Keyhole TechnologyGTI is developing, testing, and facilitating innovative keyhole technologies for utility system installations, repairs, and rehabilitation. Excavation and restoration expenses cost U.S. natural gas companies more than $1 billion annually. GTI’s Keyhole Consortium—comprised of over 30 members from manufacturers and utilities—promotes and assists in the implementation of various trenchless techniques that substantially decrease excavation and restoration costs while reducing public inconveniences and increasing safety. Some of the most significant keyhole developments include “how to” videos, guideline documents, keyhole tooling, and development of procedures. To become a member or to learn more, visit www.gtikeyhole.com.

TrainingGTI provides training and professional development for the energy industry for gas distri-bution and transmission professionals, field personnel, and others who work in, or with, the industry. Our training is available in our classrooms or onsite at a company’s facility or as self-paced online study. A blended training plan can be a combination of these options.

GTI recently introduced 77 training modules on Natural Gas Field Skills for online training or instructor-led courses that can be delivered by your own trainers. Each module covers a specific task for practical knowledge and Operator Qualification preparation. We can also customize material from our course portfolio for specific company needs, including integrating our training material with your in-house training.

Join our Collaborative ProgramsGTI succeeds in a broad array of collaborative research programs which reduce the time and investment required to get new technology to market. We offer a consortium approach, through which a group of interested parties fund and help steer the direction of a project, while GTI manages the program and performs the research and product development. For example, Operations Technology Development (OTD) develops, tests, and deploys new technologies related to integrity, safety, and reliability of gas infrastructure and operations (www.otd-co.org).

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