TORS:Tier One
Replacement System
Gas Distribution Networks face the relentless challenge of continually reducing costs, consumer disruptions, traffic disruption and carbon emissions. One of the leading contributors to these factors is the replacement of old iron gas mains and services. The process is labour intensive, requires extensive excavation, and leads to large disruptions to service and traffic. Until now.
Project Overview
TORS is a multi stage robotic platform for the installation of connections in relined iron gas mains to newly lined gas services. TORS operates entirely inside the newly relined mains pipe, and is able to drill, install, electrofuse and integrity check service fittings. This reduces the need for excavation by at least 50%. The project was funded by a Network Innovation Allowance through Cadent Gas, who partnered with us on the project.
How does TORS Work?
TORS features a multi stage design, with separate modules for completion of each step in the service connection process. The robot identifies the location of the old service connection, drills through the newly inserted PE lining, inserts the new PE fitting, pulls the service into place, electrofuses the parts in place, and tests the integrity of the connection.
What stage is the Project in?
The collaboration between Cadent Gas and Synthotech on TORS has now ended. TORS was field tested successfully and showed operational viability, however, Cadent elected not to progress the project due to their GD1 cost benefit analysis. We are open to continuing the project into GD2 with the right collaborative partner.
How could TORS support GDN operations?
TORS offers a wide range of benefits to GDNs if implemented. The most surface level of these is the massive cost and time saving on traditional service and main replacement methods, however there are a wide range of other benefits. These include reducing interruption to customer’s service, capability for 24hr working due to quiet operation, and massive reductions in traffic disruption.
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