Overview
| Project No. | 728 |
|---|---|
| Contract No. | 693JK31810002 |
| Research Award Recipient | Northeast Gas Association 20 Waterview Boulevard, 4th Floor Parsippany, NJ 07054 |
| AOR | Robert Smith |
| Researcher Contact Info | Daphne D'Zurko (973) 265-1900 x214 F (973) 263-0919 ddzurko@northeastgas.org |
| Peer Review | More than Effective |
| Peer Review | Very Effective |
| Technology Demonstrated | Yes |
|---|---|
| Commercialized (in whole/part) | TBD |
| Commercial Partner | Empty Value |
| Net Improvement | Empty Value |
| Project Status | Closed |
|---|---|
| Start Fiscal Year | 2018 (08/01/2018) |
| End Fiscal Year | 2021 (04/30/2021) |
| PHMSA $$ Budgeted | $898,795.00 |
Main Objective
This project objective is to develop an on-board electric power generation and thrust generation system in order to extend battery life and increase the inspection distance of the family of Explorer robotic inspection tools. Following the completion of concept development and preliminary design of this system that is part of an ongoing and active project, NYSEARCH proposes to develop, test and commercialize this system for on-board generation of power and thrust for the in-line, live inspection of unpiggable natural gas pipelines. The deliverables will include a commercial prototype of the energy harvesting and thrust generating module integrated onto the Explorer 20/26 inspection robot.
Public Abstract
Using energy from the pipeline gas flow that the gas company members of NYSEARCH refer to as ‘Energy Harvesting', this proposal presents a plan for the development, laboratory testing, field testing, and preparation for commercial deployment of an on-board system for generating tow-force and electric power on the Explorer robots. The approach is designed to increase the robots' operational range and decrease the cost of in-line inspections of unpiggable natural gas pipelines. Specifically, the objective of the work hereby proposed is to: 1) carry out the detailed design of the power and tow-force generation system, 2) build and integrate the system onto the Explorer 20/26 platform, and 3) test the resulting system in the laboratory and in the field prior to commercial deployment. This work will be conducted by a team consisting of NYSEARCH, the research and development organization within the Northeast Gas Association (NGA); Invodane Engineering (IE), of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the developer; and Pipetel Technologies, the commercializer of the robotic technologies.
Relevant Files & Links
Final Report
Other Files
De-Brief Presentation