Innovation Exchange challenge: Identifying the material of hidden domestic gas pipework and its condition

Cadent Gas is looking for solutions to non-intrusively identify and assess hidden gas pipework in homes and commercial buildings across the UK.

Opportunity Details

When

Registration Opens

26/04/2023

Registration Closes

09/06/2023

Award

Successful applicants will be given the opportunity to pitch their innovation to Cadent Gas who are leading the work on behalf of all UK network operators. Selected solution(s) will be trialed by Cadent, with the possibility of further adoption upon successful trials.

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The challenge

Cadent Gas is looking for innovative solutions which enable efficient non-intrusive identification and assessment of hidden gas pipework in homes, commercial buildings and public buildings (supermarkets, hospitals, schools) within their gas network. They currently carry out a visual inspection of pipework where possible and conduct a 21mbar pressure test (higher pressures used in commercial premises) to check the pipes and joints are intact. They are interested in what could be done beyond these current measures.

This IX challenge focusses on finding novel techniques to enable identification of the material that the pipework is made from, and its condition hidden within the walls and floor of the building. Gas pipes within buildings are typically copper or steel, however, short sections/components of lead and iron may be found. The solution should locate any cracks or weaknesses within the pipe material and could also assess the tightness and integrity of the joints.

The device must be suitable for use in a typical UK home (limited space) and is anticipated to be hand-held making it easy for a single trained operative to carry and use. The device should display the pipework and joints for the operative to inspect onsite.

The device will be gathering data from thousands of homes so the assessment process should be quick and efficient (approx. 30 minutes). A balance between accuracy and assessment duration is required. The device should be capable of transmitting the gathered data to the Cadent offices at regularly intervals (real time transmission is not required).

Under separate IX challenges Cadent is looking for devices which will identify the location of the pipework within the building and assess how well the pipework was originally assembled – see our Opportunities page for details.

Who can apply

Entrants to this competition must be:

  • Established businesses, start-ups, SMEs, academics or individual entrepreneurs
  • UK based or have the intention to set up a UK base

Partnerships and consortia of organisations are welcome to apply to this competition.

If you feel you can only address part of this challenge, please apply and clearly state which aspects of the challenge your solution can address.

For further technical requirements, operating conditions, and more details on IP and commercialisation, visit the Innovation Exchange site at the link below.

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