Network Innovation – Remote Monitoring of Odorant

Cathodic Protection Co. Ltd (CPCL) have embarked on a joint venture with Wales & West Utilities installing Remote Monitoring equipment to monitor and analyse the concentration of Odorant within their gas network. Wales & West Utilities look after the pipes that keep the gas flowing to heat homes, power businesses and keep the lights on across Wales and south west England.

The Network Innovation Allowance-funded project investigates odorant concentration and Benzene levels at specific areas of interest across the network. The equipment has been successfully installed and commissioned at two sites located in Wem, Shropshire and Waun Fawr, Aberystwyth in December 2020.

Using a spectrometer technique, the Spectra equipment and software (provided by CPCL partners, Automa SRL) can analyse various components within the gas and send daily reports, as well as alerts to the user through a central software platform, WebPressure, compliant with state-of-the-art IT security standards. The system collects a small sample of gas within its chamber and following a short analysis period results are sent via the local Remote Monitoring device back to the server.

Rob Holden (CPCL, Managing Director) said “Wales & West Utilities is a long-standing client of CPCL, and we are very pleased to be working with them on this innovative project. Although new to the UK market, the Spectra system has a proven track record internationally. We are confident that the trial will quickly demonstrate the operational benefits that result from regular and accurate data on gas quality.”

Karl Toozer Wales & West Utilities Network Services First Line Manager leads a team of engineers that maintain the control and monitoring equipment of the gas network in north Wales. He said:  “We’ve installed the Spectra equipment in two places across our North Wales network – and through its Odorant monitoring, it will help make sure our engineers work as efficiently as possible. Now more than ever, people are relying on us to keep the gas flowing safely, and this tool will help us deliver for the communities we serve”

Catherine Lister (Wales & West Utilities Technical Support Manager is part of the companies Control Room team. She  added “This equipment will enhance our remote monitoring capability, helping us make operational and maintenance decisions to keep the gas flowing safely.”

CPCL can provide further details on the Spectra, which can be adapted to suit customer requirements. For more information or to receive a quotation please contact us at sales@cathodic.co.uk and for further information on the innovation project, please visit the Smarter Networks Portal here.