The project has helped create a blueprint to repurpose gas networks for hydrogen use
Stats Group, pipeline technology specialists, has helped to safely isolate a live 18" high-pressure hydrogen pipeline in SGN's LYS Futures project
Stats patented Bisep tool, widely utilised on global oil and gas assets, was deployed as a leak-tight line-stopping technology, which is safe to use on high-pressure hydrogen pipelines.
The SGN LTS Futures project explored the potential of repurposing the Local Transmission System (LTS) from natural gas to hydrogen to help meet the challenging UK Net Zero targets.
The trial's success is a significant development on the path to reaching net-zero emission targets and could lead to SGN's 11,600km UK gas network being repurposed to transport hydrogen rather than hydrocarbons.
The project was part of SGN's LTS Futures trial, which took place on a representative 30km stretch of pipeline running from Grangemouth to Granton in Edinburgh.
SGN hope the lessons learned on LTS Futures will 'create a blueprint' for repurposing the entire LTS to hydrogen, providing a foundation for a net-zero energy system.
The work included installing a DNV proprietary Grouted Tee to provide access for Stats to perform hot tapping, line-stopping, swarf dispersal, and completion plug installation. During the Live Trial, the Stats Bisep line-stopping tool delivered a fail-safe, 100% leak-tight double-block-and-bleed isolation.
The Bisep required validation to operate safely and leak-tight at high-pressure hydrogen, posing unique operational parameters. Bisep increases safety and lessens environmental risks by providing zero-leakage isolation.
STATS worked closely with DNV, which supplied a Grouted Tee for a branch offtake suitable for use with hydrogen, creating an alternative to live welding.
Neil Mackay, senior business development manager, said, “Through close collaboration, SGN and STATS have proven the BISEP tool as the world’s only double block and bleed isolation technology for high-pressure hydrogen pipelines."
“For the first time, hot tapping and leak-tight line-stopping operations have been successfully executed on a UK hydrogen pipeline, overcoming challenges of horizontal deployment, swarf dispersal, and hydrogen’s unique properties. This required not just process adaptation but also the development of new procedures, tooling, and assurance processes.”
The safe isolation and modification of pipelines like the one used in the LTS Futures trial are vital to the entire hydrogen transition. In the past, no proven hot-tapping or line-stopping method existed that could ensure repairs, maintenance, or modifications could be carried out safely and efficiently. Not least, the reduced emissions from the use of BISEP technology, whether for hydrocarbon gas or hydrogen.
Mackay said, “SGN provided leadership within the LTS Futures programme, while STATS contributed world-class line stopping services, working alongside DNV to remove a fundamental barrier to hydrogen deployment. This innovation will support every UK network operator, benefit millions of customers, and accelerate decarbonisation. It is a world-first, delivered through collaboration, innovation and ambition, resulting in a body of evidence and operational knowledge that is transferable across the UK gas networks and beyond.”
SGN’s chief strategy and regulation officer, Tony Green, said, “This landmark project is a major milestone for SGN and the wider energy sector, showing that the UK’s gas infrastructure can be repurposed for a net zero future. It demonstrates both infrastructure and workforce readiness for hydrogen, with our skilled engineers gaining vital experience through the live trial. Collaboration has been crucial, and working closely with INEOS and other partners has turned a complex concept into a success.”
