JD7’s Investigator Gas Wins Industry Innovation Award

A gas leak detection technology transferred from the water industry has helped secure the Innovation Award at the 2015 U.K. Gas Industry Awards for Northern Gas Networks (NGN). The gas supplier for the north of England is celebrating the win after working closely with JD7, a specialized technology provider focused on pipeline assessments and inspections in the utility sector.

NGN used ‘core ‘n vac’ technology to take a small, circular core from the pavement or road. This was combined with JD7’s Investigator Gas system, which comprises high-resolution CCTV camera sensors and a highly sensitive acoustic sensor coupled with a sonde.

The acoustic sensor is used for precise leak detection, pinpointing pipe weakness in all materials and pressures. A combined CCTV-acoustic camera is then used to detect gas leaks, reducing the size and number of holes that need to be dug in the highways and pavement, resulting in faster repair times and minimizing disruption for members of the public.

The judges were impressed with the way that NGN combined a new innovation with existing technology used outside of the gas industry.

“We are delighted to have won a Gas Industry Award for our ground-breaking use of acoustic camera and core ‘n vac technology,” said NGN regional performance manager Ian Whitehead. “We are the first gas distribution network to bring the two technologies together, helping us to deliver a more efficient service when repairing gas leaks. It has reduced the time taken to repair gas leaks from days to just hours, minimizing disruption to our customers.”

“This is a very exciting time for all of us at JD7 and we are pleased to be recognized for our part in revolutionizing leak detection and pipe repair in the gas industry,” said JD7 technical director Daniel Krywyj. “As we maintain our growth in the U.K. and most recently North America, we plan to continually develop innovative ways to minimize disruption to services while inspecting our infrastructure.”

The winners were announced at an event hosted by the Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IEGM) on May 14 at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane in London.

JD7 is a global technology provider focused on pipeline assessments and pipeline inspection solutions. JD7 provides condition assessment, leak inspection/detection and a large range of unique survey products. JD7 offers sales and or services with all their technology along with training on all no-dig technology.

NGN delivers gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses across the North of England and provides the region’s rapid response service for customers who smell gas at home or work. The company has won 12 national awards for customer experience and employee engagement in the last 12 months.