Newsletters
NYSEARCH Spotlight January 2024 (Issue 17)
Test Protocol to Measure Methane Emissions from Regulator Stations and Validate NYSEARCH Reg Stations Emissions Ranking Tool: Local Distribution Company (LDC) members continue to demonstrate their commitment to minimizing natural gas emissions within their system by investigating emissions from regulators used to reduce gas pressure at M&R stations. In an earlier research effort, NYSEARCH has developed a software-based tool to predict emission potential of regulators at these stations...
Revolutionizing Asset Location: The UTTO vLocate® Mapper: NYSEARCH members have been interested in asset location technology to reduce damage to buried assets, especially with the capability to enhance traditional locating methodologies. The development of a low-cost, high-accuracy GPS tool with the added ability for data capture and precision relocateability will provide the industry with several benefits...
Sky-High Innovations: Assessing Bridger-Photonics and Satelytics for Enhanced Aerial Leak Survey Technologies: NYSEARCH is evaluating the capabilities of two emerging aerial leak survey technologies, Bridger-Photonics and Satelytics. Performance evaluations of these technologies are being engaged through statistically designed field testing...
December 2023 Meeting Highlights:
(1) NYSEARCH Digital Asset Library Demo: Ahra Kwon and Tahiya Choudhury conducted a demonstration of the Digital Asset Library developed with Crane Morley through project T-791. Resources from this project include video, photography, eLearning modules, job aids, Dynamics 365 Guides modules, and more...
(2) NYSEARCH and its members celebrated Monsiri (Pom) Jintasawang of SouthWest Gas on her retirement as she embarks on the next chapter...
(3) Bryon Knoth of National Grid provided a presentation and tour of the operations of the LNG facility in Holtsville, NY to the NYSEARCH committee prior to the start of the December NYSEARCH Meeting. Thank you to National Grid for hosting the tour...
Recent Final Reports released to NYSEARCH funders: Table summarizes recently released NYSEARCH Final Reports...
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight October 2023 (Issue 16)
Development of an NDE Tool for PE Electrofusion Fitting: As part of the ongoing effort to address needs related to improving pipeline safety and reliability, NYSEARCH is developing an NDE tool to visually inspect the internal configuration and fabrication of PE EF pipe joints. At the start of this project, in 2022, the project team identified and evaluated non-destructive (NDE) tools and instruments capable of enhanced visual inspection of EF PE pipe joint interiors. After careful consideration, NYSEARCH funders opted for the use of xray technology...
Exploring Breakthroughs in Pipeline Inspection: Seam Weld Crack Detection: During a SoCalGas R&D webinar in August, Daphne D’Zurko and Suzy Chaillou presented the background and status of the Seam Weld Crack Detection Program as it heads to commercial release by Intero/Invodane. The Seam Weld Crack Sensor is a product developed through a multi-phase project. The webinar outlined the transition from early crack sensor designs to the final weld sensor configuration. The project objectives revolved around the development of a crack sensor capable of seamlessly integrating onto the Explorer 20/26 robot...
Spotlight Session: The GasComm® Control Module (GCM): An NGA ‘Spotlight Session’ was held online in August. It featured work completed by NYSEARCH and its contractor, Enetics, for the GasComm® Sensor Array and GasComm® Control Module (GCM). Jeff Kramer of Enetics described these innovative solutions that focus on monitoring gas distribution companies’ steel and PE distribution networks. The GasComm® products developed by NYSEARCH promise to revolutionize the way gas utilities manage their networks, ensuring consumer safety and network efficiency...
Understanding Elastomeric Material Behavior in Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blends: As the gas supply in the US diversifies, the composition of gas reaching consumers evolves. In 2020, NYSEARCH initiated an effort (building on extensive prior work with GTI) that assess the effects of hydrogen/natural gas blends on the elastomer materials that are in the LDC network...
Red/Green Light Tool for PE Pipe Butt Fusion Joints: This project focuses on developing an automated non-destructive examination (NDE) tool to inspect PE (polyethylene) pipe butt fusion joints. Designed to be operated by properly trained, non-NDE expert gas industry workers, a Red Light/Green Light tool will not only help bridge the gap between expertise and accessibility, but also revolutionize the inspection process for PE pipe butt fusion joints...
Recent Final Reports Released to NYSEARCH Funders: Table summarizes recently released NYSEARCH Final Reports...
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight May 2023 (Issue 15)
NYSEARCH technical presentations garner high interest at AGA Operations Conference in Grapevine, TX: The AGA 2023 Operations Conference held in Grapevine, TX this year hosted the largest attendance group in AGA history. With over 3,000 attendees, NYSEARCH showcased our R&D program via the Exhibit (organized by Renee Davis) and several technical presentations...
sUAS field test to advance aerial leak detection and quantification with NASA JPL developed sensor complete: The third and final campaign of field testing for this project was completed in early May at PG&E. The overall objectives of this program are to advance the sUAS technology for leak survey already established for methane detection capability and ground emission location accuracy, as well as develop methods for methane emissions quantification...
Southwest Gas develops Line Locate HoloLens training guide: In February, CraneMorley collaborated with the training team at the Southwest Gas Tempe, AZ service location to develop a Line Locate HoloLens Guides application...
Bob Wilson of NGA awarded Milton W. Heath, Sr. Memorial Award: At the AGA Operations Conference, Bob Wilson of NGA received the 2023 Milton W. Heath, Sr. Memorial Award. Bob was recognized as a key contributor to the natural gas industry...
RNG Trace Constituents appliance testing to begin in the Netherlands: Following a long, complex road to acquiring appliances, testing is finally set to begin with DNV-GL. A big shout out and thank you to Rick Trieste of ConEdison for securing appliances for testing in this project...
Demonstration of Electromagnetic Time Domain Reflectometry (EM-TDR) at NYSEARCH Test Bed in NY: With NYSEARCH, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is carrying out research to determine the potential of using Electromagnetic Time Domain Reflectometry (EM-TDR) technology to detect defects in natural gas transmission pipelines...
Evaluation of threaded connections in hydrogen blends - experimental testing complete: Experimental testing by Bruce Campbell to evaluate threaded connections in hydrogen/natural gas blends up to 20% vol is completed...
Recent Final Reports released to NYSEARCH funders: Table summarizes recently released NYSEARCH Final Reports...
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight December 2022 (Issue 14)
NYSEARCH offers ‘Low Carbon Fuels Workshop’ for member utilities and R&D collaborators: As the space of decarbonization and emerging fuels is continuously expanding and changing, NYSEARCH organized a workshop in early November to educate members on how NYSEARCH work fits within the vast “puzzle” of the energy transition...
First field test to develop decision-making algorithm for quantifying gas leaks is completed: The objective of this project is to develop an algorithm to process data collected in a sensor network and estimate the leakage rate of an underground natural gas leak...
NDE X-ray tool for polyethylene electrofusion fittings field tested at National Fuel Gas: An X-ray NDE tool was blind-tested at the National Fuel Gas Training Lab with electrofusion joints that were fabricated with intentional defects to evaluate if the X-ray tool could identify those imperfections...
NYSEARCH bids farewell to Renee Davis of Spire Energy Southeast and welcomes Bob Plewa of National Fuel Gas as next Chairperson: In November 2022, Renee Davis announced her retirement from Spire Alabama and handed the beacon as NYSEARCH chairperson to Bob Plewa of National Fuel Gas...
Meter set testing studying accuracy & variability from new gas supplies is well underway: NYSEARCH Project Manager, Suzy Hartwell, recently visited Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) test facility in San Antonio, TX to learn more about the SwRI facility and gain insight into the technical methods of investigating metering accuracy with new gas supplies...
NYSEARCH December Meeting hosted by SoCalGas in sunny Pico Rivera, CA: NYSEARCH held its fourth quarterly meeting at SoCalGas...
Recent Final Reports released to NYSEARCH funders: Table summarizes recent Final Reports released...
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight August 2022 (Issue 13)
Commercialization of automation features of the Explorer: The Explorer (EXP) suite of robots solves the problem of internally inspecting unpiggable natural gas pipelines without disrupting service to customers...
Demonstration of NDE tool for PE butt fusion joints at June NYSEARCH Meeting: The picture on the front page of this issue highlights a demonstration presented at the June meeting by Eclipse Scientific of an automated non-destructive examination (NDE) tool...
Expanding ‘Low Carbon Fuels’ program area with new projects: NYSEARCH’s newest program area of Low Carbon Fuels explores paths to carbon neutrality and conversion of current infrastructure to support the energy transition. A few recent projects have been approved...
LDC Focused Gap Analysis and State-of-the-Art Study on Decarbonization completed: In July, NYSEARCH completed this gap analysis and SOTA study bringing together detailed technical information on the current state of decarbonization technologies...
NYSEARCH continues conducting field testing as pandemic restrictions ease: Highlights of field testing completed this past quarter...
Recent Final Reports released to NYSEARCH funders: Table summarizes recent Final Reports released...
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight February 2022 (Issue 12)
Reflecting on NYSEARCH achievements in 2021: 2021 NYSEARCH activity highlights...
Field test completed at PG&E for Mercaptans Sensor with non-radioactive ionizer: A field test of the PHMSA co-funded mercaptans sensor development program was completed in northern California in December 2021. PG&E hosted the field test...
Automation of Explorer robot to be demonstrated at commercial job in early 2022: The Explorer (EXP) suite of robots provide a solution to internally inspect unpiggable natural gas pipelines without disrupting service to customers...
The potential of robotic inspection of small diameter plastic pipe: a report from NYSEARCH December 2021 meeting: At NYSEARCH meetings, alongside receiving updates and status reports on active projects, industry needs are evaluated, and innovative solutions are explored with the committee...
Final Reports released to NYSEARCH funders in the last six months: Table summarizes recent Final Reports released to project funders...
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight November 2021 (Issue 11)
Another field test successfully completed for project entitled sUAS survey of submerged pipe: A second field test was conducted in the Rochester Gas & Electric territory at the end of September. In that test, three sUAS leak detection methods (aerial, floating, and submerged) were deployed and demonstrated...
Field work begins at RG&E for First Pass Leak Detection: The first field test to evaluate the practical application of First Pass Leak Detection (FPLD) was completed in early October in RG&E territory. The project objective is to evaluate improvements to leak survey effectiveness...
NYSEARCH leads Decarbonization workshop for NYPSC: In October, NYSEARCH had the opportunity to present on our Decarbonization work to the New York Public Service Commission. Over 40 participants joined the call including some of our New York based members and their teams...
Natural gas dispersion study with blended hydrogen testing continues: This NYSEARCH study investigates the effect of hydrogen on the dispersion of methane-hydrogen gas mixtures in various experimental settings, specifically representative of residential structures...
Field test completed for Surface Expression Measurement Technique and Process: The first field test to evaluate the surface expression technique for application to multiple leak area grids was completed in mid-October in ConEdison territory. This field test marks the first test in the second phase of work for this program...
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight July 2021 (Issue 10)
Explorer robot energy harvesting module development is complete: NYSEARCH and Invodane Engineering successfully developed an energy harvesting module for the 20/26 EXP robot...
Gas ops data collected to examine Machine Learning: Synthetic data collection begins with data sets received from funders...
Successful field test of sUAS survey of submerged pipe: NYSEARCH conducts field test with drones to survey submerged pipe for leaks...
Field testing of robotic dog completed at RIT: In April 2021, NYSEARCH conducted a field test of the “robotic dog” developed for ground survey for leak survey applications. Rochester Institute of Technology developed a robotic vehicle to act as a surveyor in the field equipped with sensors and programmed for autonomous operation...
NYSEARCH wins awards for AR project work with HoloLens: NYSEARCH’s contractor, CraneMorley, Inc, submitted the project work with NYSEARCH funders from the Augmented Reality Application Development project for consideration at AVA and VEGA Digital Awards...
NYSEARCH June 2021 meeting recap: Yet another successful virtual meeting was held with members in June with five new proposals presented as shown below and an interactive brainstorming session that generated some exciting avenues for R&D...
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight March 2021 (Issue 9)
Decarbonization R&D road-mapping: Amidst the core R&D work at NYSEARCH, a new roadmap has been in the works since May 2020 to address the growing interest, regulations, and R&D gaps for decarbonization of the natural gas industry...
Impact of siloxanes on end-use appliances testing continues: An identified gap from collective state-of-the-art analyses indicates that RNG quality is a high priority gap specifically understanding the effects of siloxanes. The objective of this project is to determine the limit of siloxanes that will preclude significant safety, reliability, performance, and maintenance impacts on end-use appliances in the US and Canada...
Ideal microbial strain identified for Power-to-Gas intermittency study: Power-to-Gas pathways to decarbonization provide a solution to use excess renewable electricity being generated along with the current natural gas infrastructure for producing and storing methane. The goal of this study is to evaluate microbial electromethanogenesis as a viable method for power-to-gas operations...
Identifying and developing a Siloxane Analyzer: RNG quality is a high priority gap specifically understanding the effects of siloxanes. To fully understand effect, we need to know how much siloxanes are in the system. NYSEARCH developed an evaluation program to identify siloxane analyzers that best meet the needs of members and further develop that analyzer to specifically meet all requirements to measure siloxanes accurately and reliably...
Evaluating hydrogen blend impacts on elastomers: Understanding impacts to the integrity of gas infrastructure is another high priority in decarbonization research. Building from a previous NYSEARCH/GTI program evaluating elastomers in varying gas compositions, a program to evaluate effects of hydrogen blends has been established...
Highlights of Projects in Early Stages: Study Impact of Trace Constituents in RNG on Natural Gas Grids and Consumer Appliances... Study of Natural Gas Dispersion with Blended Hydrogen in Residential Structures... Odor Detection for Blended Hydrogen... Living Lab for Blended Hydrogen...
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight July 2020 (Issue 8)
NYSEARCH Hosts Successful Decarbonization Workshop With Members and SME's: NYSEARCH successfully hosted a virtual Decarbonization Workshop with several members and RNG-focused SME’s in May 2020. The workshop was designed to identify member needs for developing a cohesive and strategically focused R&D plan for collaborative decarbonization projects with NYSEARCH...
NYSEARCH submits mercaptans sensor pre-commercialization and NCDP inspection program proposals to PHMSA: In early June, NYSEARCH submitted two proposals to PHMSA responding to the Research Announcements, which were released by DOT in April 2020: (1) Pre-Commercial Development and Field Testing of a Portable Mercaptan Sensing Device for Gas Industry Applications; and (2) Feasibility Study for a Robotic Platform and Suite of Sensors to Identify Degradation in Non-Conforming Driscopipe® 8000..
CraneMorley and NYSEARCH complete virtual training session for the HoloLens 2 Application Development project with funders: The HoloLens 2 was released by Microsoft in September 2019 and the NYSEARCH Augmented Reality (AR) application development project focused on building applications compatible with the features and capabilities built into this next generation HoloLens...
Another successful virtual NYSEARCH quarterly meeting conducted with active member participation: The June 2020 NYSEARCH meeting included (5) voting items, several Status Reports and Discussions, and a brainstorming session for new project development. The discussions that are online remain lively, informative and provide the NYSEARCH Staff the feedback needed to meet member requirements for the range of projects that are active...
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight April 2020 (Issue 7)
At this time of pulling together and concern for our family, friends, neighbors and coworkers, we are encouraged so much by our member participation in meetings and conference calls! The discussions that are online remain lively, informative and provide the NYSEARCH Staff the feedback that we always need to meet member requirements for the range of projects that are active. From working groups to annual meetings and contractor exchanges, we are pushing forward with you on progress toward innovation and improved safety with our R & D projects and products. We would like to highlight current activities and recent project milestones. As always, we thank our members for their support in all our activities; just a few of which are discussed in this newsletter. This issue of the NYSEARCH Spotlight newsletter also lists some of the recent Final Reports released related to NYSEARCH-member-sponsored RD&D projects…
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight Feb 2020 (Issue 6)
Special Issue of NYSEARCH Spotlight focusing on Renewal Natural Gas (RNG).
De-carbonization is steadily becoming a common objective among energy companies with interest in leveraging our existing infrastructure. It is thus important for NYSEARCH members to be knowledgeable about new forms of Renewable Natural Gas, innovations that apply RNG in the gas distribution system (including forms such as power-to-gas and blended hydrogen) and lessons learned. RNG is considered gas that is fully interchangeable with pipeline quality natural gas. Sources of RNG such as biogas, syngas, blended hydrogen in natural gas and power-to-gas (using renewable electricity) are not all at the same stage of development.
NYSEARCH has approached this new area of innovation by looking at impacts of RNG, assessing impacts of siloxanes on residential appliances, exploring a microbial Power-to-Gas solution, and implementing a Living Lab at the Newtown Creek Wastewater Plant in NY through a partnership with National Grid comparing operation of blended RNG to typical gas supply on equipment. In addition to some general news, this special edition of the newsletter highlights specific ongoing NYSEARCH RNG projects and presents a path forward to continue and develop solutions for the changing landscape of the natural gas industry…
View Full NewsletterNYSEARCH Spotlight Nov 2019 (Issue 5)
Assessing amorphous metal tape in application for PE pipe location: Field installations of MetGlas® were successfully completed in Buffalo, NY a part of National Fuel Gas territory to evaluate amorphous metal tape as a practical application for PE pipe location...
Double-blind RMLD testing completed in New York with member utilities: Through the summer of 2019 to November 2019, controlled testing was completed at National Grid’s training facility (pictured below) and double-blind field tests at NYSEG, CHG & E and ConEdison have been completed. The overall objective of the double-blind RMLD test project is to develop information that establishes the performance of RMLD and whether its performance is equivalent to other leak survey tools…
GasComm™ updates are complete: As of October 2019, the GasComm™ units installed at member utilities have all been upgraded with new software and hardware that resolved volumetric flow readings.
Comparative testing of quantitative gas optical imaging system QL320 completed at SoCalGas: The overall test program focuses on evaluating the current MultiSensor (MSS) non-thermal imaging prototype for underground distribution leaks. This comparative testing provides more information to evaluate the value of the MSS system…
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