On Friday, November 4th, ULC Robotics in partnership with SGN and RPS Group, received the Engineers Ireland Excellence Award for Techincal Innovation for the CIRRIS XI and CIRRIS XR Robotic Systems developed under the Network Innovation Competition Robotics Project.
Completed in 2015, the CIRRIS XR™ and CIRRIS XI™ Robotics Project pioneered the development of a new me thod for gas networks to internally assess the condition of cast iron pipelines, collect critical pipeline integrity data and renew and repair lead/yarn and mechanical joints, as well as internal mechanical seals.
The innovative technology measures wall thickness, stress, and strain in pipelines and will allow gas utilities to extend the life of cast iron pipeline infrastructure.
Use of the robotic system will also allow pipeline inspection and joint repair operations to take place with minimal disruption to customers, with fewer traffic restrictions, lower road reinstatement costs and no disruption of gas service to customers.
Pictured above: Graeme Cleeton (ULC Robotics), Maurice Buckley (NSAI – award sponsor), Ciarán Butler (RPS), PJ Rudden (RPS) and Caroline Spillane (Engineers Ireland). (Image: Engineers Ireland)
