ULC Robotics has taken another step towards the expansion of their CISBOT operations with the award of the largest robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) contracts in the gas distribution utility market. In line with efforts encouraged by Ofgem’s RIIO-GD1 regulation, gas distribution network SGN will employ ULC’s CISBOT system to remediate 36km/22mi of natural gas mains across the south of England.
“In terms of the scope of the robotic remediation works, it is equivalent to running the robots around London’s Inner Ring Road twice,” says Ryan McGowan, VP of Field Operations at ULC Robotics. “At this scale, the environmental benefits and reduction in social disruption being delivered back to SGN’s gas customers is greatly amplified as well.”
ULC crews will work to extend the life of large diameter cast iron gas mains, ranging in diameter from 16” to 36”. A majority of the repairs will occur in London, a challenging location due to its dense population and high traffic. Other locations spanning SGN’s southern network include Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Salisbury.
In addition to the multiple robots and crews fielded by ULC Robotics, the multi-year contract provides for services that encompass excavation, site preparation, fitting installation, valve installation, and more through subcontractors. This turn-key approach streamlines the entire operation to better meet production levels.
