The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) and Energy & Utilities Alliance (EUA) recognized the achievements of ULC Robotics, gas network Cadent, and utility partner tRIIO at this year’s Gas Industry Awards.
The three companies received the Innovation Product Award for their collaboration on the research, development, and deployment of the M1 Live Mains Inspection Crawler. With funding by Transport for London, ULC worked with Cadent and tRIIO to develop the M1 crawler to traverse and map the network’s internal seals and features that had historically prevented the passage of inspection robots.
During its deployment at three locations within the London Medium Pressure network, the M1 crawler successfully passed through 2,188 ft. (677m) of large diameter gas main containing 220 internal mechanical seals, eight 11.5° bends, and two 22.5° bends. All work was carried out under live gas conditions, eliminating the need for service disruption and numerous street excavations, while reducing the impact on the public and environment.
It is a privilege to have the M1 Live Mains Inspection Crawler receive the Innovation Product of the Year award,” said Robert Kodadek, Chief Technology Officer at ULC Robotics. “We would like to thank IGEM and the EUA for acknowledging the dedication put into the development of this technology.”
The Gas Industry Awards honor the achievements of individuals and companies working to advance the gas industry. ULC would like to extend congratulations to all nominees and winners of this year’s awards.
