DIRECTIONAL DRILLING APPLICATIONS

Jason Consultants was retained by Arizona Public Service to determine the feasibility of using trenchless technology in the greater Phoenix area. After reviewing site conditions, it was concluded that intermediate guided drilling systems would perform well in these conditions. In order to evaluate a new class of trenchless technology, a series of demonstrations were conducted by six manufacturers in co-operation with Arizona Public Service. The objective of the demonstrations was to determine the performance of midi drilling systems in the difficult soil conditions. The demonstrations showed that midi guided drilling systems could successfully operate in this environment at production rates that are competitive with open-cut methods.

TECHNICAL GUIDANCE FOR LONG-TERM LIFE ASSESSMENT
OF TRENCHLESS REHABILITATION SYSTEMS

Jason provided technical guidance on the manufacture, installation, and performance of trenchless rehabilitation systems, including Paltem, Swagelining, Tite Liner, U-Liner, and UltraPipe. We also assisted SWRI and Battelle in the design of a test plan to assess the long-term properties of the lining systems.

Client: Battelle Columbus Laboratories Columbus, OH and
Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) San Antonio, TX.

HIGH PRESSURE PLASTIC PIPELINE MATERIALS

A leading gas industry organisation commissioned Jason Consultants to review the potential applications of new, high pressure plastic pipe materials in gas and water transmission systems in the USA. The project included a detailed economic and technical evaluation of reinforced thermoplastic pipe materials developed in Europe, their technical potential in the USA, and how they might make an effective entry into either gas or water markets, or both. The potential use of these materials in rehabilitation applications was also assessed.

INNOVATIONS IN PE PIPE

A group of leading US gas distribution companies wanted a clear understanding of developments in PE pipe worldwide that could lead to its use in specific situations in the USA where it is currently not used. For example at higher pressures, higher temperatures and higher risk locations. Jason Consultants undertook a detailed technical review of several developments, identifying those with potential to provide benefits to the gas distribution companies. The experience with the materials, limitations and cost-effectiveness were also analysed and proposals made to the client group on use of the innovative materials.

REHABILITATION AND PROTECTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR
GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINES

One of Europe’s largest gas supply corporations commissioned Jason Consultants to investigate and review techniques used worldwide to rehabilitate and protect from corrosion gas transmission pipelines. The project included an engineering evaluation of a range of technologies used in the oil and products fields as well as those specific to gas. Review of the effectiveness of technologies in relation to meeting regulatory safety requirements was also a major element of the study, as was identifying operational drivers such as the need for regular inspection in selection of protection systems and materials.

DIRECTIONALLY DRILLED CROSSINGS FOR OIL AND GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINES

We were commissioned by one of the world’s largest oil companies to review means of improving the cost-effectiveness and predictability of long directionally drilled crossings. This included a review of technical innovations, equipment, materials and contractor capabilities worldwide, but predominantly in North America. We developed for the client a preliminary evaluation and decision algorithm covering methods, materials and contract structures to enable savings to be made in high risk crossing projects.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO THE NORTH AMERICAN
GAS INDUSTRY

This study and program was commissioned by the Gas Research Institute of Chicago on behalf of the North American gas industry. The initial phase consists of a world-wide identification and review of commercially available innovative technologies in the field of gas distribution networks and engineering. The second phase was to identify technologies which are currently under development world wide. The client, from the initial list developed by Jason, identified those technologies of greatest interest. Jason then undertook a in-depth study of the technologies and developed technology transfer plans.

Based on the success of this project, it was extended over a longer period to enable more technologies to be evaluated in specific application areas. Technologies from Europe, Japan and Australia were included in the program.

EVALUATION OF TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY FOR INSTALLATION OF HV POWER CABLE

This study was undertaken for the Electric Power Research Association of Palo Alto. It was undertaken in association with Sargent and Lundy, Consulting Engineers, Chicago in three phases:
Concept feasibility and the issues to be evaluated and develop a project plan
Evaluate by experiment and trial the technical issues identified.
Design and construct a project

The study included review of a proposed installation in Washington DC of a high pressure fluid filled cable (HPFF) and reviewed all the environmental and technical issues involved with underground installation by boring and tunnelling as well as cable design considerations.

THE APPLICATION OF GUIDED HORIZONTAL DRILLING
TO INSTALL PRESSURE PIPE

This study and program was commissioned by the Gas Research Institute of Chicago on behalf of the North American gas industry and was undertaken in association with Maurer Engineering of Houston.

The objective was to develop an understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of the available technology and develop guidelines, procedures and software for the installation of gas pipe by trenchless methods. The software that was developed is now commercially available in the gas industry. A series of seminars around North America have been given to introduce the industry to this program and software.

THE USE OF POLYMERIC MATERIAL IN
EUROPEAN GAS DISTRIBUTION

This major study was undertaken for Gaz de France and covered all aspects of polymeric pipe in European gas distribution networks. A detailed review of international practice and a benchmarking of best practice were achieved. These covered: basic polymeric materials; pipes and fittings; pipe renovation; construction and assembly; network design; operation and maintenance; and interior pipework.

EVALUATION OF LINING SYSTEMS IN GAS DISTRIBUTION

This extensive study was commissioned by Gas Research Institute (GRI) on behalf the North American gas industry. The study involved an initial review world-wide of pipe lining systems and an analysis to identify those with the greatest chance of success in US conditions. This was followed by a series of controlled laboratory evaluations and field evaluations in actual operating conditions.

EVALUATION OF UNDERGROUND OBSTACLE DETECTION
AND LOCATION SYSTEMS

Jason Consultants was commissioned by one of the largest of the US utility groups to review the present state of the art and limitations of existing technology. We also reviewed world wide technologies and new developments in obstacle detection and location systems. A comparative analysis was undertaken and recommendations made on the technologies that could meet the needs of this industry group.

SOCIAL COSTS ARISING FROM UTILITY STREETWORKS

Jason Consultants was commissioned by the UK Department of Transport, in conjunction with the Transport Research Laboratory, to research the indirect and social costs arising from works undertaken in streets by utilities. This extensive study included field research a several locations in the UK and a review of practice by the utilities at the time. The conclusions on annual cost to the nation from such works have been widely cited and have supported subsequent government action aimed at minimising disruption from such works.

PE PIPES IN GAS AND WATER DISTRIBUTION
DECISION MODEL

Jason Consultants has created a web-based decision model for the PE100+ Association, intended to provide potential users of PE pipes with robust and informative technical information to overcome specific concerns. The model covers all aspects of PE pipe use, from design through material properties, installation techniques, long term properties and environmental impact. The model is web-accessible and provides position papers in the form of answers to specific questions, technical justification for the positions taken, and references to support the positions.

POTENTIAL USE OF DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
IN GOLD MINING APPLICATIONS

One of the world’s leading gold mining corporations commissioned Jason Consultants to identify how directional drilling could be adapted to specific gold mining requirements at its mines in Africa. The study included identifying the extent to which directional drilling could increase extraction from the mines, and how the technique could be adapted specifically to meet the needs of the client and further improve extraction and recovery rates.

TRENCHLESS INSTALLATION GUIDANCE NOTES

Jason, in conjunction with Maunsell Consultants of the UK, were awarded a contract by the UK Highways Agency to develop Guidance Notes in trenchless installation of services beneath motorways and trunk roads, for which the Agency is responsible. A comprehensive guidance document was prepared covering all trenchless installation methods and including risk analysis, geotechnical investigation requirements, and information on the application envelope of each method. This was to be included in the Agency’s Specification for Highway Works.

EVALUATION OF INNOVATIVE METHODS USED IN THE INSPECTION OF WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS

The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) commissioned Jason Consultants to investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of methods to inspect and evaluate the condition of gravity and pressure sewer mains. As part of this project Jason initially conducted a survey of WERF utility subscribers identifying the nature of defects commonly encountered and the current inspection methods employed along with shortcomings. In addition, sixteen (16) innovative new technologies were identified that address some of the shortcomings found. Field investigations of these new methods were carried out with an emphasis on consideration of their cost effectiveness, practicality and ease of implementation. A final report covering the complete project was published in December 2004.

DEVELOPMENT OF INSPECTION GUIDELINES FOR FERROUS FORCE MAINS

The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) accepted Jason Consultants proposal to develop a rational and practical set of inspection guidelines (BMP) for ferrous force mains which can be implemented by wastewater utilities in their condition assessment programs. Today, force mains are not routinely inspected as it is generally impossible to shut down a force main for internal inspection. Consequently, the condition of these pressure sewers is largely unknown, except when a disastrous failure occurs. This project will provide utilities with workable guidelines for undertaking effective condition assessment of their ferrous mains. A set of published guidelines will be published in June 2006.