GE demonstrates robot that inspects, restores natural gas pipelines

GE research announced Monday it is partnering with epoxy manufacturer Warren Environmental and engineering services firm Garver to conduct field tests of a robot that can inspect and restore natural gas pipelines.

The robotic system, the PipeLine Underground Trenchless Overhaul system, or PLUTO, can internally rehabilitate existing pipelines without the normal digging, cutting, and extraction associated with replacing aging pipes, the companies said. Researchers said the system has the potential to cut the cost of rehabilitating pipelines between $1 million and $10 million per mile to as low as $200,000 to $500,000 per mile.

“The PLUTO system is poised to revolutionize natural gas pipeline rehabilitation with a highly intelligent, state-of-the-art robotics-based solution that could reduce rehabilitation costs by a factor of 5-20X vs. conventional methods used today,” Alexander Duncan, Robotics Engineer and PLUTO System Project Leader at GE Research said. “At the same time, this new system could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the overall pipeline infrastructure by more easily addressing the oldest, hardest-to-reach natural gas pipeline infrastructure that is believed to account for up to 50% of the methane emissions coming from these pipelines.”

The system, recognized as the “Emerging Technology of the Year” at the Underground Construction Awards at the Annual Underground Construction Technology Conference this week, is expected to be tested later this summer.

Duncan said the system allows for the flexibility of Sprayed-in-Place Pipe (SIPP) technology over long distances from a single excavation. Additionally, the system can alter a new pipe’s thickness in specific locations without requiring putting a customer liner in place. The technology, researchers said, contrasts Cure-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) liners that require customization and advanced manufacturing and risk being torn or kinked when deployed. The PLUTO system, they said, manufactures the new, custom-fit pipe from a single dig site.

“Since our inception, Warren Environmental has always been focused on developing environmentally-safe epoxy products and providing innovative rehabilitation solutions to foster technological advancement in the coatings industry,” Warren Environmental President Brian Brandsetter said. “Creating opportunities for research and development is a significant part of our rich history, and our participation in ARPA-E’s REPAIR program is the perfect modern-day example.”