PipeLine Underground Trenchless Overhaul (PLUTO)

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Program:
REPAIR
Award:
$5,300,000
Location:
Niskayuna, New York
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
02/18/2021 - 06/17/2024

Technology Description:

General Electric (GE) Global Research will develop PipeLine Underground Trenchless Overhaul (PLUTO)—a long-distance, minimally invasive pipe repair system that provides structural rehabilitation of gas pipelines faster, more efficiently, and less expensively than traditional open-cut excavation replacement. The GE team, including Warren Environmental and Garver, will develop and integrate a highly dexterous long-range pipe-crawling (robotic) system, high-speed non-destructive evaluation technologies, and advanced spray-on thick-coating epoxy lining systems. The PLUTO system will provide efficient pipeline maintenance at ½ to 1/20th the cost of traditional open-trench methods, a key enabler to lower emissions by reducing pipeline transit loss and maintenance burdens.

Potential Impact:

If successful, GE’s PLUTO system would eliminate the highest pipe rehabilitation cost components, excavation and restoration, by repairing pipes without their removal.

Security:

REPAIR projects should improve the sustainability of domestic natural gas distribution by economically rehabilitating legacy pipes.

Environment:

REPAIR will produce 3D maps and data management/visualization tools that integrate geospatial data for leak testing, integrity/inspection data, coating deposition data, and locations of pipes and adjacent underground infrastructure.

Economy:

REPAIR program innovations will accelerate legacy pipeline replacement while reducing cost to utilities and gas customers.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Jack Lewnard
Project Contact:
Dr. Todd Danko
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
todd.danko@ge.com

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Release Date:
02/18/2020