ULC Technologies, an expert in robotics development and robotics-as-a-service for the energy, utility and industrial industries has announced that it has sealed 50,000 joints (equivalent to 114 miles) inside live gas mains across the UK and USA using its innovative robotic technology over the past 14 years.
CISBOT, or the “Cast Iron Joint Sealing Robot”, is a robotic system developed by ULC Technologies that is inserted into live gas pipes to repair or upgrade leaking and aged mechanically bolted or lead jute joints. This technology allows for repairs to be made to gas pipes while minimising disruption to road users and preventing disruption to customers’ gas supply.
The technology can travel up to 450m from one single strategically placed excavation in the road, resulting in reduced possession of carriageway, impact on road users and has no interference with customer gas supplies. By avoiding the need for large excavations, CISBOT has shown to be a cost-effective solution for pipeline rehabilitation to support the reduction of carbon emissions in the gas industry.
CISBOT’s 50,000 joint milestone has been supported by the proactive and reactive deployment of the technology to protect against pipeline leakage. ULC Technologies has partnered with gas distribution companies including National Grid, Con Edison, SGN, Cadent and other large utilities. CISBOT has been deployed since 2009 under the busiest streets in the UK and USA, such as New York, London, Manchester, and Boston.
"We are thrilled to reach this milestone and to have played a role in the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to communities across the country," said Steve Green, General Manager of ULC Technologies. "CISBOT has been a game-changer for the gas pipeline industry to support global net-zero commitments by reducing methane emissions through internal joint sealing. We are continuing to develop a suite of technologies to support the energy industry, as well as continually improving our systems to meet the needs of our customers."
