1 GPS-based Dig-In Prevention System Gas Technology Institute and PG&E August 8 th 2017
Transmission dig-ins are an important problem. They are rare but have large impacts 118 significant gas dig-ins in US since 2010 and they are preventable. CA significant dig-in rootcause attribution % of incidents Notification Other Excavating Locating 27 significant incidents since 2010 15 injuries, 2 fatalities $10.8MM in damages 71% involved farming equipment and backhoes 52% 11% 30% 7% Source: U.S. DOT PHMSA Natural Gas Transmission & Gathering Incident Data January 2010-Present. 2
We already do a lot to prevent these incidents. 3
Are we doing enough? 4
How can we use technology? 5
What if we could use GPS to raise awareness? Automated alerts as an additional line of defense against dig-ins. 6
GTI has built this system and PG&E is testing it. Cell phone dashboard https://igt.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/827b0043262c43e28751913e8c58722e 7
Technology Overview Data Collection Analysis Awareness Dedicated Device GPS/GNSS Motion Sensors Cellular Data Management GIS Processing Activity Analysis Threat Analysis Utility Dashboard Operator Alerts Cell Phone Alerts 8
Key Features of the Device 12V Plug With Long Cord Adjustable Alarm Acknowledge/ Silence Button Mounts and Installs Easily Powered by 12V Plug Rugged, Weatherproof Body Integrated Audible Alarm Bright LED Warning Lights. Flashing LED Lights GPS and Motion Sensor Delivers Tailored Alerts Status Screen Robust 2-way Communication 9
Key Features of the System 10
Key Features of the Awareness Dashboard Devices Online Alerts Triggered Main Map Devices Issues Devices Digging Historical Data Counts 11 Devices Registered with the Project
Is this system too complicated to use? IF SAFE IF UNAWARE Simple Alert Sound and Flashing light 50 ft. Pipe Buffer 12
Is this going to create too many alerts? 13
Is the GPS accurate enough? 50 Ft GPS GPS GPS GPS 50 Ft GPS GPS 9 Ft 14
Seems complicated to implement in my territory 15
Is this just an R&D toy? 16
The CEC grant led to great progress. Who Outcome Goals 2 nd and 3 rd parties Deploy 150 devices on excavators, backhoes, and tractors working in construction or agriculture Prove the technology in real-world. Identify a commercialization partner. 17
Highlights from the CEC Project 54 Dig-In Devices Deployed to Date 17 Deployment Partners 40 Project Stakeholders 3 Project Data/Awareness Dashboards 5 Months of Field Experience 9M Data Points Collected 18
Technology without commercialization Innovation = Invention + Commercialization Vs. 19
Commercial Vision 20
Technology is on a commercialization path. Product Development OEM Commercialization Discussions Market Study and Strategy 21
How do you get to zero? Potential Accidents 22
What is the hold up? 23
Utility Advocates 24
Industry Advocates 25
Regulatory Advocates 26
A mustard tree from the smallest of seeds. 27
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Questions OR Comments! Incentives Regulation Business model ideas Commercialization strategy Focus on a particular market segment Focus on a particular equipment type Data sharing agreements Liability issues Opinions pro or against the technology 29
Appendix Slides 30
Current Solution: Early Warning System Simple Alert Sound and Flashing light Acknowledge button Pipe Buffer Simple Email Alert Location based Possible Threat No advanced risk assessment 31
Future Solution: Advanced Threat Detection Different Risk-Based Alerts Dashboard or Mobile Includes Detailed Information: Who, Activity, USA Ticket, HCA, Standby, etc. 32
Use Case: Equipment Operator Benefits Enhanced safety Avoided incidents Simple to use and understand. Simple Alert Sound and Flashing light Acknowledge button Pipe Buffer 33
Use Case: Equipment Owner/Manager/Foreman Benefits Enhanced safety Simple Alert Location based Possible Threat No advanced risk assessment Avoided incidents/costs Preferred insurance rates 34
Use Case: Utility (Future State) Different Risk-Based Alerts Includes Detailed Information: Who, Activity, USA Ticket, HCA, Standby, etc. Dashboard or Mobile 35
Use Case: Equipment Owner/Manager/Foreman (Future State) Benefits Enhanced safety Avoided incidents/costs Dashboard App Map of assets Advanced threat detection Push notifications Custom project boundaries Preferred insurance rates Fleet management Theft protection 36
How much will this technology cost? Currently there is no cost to the end-user, and we will continue the program until the end of 2017. The units are being designed to be low cost (<$500/unit). Costs of current prototypes are promising. Ultimately, the cost will depend on the commercialization partner. But its clear that keeping this technology low cost is key to adoption. 37
How to achieve future? Incentives Regulation Focus on a particular market segment Focus on a particular equipment type Alliances with professional associations (811, CGA, Gold Shovel) Partner with construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers Partner with IoT manufacturers Partner with detection/alert service companies 38
Why should you be excited about this technology? Safer Operations Avoided Incidents, Costs, and Delays Preferred Insurance Rates Differentiate from Competition Secondary Fleet Management Secondary Theft Protection 39
Together we can make these incidents history. Thank You! 40
3rd Generation Device Gen 3 was a giant leap forward to address end-user requirements. A weatherproof body, and an audible alarm were some of the key innovations. Robust 2-way communication functionality make this generation a capable safety device. 41
GSP Dig-In Prevention is going very well. Deployed 34 Devices 18 more on the way! New algorithm and dashboards 17 Deployment Partners and growing Contacts with CPUC, 811N, OEMs, CGA 42
GSP Dig-In Prevention is going very well. Deployed 34 Devices 18 more on the way! New algorithm and dashboards 17 Deployment Partners and growing Contacts with CPUC, 811N, OEMs, CGA 43
GPS-based Damage Prevention Problem: Dig-ins on the gas transmission system. Vision: Automated alerts as an additional line of defense against dig-ins. Solution: GPS-based devices Expected Results mounted to equipment; multiple Near-Term 150 units deployed alert methods. by end of 2017. Long-Term Full, 3 rd party commercialization. Expanded deployment and services. 44