With systems originally built under public ownership and now facing heavy regulatory control, the need for asset knowledge is paramount in demonstrating the business case for new investment. As Regulators reject asset age as justification for replacement Capex, knowledge of asset condition becomes paramount to provide a robust platform on which to justify future spend.

However asset knowledge across these sectors is poor - a 2003 report by Ofgem scored companies lowly in this regard. Obtaining this knowledge across diverse buried and aboveground networks is expensive and, at worst, impractical. Without in-depth understanding, investment plans lack foundation and Regulatory submissions are often found wanting. CAPCIS can generate this understanding from a credible position of materials knowledge from both practical and theoretical viewpoints.

Our approach is to incorporate this knowledge into Degradation Models and corrosion risk assessments that provide predictive views of the cumulative history of the asset base and the likely future performance under a range of operational scenarios. Whether the risk be from the natural environment, from process change or external acceleration, our approach allows for a consistent assessment that works beneath standards to consider the basic material behaviour.

This is achieved with an experience that comes from established relationships in the power, water, gas and telecommunications sectors both direct to the network operators, as well as major contractors and consultants. Specific experience includes:

• Development of network wide degradation models (link to degradation modelling)
• Laboratory and field assessment of asset condition
• Operation of condition monitoring programmes
• Investigation of failures to pipelines and cables (link to L&I)
• Assessment and recommendation on remedial programmes and new materials application

Development of corporate management strategies for stray current risk.