STATS Group completes world's first high-pressure hydrogen pipeline insulation

October 2025

STATS Group, a specialist in pipeline technology, played a leading role in the safe insulation of an active 18 inch high pressure hydrogen pipeline by SGN LTS Futures.

STATS' patented BISEP® tool is widely used in oil and gas installations worldwide. It has been successfully deployed and proven as a leak tight shutoff technology that is safe for use on high-pressure hydrogen pipelines.

Achieving the UK's Net Zero targets will be one of the biggest challenges of our time. The SGN LTS Futures project investigated the potential of switching the local transmission system (LTS) from natural gas to hydrogen to achieve this objective.

The trial's success is a significant development in the drive to achieve net-zero emissions targets and could lead to the re-engineering of SGN's UK gas network (approximately 11,000 km in length) from transporting hydrocarbons to hydrogen.

The project was part of SGN's successful LTS Futures trial, conducted on a representative 30 km pipeline section running from Grangemouth to Granton in Edinburgh.

SGN was pleased with the outcome and stated that the lessons learned with LTS Futures would provide "a blueprint" for converting the entire LTS to hydrogen and a resilient solution for a net-zero energy system.

The work included installing a patented DNV Grouted Tee, allowing STATS access for hot tapping, plugging the pipeline, disposing of drill cuttings, and installing a termination plug. As part of the Live Trial, the STATS BISEP pipeline termination tool provided fail-safe, 100% leak-tight double block and bleed isolation.

The BISEP had to be validated to operate safely and leak-tight in high-pressure hydrogen, resulting in unique operating parameters. Unlike traditional pipeline termination technology, the BISEP guarantees leak-proof isolation, significantly increasing safety and reducing environmental risks.

STATS worked closely with DNV, who supplied a grouted tee for a branch suitable for use with hydrogen, an alternative to live welding.

Neil Mackay, Senior Business Development Manager, said: Through close collaboration, SGN and STATS have proven that the BISEP tool is the world's only double block and bleed insulation technology for high-pressure hydrogen pipelines.

For the first time, hot tapping and leak-tight line stoppage operations have been successfully performed on a British hydrogen pipeline, overcoming the challenges of horizontal installation, drill cuttings dispersion, and the unique properties of hydrogen. This required not only process modifications but also the development of new procedures, tools, and assurance processes.

The safe isolation and modification of pipelines such as those used in the LTS Futures trial are essential for the complete hydrogen transition. A proven hot tapping or line stoppage method that could guarantee that repairs, maintenance, or modifications could be carried out safely and efficiently was not available. This was especially true for the reduced emissions achieved through the use of BISEP technology, for both hydrocarbon gas and hydrogen.

BISEP DS, Pipeline Hot Tapping & Line Plugging

This innovation will support every UK network operator, benefit millions of customers, and accelerate decarbonization. It's a world first, achieved through collaboration, innovation, and ambition, resulting in a wealth of evidence and operational knowledge that is transferable within the UK's gas networks and beyond.

About the leading companies

STATS Group, headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, is a market leader in the supply of pressure insulation, hot tapping and plugs for pipelines in the global energy sector.

SGN (Scotia Gas Networks), headquartered in Horley, England, UK, is a British gas distribution company. It operates natural gas and green gas distribution networks in Scotland and southern England.

Det Norske Veritas (DNV) is an internationally accredited registrar and classification society headquartered in Høvik, Norway. DNV provides services to various sectors, including maritime, oil and gas, renewable energy, electrification, and healthcare.

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