Meet the robot working to keep gas supplies on in Oldham

A robot that works unseen and underground to check and seal ageing joints in gas mains has been deployed in Oldham for the first time.

Cisbot (Cast Iron Sealing Bot) was first used under busy streets of New York and Boston, and later in London and Edinburgh. 

It has now been deployed in Oldham, with plans for it to move into central Manchester in 2020.

Using the robot means that roads do not need to be closed because it is remotely-operated above ground from a special vehicle.

There is also no disruption to gas supplies, as it operates in working pipes - with flow continuing safely and reliably to homes.

It means work can be completed quickly - taking weeks to do jobs that would otherwise take months or years to complete using tradition 'open cut' methods.

Cadent, the gas network which manages 21,000 miles of mains that distribute gas to 2.7 million properties in North West England, is working with local authorities in Manchester and beyond to identify sites suitable for Cisbot.

Adam Hassall, who manages the Cadent team, which maintains and repairs the gas mains in the area, said: "This is fantastic technology - a fast, efficient and non-disruptive way for us to check and seal joints at risk of failing as they age. 

"It's essential work, reducing the risks of gas escapes and extending the life of gas mains relied on by hundreds of thousands of people for warmth.

"We've already identified around 4km of mains that can be checked by Cisbot in the centre of Manchester, including some of the city's busiest roads. 

"Using Cisbot means everyday life and travel can continue without interruption, while we can make sure the gas network is running safe and sound, as it should be."

Cadent has brought two Cisbot robots - operated by US company ULC Robotics - to the North West for concurrent trials which are now under way.

One of the robots is checking 299 metres of an 18-inch cast iron main - and 109 separate joints - which runs under Featherstall Road North in Oldham.

Gas remains a vital component of the North West energy landscape, with nearly 85 per cent of homes in Oldham heated by gas.

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