Elizabethtown Gas Upgrades Gas Infrastructure Using Advanced Robotics

ULC Technologies’ CISBOT robot deployed in Port Elizabeth to extend the life of a critical gas main along Third Avenue. 

CISBOT, developed and deployed by New York-based ULC Technologies, enters live gas mains through a very small opening in the street and travels hundreds of feet in either direction underground to internally remediate the joints. The Third Avenue project was identified due to its history of costly repairs and challenges around excavating in the area.

“Third Avenue is challenging to conduct traditional maintenance or repairs—and there is minimal room under the street to install a new pipe,” says Timothy Lynn, Operations Manager at Elizabethtown Gas. “Using robotic technology, we were able to extend the life of the pipe while reducing costly and disruptive excavation along the roadway for traditional repairs or replacement, and we are excited to see the technology continue to expand in New Jersey.” 

CISBOT was deployed along a 1,309-foot segment of 30-inch gas main where it sealed 102 joints over 21 working days. The advanced robotic system works within the pipeline under the street with minimal impact to traffic and no disruption of gas supplies to customers.

“Elizabethtown Gas strives to balance sustainability, safety, affordability, and reliability in the service we provide to our customers,” says Christie McMullen, President & COO of Elizabethtown Gas. “The project on Third Avenue allowed our team to carry out necessary upgrades with minimal disruption to the community while proactively protecting the main against future repairs.” 

Teams at Elizabethtown Gas are looking at additional locations where this technology can support company goals and reduce costs. 

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