DNV launches Synergi Mains Replacement Planner: A strategic approach to asset replacement for Gas Utilities

DNV’s Synergi Mains Replacement Planner (Synergi MRP) gives operators a solution to optimally modernize their infrastructure while ensuring reliability and continuity of services.

DNV, a leading pipeline integrity and risk management solutions provider, announced the launch of Synergi Mains Replacement Planner (Synergi MRP). This innovative software empowers gas utilities to proactively address aging infrastructure challenges, optimize network resilience, and maximize operational efficiency.

From reactive to proactive management of aging infrastructure

The vast scope of aging gas infrastructure poses a significant challenge for utilities across the globe. In the US alone, over 450 gas distribution companies replaced 5,800 miles of gas mains in the last decade. Yet, at this pace, it would take more than 200 years to replace all legacy and aging piping.

"The need to prioritize pipeline replacement efforts is clear," says Tony Alfano, Pipeline Product Line Director at DNV Digital Solutions. Synergi MRP tackles this challenge head-on, providing utilities with an optimization engine that streamlines asset replacement investment and planning, while also instilling confidence in decision-making.

"Synergi MRP empowers utilities to prioritize resources based on objective data, focusing on the highest-risk areas," explains Alfano. "This strategic approach ensures they can optimize maintenance budgets and make informed decisions, ultimately leading to a more resilient gas network."

Leveraging probabilistic risk for optimal decision-making

Synergi MRP leverages the power of predictive analytics, multi-year scenario planning, and flexible data integration to help utilities strategically develop cost and capacity optimized multi-year replacement plans. This powerful tool allows for:

• Prioritization of Modernization Projects: Focus resources on assets most likely to experience failure, minimizing downtime and optimizing ROI.
• Informed Investment Decisions: Gain data-driven insights to support strategic capital expenditure planning.
• Maximized Network Lifespan: Implement proactive maintenance strategies to extend the lifespan of gas networks and reduce leaks and emissions.

A key differentiator is Synergi MRP’s seamless integration with DNV's industry-leading risk and integrity management software, Synergi Pipeline. The powerful combination allows utilities to prioritize replacements based not just on basic factors such as age and condition, but also enables risk-informed asset management based on the probabilistic, quantitative likelihood of failure and consequence of failure projections, ensuring a laser focus on assets critical to network health and safety.

“Synergi MRP builds upon DNV's established pipeline integrity and risk management expertise,” states Tony Alfano. "Developed through close collaboration with customers, this comprehensive asset management solution empowers utilities to take a strategic approach to network management. By integrating risk assessment with replacement planning, Synergi MRP ensures regulatory compliance, improves investor confidence, and ultimately delivers a more resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable gas network."

Building on the legacy of excellence

Synergi Mains Replacement Planner (MRP) is the evolution of the widely acclaimed MRP module of Uptime. The all-new Synergi MRP goes beyond the basics, offering a robust suite of functionalities for seamless data-driven decision-making, along with:

• Modern and User-Friendly Interface: Enables intuitive data visualization and informed decision-making. Synergi MRP boasts a brand new, user-friendly interface built on the latest ESRI-supported ArcGIS Pro platform.
• Advanced Spatial Analysis: Uncovers hidden patterns within diverse datasets and further optimizing replacement strategies.
• Faster Processing Times: Designed to handle the demands of the largest utility networks.
• Enhanced Reporting: Provides the flexibility to create modern and customizable reports using native Esri charting and reporting or simply using the built-in reports.

Empowering gas utilities for a sustainable future

In today's environment, with rising asset risks and a zero-tolerance approach to failures, proactive asset management is essential. Synergi MRP empowers gas utilities to make informed decisions about their pipeline and mains replacement projects, ensuring the delivery of a safe, reliable, and cost-effective gas supply for their customers.