The pressure control in gas distribution networks is necessary because leakage losses are approximately proportional to pressure – higher average pressure means more emissions and resource loss. Higher pressure also increases mechanical stress on pipes, leading to greater risk of failures and higher maintenance costs. These reasons make dynamic, automated pressure control a key element for modern gas operators.
Utonomy, an official partner of Dresser Utility Solutions in the UK, has developed an integrated pressure management platform called UtonomyOne (линк към https://utonomy.co.uk/). The smart platform combines local retrofit hardware, secure wireless connectivity and cloud software services for centralized management, monitoring and automation. The solution’s focus is to replace manual, static regulator settings with autonomous and remotely controllable control so that network pressure more closely matches current demand. In this way operations are optimized, leakages are reduced, network capacity for green gas injection is freed up, and operating costs are lower.
Main components and principle of operation UtonomyOne consists of three main component groups: local control hardware (Ucontrol), a communications module (Uconnect) and a cloud platform with user applications (Ucloud and Uscope). In addition, the ecosystem includes modules for peripheral monitoring (Umonitor), automatic network responses (ANR) and machine-learning forecasts (Upredict).
- Ucontrol: an electromechanical actuator and controller mounted on the pilot valve of an existing regulator. Instead of adjusting the valve screw manually, the actuator changes its position according to configured setpoints. To avoid frequent movements and instability, Ucontrol uses a mathematical model that converts the desired pressure into a target actuator position. Mechanical adaptors enable retrofit to different pilot valve types, and built-in mechanical range limiters ensure the actuator cannot move outside a safe operating range.
- Uconnect: provides secure, encrypted communications between local controllers and the cloud platform over LTE or other broadband networks. Communications are device‑initiated, reducing exposure to external attacks, and a built‑in firewall blocks inbound connection attempts. For stations without grid power, Uconnect can run from solar power and a battery buffer; devices are optimized for low consumption and wake on a schedule to synchronize and transmit data.
- Ucloud and Uscope: Ucloud manages devices, stores and processes data, and hosts applications. Uscope is the user application and dashboard suite providing network visibility, near‑real‑time and historical pressure data, alarm management and remote editing of setpoint schedules. Through Uscope, operators can change schedules from a central office or mobile device and updates are automatically downloaded the next time a station connects.
Application in existing gas distribution networks UtonomyOne does not require replacing existing pressure regulators; the system is fitted as a retrofit module onto existing equipment. Installation includes mechanically mounting the actuator, configuring the mathematical model for the specific valve and setting mechanical range limiters to safe positions. After commissioning, Ucontrol can operate autonomously according to a local setpoint schedule, or be connected to the cloud for remote control and monitoring.
A typical configuration includes daily and seasonal setpoints: several points during the day (morning, midday, afternoon, night) and different settings for each season. This allows adjustments for demand peaks and troughs — for example higher pressure in mornings and evenings and lower pressure overnight — without manual interventions. When Uconnect and Ucloud are available, these schedules can be changed remotely and applied in near real time as required.
Safety, reliability and cybersecurity The UtonomyOne platform is designed with attention to supply security and data protection. Local devices run regular built‑in self‑tests and monitor critical parameters; on anomaly, protective procedures preserve supply. The communication model, device‑initiated connections, encryption and firewall reduce the risk of cyber threats.
Conclusion UtonomyOne offers a practical solution to one of the most pressing operational challenges facing gas operators today: how to maintain supply security while reducing losses and enabling integration of renewable gases. Through retrofit hardware, energy‑efficient communications and cloud analytics, the platform enables dynamic, safe and scalable pressure management. For operators aiming to cut emissions, optimize costs and prepare their networks for a greener future, this approach provides a clear and proven path forward.
We at Gasterm are in a partnership with the UK company Utonomy and, for interested Bulgarian customers, remain available for further information and contact.
