Services — MCA Consult Ltd

Regulatory

GL5 / G17 / G35 / PS6 Approvals and Appraisals

We provide independent technical appraisals and approval submissions for gas infrastructure in accordance with the UK gas industry's principal regulatory standards. Our engineers have extensive experience navigating the requirements of network operators and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

GL5 — Assessment of modifications and new installations on the National Transmission System
G17 — Emergency shutdown and isolation systems for gas supply networks
G35 — Regulators, governors, and pressure control equipment appraisals
PS6 — Pressure systems safety regulations documentation and written schemes of examination
Design review and independent verification of pressure systems
Liaison with network operators, DNOs, and the HSE throughout the approvals process

Analysis

Pipe Stress Analysis

Our pipe stress engineers carry out comprehensive flexibility and stress analysis of above-ground and below-ground piping systems, ensuring compliance with applicable design codes and protecting plant integrity under all loading conditions.

Static stress analysis — sustained, occasional, and expansion load cases
Dynamic analysis — slug flow, seismic, and pressure surge loading
Compliance with ASME B31.3, ASME B31.4, ASME B31.8, BS EN 13480, and PD 8010
Support design, restraint specification, and spring hanger selection
Nozzle load assessment and equipment vendor review
Fatigue and fitness-for-purpose evaluations

Mechanical Design

Mechanical Design of Pressure Reduction Installations

We deliver full mechanical design packages for pressure reduction stations (PRS) and associated pressure control installations serving gas transmission and distribution networks, from concept through to detailed design and construction support.

Concept and FEED studies for new PRS and offtakes
Detailed mechanical design in accordance with IGE/GL5, IGE/TD/13, and associated standards
Equipment selection and specification — regulators, safety relief valves, filters, metering
Pipework layout, isometrics, and general arrangement drawings
Hydraulic sizing and pressure drop calculations
Construction and commissioning support

Safety

Hazardous Area Zoning

We produce hazardous area classification studies and zone drawings for facilities handling flammable gases and liquids, supporting compliance with UK and international regulations and enabling safe selection of electrical and mechanical equipment.

Area classification in accordance with EI 15 (IP Model Code of Safe Practice, Part 15)
ATEX / IECEx zone drawings and documentation
Source of release identification and grade of release assessment
Zone extent determination using dispersion modelling where required
Equipment schedules and Ex-equipment selection support
Review and update of existing zone drawings for plant modifications

Civil & Structural

Civil / Structural Design

Our civil and structural engineering capability supports pipeline and process projects from foundation design through to the structural assessment of above-ground installations, crossings, and ancillary infrastructure.

Foundation design for pressure reduction stations, metering skids, and equipment pads
Structural steelwork design for pipe bridges, supports, and access structures
Pipeline road, rail, and watercourse crossing design
Ground investigation interpretation and geotechnical assessment
Structural integrity assessments and fitness-for-purpose evaluations
Construction drawings and specifications to Eurocode and BS standards

Analysis

Pipeline Transient Analysis

We perform dynamic transient analysis of gas and liquid pipeline systems to quantify pressure surges, identify potential overpressure scenarios, and inform the design of protection systems — ensuring safe and reliable operation throughout the operating envelope.

Surge and water hammer analysis for liquid pipelines
Gas transient modelling — blowdown, emergency shutdown, and valve operations
Identification of maximum and minimum transient pressures and design implications
Relief valve sizing and surge protection system design
Steady-state hydraulic modelling and network simulation
Reporting in support of design verification and regulatory submissions