Patch Madflex®
The innovative solution for permanent gas and water pipeline repair
The Patch Madflex® is a breakthrough technology developed by Composite Research Srl and tested in Italgas laboratories. Designed for low-pressure gas pipelines, it allows for permanent, one-time repairs—eliminating the need for future interventions.
This smart solution uses a pre-cured composite kit applied directly to the damaged pipeline, ensuring a repair that is not only efficient and durable but also safe and reliable. Thanks to its versatility, Patch Madflex® adapts to different types of pipelines and operating conditions, providing a future-proof alternative to traditional methods.
Applications
- Buried pipelines
- Overhead pipelines
- Road pipelines
Key benefits
- Durability – Aging tests show effectiveness lasting up to 60 years.
- Service continuity – Repairs are carried out without interrupting gas supply, even in the presence of leaks.
- Quick application – Easy to use even in confined spaces.
- Versatility – Suitable for different materials, types of damage, and pipe diameters.
3D Asset Mapping
Innovation and precision in the digital mapping of Italgas infrastructures
The 3D Asset Mapping project is transforming the way Italgas monitors and manages its gas networks, both underground and above ground. Using advanced technologies, we create a Digital Twin of our infrastructure, delivering greater safety, efficiency, and reliability for the communities we serve. By turning physical networks into accurate digital replicas, 3D Asset Mapping enables smarter planning, predictive maintenance, and better protection of territories. It is a step forward towards a fully digital, safer, and more sustainable energy system.
Applications
- Constantly updated digital maps of infrastructures
- Accurate planning of interventions and maintenance
- Advanced simulations and digital cartography reconstructions
- Monitoring and management of underground utilities
Key benefits
- Greater safety – Early fault detection and risk reduction
- Operational efficiency – Optimized planning and faster emergency response
- Digital Twin – Simulations that support predictive maintenance and targeted interventions
- Value for communities – Municipalities and operators gain access to reliable, updated maps
Amex Saniline
The trenchless method for sustainable and non-invasive gas network renewal
The Amex Saniline method is one of the most innovative and sustainable solutions adopted by Italgas for the renewal of cast iron and steel pipelines. Thanks to trenchless technology, it enables network rehabilitation without invasive excavation, drastically reducing environmental impact and disruption for citizens and local businesses. The system uses a multilayer liner made of polyester fibers and thermoplastic materials, inserted and fixed inside the existing pipeline. The result is a fully restored, long-lasting infrastructure — with an expected lifespan of over 50 years and performance comparable to a new pipe.
Venice
The Venice project stands as a remarkable example of the effectiveness of the Amex Saniline method. In a city defined by its fragile foundations and unique historical heritage, Italgas successfully renewed cast iron pipelines without damaging urban structures or disrupting everyday life. The intervention combined environmental protection, technical efficiency, and economic sustainability — setting the stage for future applications of this technology in other historical city centers across Italy.
Applications
- Renewal of cast iron and steel pipelines
- Works in complex or historical urban areas
- Underground networks with bends or high service density
Key benefits
- Speed of execution – 50 meters of pipeline renewed in just 5 days.
- Sustainability – Minimal excavation, reduced waste, and lower environmental impact.
- Operational flexibility – Easily adaptable to different pipeline types and conditions.
- Cost efficiency – Lower costs and shorter timelines compared to traditional methods.
Picarro
Innovation in gas network monitoring
Italgas uses Picarro technology to make its networks safer and more efficient. This advanced detection system identifies gas leaks with unmatched accuracy, covering much larger areas and in far less time than traditional methods.
Alongside dedicated vehicles, portable Picarro backpacks ensure inspections can reach even the most difficult spots, providing complete and reliable monitoring of the network.
Results achieved
- –62% fewer third-party reports of gas leaks (2017–2023)
- –83% methane emissions compared to 2015
With the largest Picarro fleet in the world (over 40 vehicles and 100 backpacks by 2025) and partnerships with universities and international organizations, Italgas is positioning itself as a European leader in innovation for safer and more sustainable networks.
Key benefits
- Greater safety through more accurate leak detection
- Lower methane emissions and reduced environmental impact
- Operational efficiency with faster, targeted interventions
- Predictive maintenance to anticipate problems before they become emergencies