Union Gas (Canada)

Abstract The quality of the indirect inspection data is a critical factor in conducting a successful ECDA. It is therefore essential to increase the accuracy of the field data collection, to improve the data processing and to effectively present the results. This paper describes several challenges faced during this continuous improvement process. Techniques for obtaining accurate field data for assessing the risk of AC corrosion are reviewed. Data processing considerations are presented in the context of a case of third-party damage. The implications for similar DCVG indications on the same line are discussed, and a mechanism for these “apparent” DCVG indications is presented. A new format for displaying the data is also presented, allowing a better visual co-ordination between the indications and the site features, as well as allowing immediate assessment of the proposed locations for direct examinations in terms of access and other challenges.

Abstract Two leaks were found on a recently installed (1999) pipeline which was coated with extruded polyethylene and protected with directly connected magnesium anodes. This paper describes the use of external corrosion direct assessment (ECDA) principles to identify locations where corrosion could pose a threat to pipeline integrity, and describes the challenges encountered in developing a mitigation program. The reliability of indirect inspection tools along directionally bored sections of pipe, in correlation with special soil conditions, is also discussed.

A blast furnace is a reaction vessel in which iron ore is converted to molten iron. High rate pulverized coal injection (PCI) into a blast furnace (BF) is an existing process that is known to decrease the amount of coke in the ironmaking process. Natural gas co-injection with pulverized coal increases the burnout and devolatilization rates of pulverized coal. Also, hydrogen produced from natural gas combustion is a powerful reducing agent of iron (III) oxide, releasing pure iron that trickles down and is eventually removed through the taphole. Due to the inherent complexity of the blast furnace ironmaking process, numerical simulation can prove to be quite difficult. This paper describes a three step methodology for modeling blast furnace combustion, and its application to a furnace in operation at USSC Hamilton Works.

Abstract The paper describes the theoretical and practical aspects of merging two indirect inspection tools (i.e. Close Interval Potential Survey and DC Voltage Gradient) in one integrated survey, as used in 2004 during an ECDA project covering more than 21 Km of gas pipelines in Southern Ontario. A method was developed and verified in the field to calculate the %IR at coating defects using the recorded data, with no need to interrupt the survey or to return to the defect location in order to measure the total gradient to remote earth. The data processing was improved by deriving the longitudinal gradient profile from the Close Interval Potential Survey data. This enhancement will be used in future surveys to validate indications, in conjunction with the measured lateral gradient data.

ABSTRACT The first oil well in North America was drilled in 1858 near Oil Springs, Ontario, Canada. Today, over 135 years later, Union Gas Limited is using cable tool rigs to drill natural gas storage wells within a 30 kilometer radius of that first well. Union's storage pools are located in Lambton County, Southwestern Ontario, Canada (Figure 1). Lambton County is approximately 5,600 hectares (560,000 acres) of which 88% is actively farmed. There are over 3000 farms located in this area, and it is Union's priority to minimize environmental damage to these agricultural lands during well drilling activities. This paper discusses cable tool drilling as an alternative to rotary drilling, and examines the environmental, reservoir, and operational advantages of cable tool drilling natural gas storage wells.

One of the most important matters in the operation of any utility, whether a water utility or otherwise, is to know just what your utility property consists of, how many miles of main you have, where the valves and water services are located, and how many you have. Underground water mains and services make up the greatest amount of capital invested in the water system, except for that invested in water towers, reservoirs, and pumping stations. In some cities the capital invested in the main lines and services is even greater than that for reservoirs and pumping stations. This paper will, however, deal only with the matter of underground structures, particularly describing the system of records used by our particular companies. The first matter to consider in making a record of a water system is that of the general layout of the mains in relation to the streets and roads involved in the territory. The best way to do this, in the opinion of the writer, is to make up a map to some certain scale, or to sectionalize some map previously produced by some professional map maker. This latter is quite often the logical step, as professional map makers have the opportunity of keeping street names, building changes, etc., up to date more readily than the water utility which would make changes only as necessity demanded. Figure 1 shows a sectional layout of streets and highways in the City of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, which is served with water by one of our associated properties, namely the Union I4ght, Heat and Power Company, and this layout is only one of a number of charts used for the entire system. It can be seen that the scale used is 200 feet to the inch, and the streets on the map are wide enough for us to locate the water mains, valves, fire plugs, etc., on the proper side of the 1372