Measuring Safety in Gas Distribution Networks

Introduction. The aim of this study is to analyze the current state of the Russian Federation gas distribution system, based on statistical material on accidents on gas distribution and gas consumption networks. The problem of ensuring reliable operation and safe operation of systems becomes most urgent in large cities and settlements with multi-stage and branched gas distribution networks, since every year the number of gas pipelines, equipment and fittings that have exhausted their design life increases. The objective of the study is to determine the causes and dynamics of accidents, identify the determining factors, develop an algorithm for quantitative assessment of the risk of emergencies and accidents at the facilities of the gas distribution system. Materials and methods. In the work, proven research methods were used, including analysis and generalization of theory and experience in the field of reliability of gas distribution pipelines, a systematic approach and mathematical modeling were used. Results. The materials on gasification of the territory of the Russian Federation using the methods of system analysis are generalized and systematized. Mechanisms of development of failures in gas distribution and gas consumption networks are considered, data on accidents are analyzed. The review of existing methods of troubleshooting and methods of assessing the state of gas pipelines, gas fittings and gas-using equipment is carried out. Methods for improving the efficiency, reliability and safety of gas distribution systems are proposed. The main results of the study are to summarize and systematize the materials of gas distribution organizations for the gasification of the territory of the Russian Federation using systems analysis methods. Conclusions. The results obtained during the analysis on the state of the accident rate of the structural elements of the gas distribution system can be used to monitor the technical condition of the system, including taking preventive measures to prevent accident incidents.

The energy transition is leading to profound changes in all parts of the energy system, but the reduction of fossil fuels in the heating sector is a major challenge for the energy sector. The changing heat-generating structure also affects its supply infrastructures. The impact on the existing electricity infrastructure is evident and subject to a lot of research, but gas distribution networks are not considered in most studies. The ongoing defossilization brings the need to assess the impact on gas distribution networks. The assumption of gas as a bridge technology might lead to potential lock-ins or sunk cost. The central question reads: how will gas distribution networks change by 2050 as we move towards a greenhouse gas neutral energy system?This question is answered by using a model network analysis called DINO to compute the infrastructure development and associated cost for existing greenhouse gas-neutral scenarios from present day until the year 2050. The supply task and the necessary network elements with their physical parameters are included in the model, and the cost-optimal gas distribution network infrastructure is calculated for each county in Germany.In short, the infrastructure analysis shows a declining need for gas distribution networks for all given greenhouse gas-neutral scenarios. In all-electric scenarios, the network length of the required grid infrastructure decreases to zero by 2050. Even in moderate scenarios with high shares of synthetic gas in the heating system, less gas distribution infrastructure is needed. The results of the research presented in this paper can be used to support the necessary measures to ensure a development of gas distribution networks that support greenhouse gas neutrality.

Natural Gas production and distribution network plans are one of the most common ways to increase energy consumption efficiency. Due to the uncertainty of the economic parameters, the economic justification of this system is very difficult. In this research, the economic risk of investing in urban gas distribution systems has been done with the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). With the development and condensation of urban gas supply networks, accidents caused by gas leaks and other external factors have also increased. Therefore, in recent years, the issue of safety and risk analysis of urban gas networks has received special attention from responsible companies and other urban and safety experts. Gas distribution lines often pass in the vicinity of crowded areas and buildings, so any accident for these lines will lead to a lot of human and financial losses. In the present study, in order to improve the gas supply situation and reduce the risk of failure in Indonesia, urban gas pipelines have been studied to reduce the costs. In this paper, multi-criteria decision making method analysis is used to identify and evaluate the hazards of urban gas pipelines and the risk of occurrence of each hazard is calculated. There was a meaningful relationship based on economic-financial theories between economic factors and investment risk in the gas industry, which emphasizes the greater and more significant effect of exchange rate, failures and inflation rate variables in comparison with other research variables in the matter of controlling investment risk in the gas industry. The effects of changes in energy prices and the economic environment in explaining the behavior of investment risk in this industry have placed the next level of importance. The results showed that with the increase in energy prices, the economics of gas production and distribution risk management plans have improved and the regular trend of energy price increases can guarantee the profitability of fuel consumption optimization plans.

Continuing improvement in the properties of polyolefins is contributing to the increased use of these materials. This is particularly so for pipes and other components of water and gas distribution networks. Important are reliable lifespan assessments of pipes and components of these networks that are subjected to demanding operational, environmental and disturbance stresses. There is the problem that after installation, under busy streets of towns, cities and other thoroughfares, subsequent access can be costly and disruptive to many transport and other services. Of much interest here is in research directed at improving the rugged durability and life of distribution pipes. This requires, for example, identifying ageing and other failure mechanisms in pipe materials and their causes. One important factor in assessing the lifetime to be expected of new polyethylene materials, for water and gas distribution networks, is their degree of propensity to initiation of brittle failure. New generations of resins are now being developed to have much improved resistance to the onset of brittle failure. Hence, required are appropriately discriminating laboratory assessments able to compare the properties of a wide range of new and existing materials, as to their resistance to brittle failure. This is to complement the use of the standard Full Notch Creep Test (FNCT) techniques that were developed by Fleissner [1] and investigated, for example, by Ting, Williams and Ivankovic [2].

Techno-economic-environmental evaluation framework for integrated gas and electricity distribution networks considering impact of different storage configurations

This paper demonstrates the problem of calculating a rational piezometric pressure distribution graph in high-and medium-pressure gas distribution networks. These issues are particularly relevant in the design of gas distribution networks. In addition to the often used in practice design opportunities to reduce the cost of building gas distribution networks, rational choice of the optimal configuration of gas pipelines, which gives us the opportunity to get a large economic, as well as the effect of preserving the environment, it is also possible to use the pressure drop in the network. In total, with a rational choice of the scheme of organizing gas supply to consumers in localities, it is possible to get the maximum economic effect. It is important that modern equipment of this type allows to implement a single-stage scheme of gas distribution networks. Construction of natural gas pipelines we can use the available pressure drop in various technical solutions, but the reasonable distribution of the pressure drop between the network sections allows us to obtain a positive economic effect. The algorithm shown is proposed for use in the design of gas distribution networks of settlements of all types, and in the supply of natural gas to industrial enterprises.

Cybersafety: A System-theoretic Approach to Identify Cyber-vulnerabilities & Mitigations in Industrial Control Systems

This paper describes the application of artificial intelligence techniques in the supervisory controller of a gas distribution network. The main idea was to use symbolic models of the distribution network in the knowledge-based system components. The symbolic models represented various quantitative and qualitative features of the process which made it possible to support the monitoring, diagnostic and intervention planning procedures with high-level tools. The spectrum of Al techniques used in the system architecture included associative databases, object-oriented programming and planning techniques. The system has been implemented in a distributed computing environment.

This paper presents the results of the H2SAREA project, which focuses on integrating hydrogen (H2) into the existing natural gas (NG) distribution network, with blends of up to 20%. A key component of the project was the H2Loop testing platform, built using ex-service materials and components to realistically assess the impact of hydrogen on current systems and components. The investigation covered several critical areas, including gas injection and blending, network capacity, leak detection, gas pressure regulation station (GPRS) performance, valve and meter functionality, materials compatibility, permeation testing, and gas deblending. Results show the feasibility of safely injecting up to 20% hydrogen into the existing system, offering valuable insights to guide the transition of gas distribution networks toward a hydrogen-based energy future. • Large scale distribution facility (H2Loop) operated successfully for 12,000+ hours with up to 20% H2 in natural gas. • Network confirmed capable of handling 20% hydrogen-natural gas mixtures. • Suitability of deblending technology, materials, components and domestic appliances. • Project supports repurposing gas infrastructure for up to 20% hydrogen. • Findings advocate hydrogen as a key component in future energy strategies.

The Australian Hydrogen Centre (AHC) was established to deliver Australian-first feasibility studies into how existing natural gas distribution networks could be used in a system to produce, store, and transport renewable hydrogen, decarbonising gas supply while still meeting the needs of customers. The AHC Reports show that it is technically and economically feasible to use existing gas infrastructure for scaled hydrogen distribution, delivering: (1) net-zero carbon emissions gas; (2) minimised customer disruption while retaining security and diversity of supply; (3) services to the electricity grid through flexible electricity demand and frequency control; (4) 15 gigawatts (GW) of electrolysis supported by over 30 GW of new renewable electricity generation; (5) 30 petajoules (PJ) of hydrogen storage to harness the ability of gas to store vast amounts of energy, balancing renewable electricity supply and demand swings between colder and warmer months; and (6) over AU$1.5 billion in additional economic value a year including more than 12,500 jobs during construction and 6200 jobs during operation. Supported by a range of independent technical studies, the Reports provide a better understanding of the opportunity to access Australia’s world-class gas distribution infrastructure to unlock hydrogen opportunities while retaining energy security and affordability; identifying a range of low-regret enablers that could trigger coordinated action by government and industry. They also share learnings from Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyP SA), an Australian-first demonstration of hydrogen blending in a gas distribution network.

It describes the possibility of digitalization of measures to create a gas distribution network. Describes the processes involved in defining the connection contract category, executing and approving project documentation. Analysis of possible reduction of measures due to use of electronic geodetic database, single site for coordination of gas distribution network projects is performed. The result of the introduction of digitalization of measures to create a gas distribution network will be a reduction of up to three calendar months of the term for fulfilling contractual obligations by the gas distribution organization.

Objectives/Scope This study was based on estimation and quantification of fugitive methane emissions from a 170,000 km gas distribution network in Italy, following the OGMP 2.0 Standard. Commissioned by a major gas company, the project covered the period 2021-2023. The key objectives of the activity carried out was to report methane emissions following the OGMP 2.0 framework, develop an advanced emissions estimation model and create a roadmap for achieving the "Gold Standard." This study highlights the critical issues encountered in selecting the appropriate measurement technologies and data processing methodologies and analyzes the applied solutions, also identifying possible ideas for future improvement. Methods/Procedures/Process The methodology involved the analysis of technical documentation and client data to report methane emissions following the OGMP 2.0 Level 3. An advanced estimation model was developed based on field data from a "site-level provider" to determine emission factors for distribution pipelines. Field campaigns using "bagging method" and portable gas detectors were conducted to quantify emissions, ensuring compliance with Level 3 standards and results compared with vehicle-based leaks detection (site Level monitoring). Results/Observations/Conclusions The study highlighted the challenges of monitoring methane emissions in gas distribution networks, where fugitive leaks can also be due to corrosion phenomena of the pipelines. The results of this study represented an advancement in the precise quantification and management of methane emissions within the client's extensive gas distribution network. The results concerned three different aspects: emission estimates methodology, comparison of measurement methods/technologies and statistical analysis. The correlation of the results obtained for all the mentioned aspects provided useful insights into how to apply technologies, the reliability of data aggregation, and how to potentially improve in the future with dedicated experimental studies. Novel information This study offered novel contributions by developing a tailored analytical model for methane emissions in a complex gas distribution network, applying OGMP 2.0 standards to a real-world scenario in Italy. It integrated a comparative analysis between different technologies, providing valuable insights. The findings emphasized the importance of precise quantification, continuous improvement, and innovation in methane emissions management, supporting global efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.

PurposeThe paper aims to research the capability of using the tools of domestic and international performance benchmarking for estimation of efficiency, determine its key factors and reveal the full reserves of inputs reduction and potential growth efficiency for gas distribution companies.Design/methodology/approachIn the research, three models of data envelopment analysis (DEA) and other tools of performance benchmarking are used to analyse the efficiency of gas distribution companies. Some factors are examined for their impact on efficiency. There are the scale, regional location, property category and other endogenous and exogenous factors. The results are based on the samples of 54 Ukrainian and 20 US gas distribution companies.FindingsInternational benchmarking vastly expand performance improvement for domestic companies. The results of analysis and tools of this research allows to widen the capability of reduced consumption of various inputs by 10 per cent and provide the general gain of Ukrainian gas distribution company's and industry efficiency two times as much.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by single industry and by relatively short data set. The former is explained by requirement of technology (product and service) homogeneity when using DEA tools. The latter is connected with specificity of the industry and generally little numbers of firms in it.Practical implicationThe results of researching contain the data and recommendations to optimal scale, best proprietors makeup, specific reserves of input reduction for each company that was analysed. These results can be practicable for companies' management, present and potential investors and proprietors, regulative public authority. It is possible to use results of this research to make benchmarking for the other industries.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that adopts the various DEA models for measuring of efficiency in gas distribution industry of Ukraine and the tools of international benchmarking for Ukrainian and US companies.

The gas distribution system in Ukraine is critically important for the country’s energy security and sovereignty, ensuring a stable gas supply to millions of consumers and industry. It is of strategic importance not only for the functioning of the economy but also as a key asset in the European gas transportation market, ensuring the diversification of routes and reliability of supplies. The aim of the article is to supplement the methodological principles for managing Ukraine’s gas distribution system and to identify key trends in its modern development. The article defines the essence of the gas distribution system. The composition of its key functions in the context of the gradual transformation of Ukraine’s gas transportation system is outlined. Among the key functions of the GDS were highlighted: transportation of natural gas; ensuring the reliability and safety of the GTS; providing information and accounting support; ensuring the development and modernization of the national GTS; ensuring the operation of emergency dispatch services; and providing communications, monitoring, and control. Based on a review of the current realities of the Ukrainian gas transportation system, a list of the main trends and problematic aspects of gas distribution enterprises’ activities was compiled. The main ones are: gradual liberalization of the gas market and delimitation of its operators; regulatory changes and improvement of the tariff policy in the gas market; increasing the degree of adaptation of the gas distribution system to challenges and threats; increasing the scale of the gas distribution system from the point of view of management; active digitalization of the industry; increasing the risks of gas network obsolescence; increasing the number of clients of gas distribution operators; gradual integration of the gas market of Ukraine into the single EU energy space. It is emphasized that the reform of the natural gas market, which has become the basis for further development of the national gas distribution system, will, in general, contribute to Ukraine’s integration into the single European energy space. Keywords: natural gas, gas distribution enterprises, natural gas market, management, energy space, energy infrastructure.

The article deals with the issues of determining the optimal type of piezometric pressure graph in high-and medium-pressure gas pipelines in the design of gas distribution networks. Along with the most commonly used ways to reduce the cost of building gas distribution networks by finding the optimal configuration of gas pipelines, which give a great economic and environmental effect, it is necessary to rationally use the pressure drop provided to the network. This step in engineering practice allows you to additionally get money savings. The use of various schemes for supplying consumers with gas in cities and villages also has a great economic effect, but modern equipment allows you to make the transition to a single-stage scheme of gas distribution networks for cities. When designing gas distribution networks, the available pressure drop can be used by implementing various technical solutions, but the correct choice of pressures in the nodal points contributes to an economic effect. The designed configuration of the gas distribution network with the adopted type of piezometric graph can ensure reliable operation for a long time. The results obtained are recommended for use in the design of gas distribution networks of cities, other settlements and distribution networks of industrial enterprises