How to determine the area that is affected by a pipeline failure

Risk = (Likelihood) x (Consequences of events that results from failure)

So, how do you specifically address the “Consequence” portion of the above risk equation in case of a pipeline failure?

No need to reinvent the wheel or do complex calculations. The formula is already available –

The radius of impact of the impact circle (r) = (0.69)*d*(p)^0.5

where,
d = Outside diameter of the pipeline (in)
p = Pipeline segment’s maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) (psig)
r = radius of the impact circle (ft)

What I am reading

Fundamentals of Natural Gas - An International Perspective by Vivek Chandra (Amazon Link)

The Headache Of Third Party Damages (Part 2)

The Headache Of Third Party Damages

It is good to be optimistic but let us get realistic. No matter how much you try to stop; somebody somewhere will damage your gas pipeline and you will have to run and put all your energy in fixing it. That ‘somebody’ is universally referred to as ‘third party’.

Here is my perception about the ‘perception’ people in society have about third party damages –

If an electric cable or water pipeline gets damaged leaving you in dark or without water, general reaction from people is,

“You see, one has to be careful while working near electric cable or water pipeline. It has direct impact on our lives.”
“Why don’t people working around electric cables or water pipeline get information before they dig?”
“These people working on road damage electric cable and water pipeline and we have to suffer. People who damage electric cable or water pipeline should be punished.”
Blah Blah…

But if a gas pipeline gets damaged by a third party, there is a high probability that general reaction from people will be one of the following –

“These gas companies don’t follow safety guidelines.”
“Their gas pipelines are just below the surface and don’t have enough top-cover.”
“These gas companies don’t protect their pipelines”
“There is a complete lack of safety.”
…
Yes, it is an ‘inconvenient truth’ ;-) that unlike other utilities, a gas utility is held accountable when a gas pipeline gets damaged. Regardless of this perception, ‘third party damage’ is a headache of gas distribution companies. 

In my subsequent posts, I will share some of my thoughts on how we can avoid third party damages and leverage technology in doing so.

Sandy, Natural Gas

How Natural Gas Kept Some Spots Bright and Warm as Sandy Blasted New York City - 

Interesting post 

GGCL stays with Gujarat

So, GGCL stays with Gujarat :)

With the announcement to acquire 65.12% controlling stake in GGCL from BG Group, GSPC is now the largest City Gas Distribution company of India. Here is how BIG THREE of CGD Sector stand with each other in terms of no. of domestic customers (as of today),

PNG is 50% cheaper than LPG now

An informative article on DNA which compares PNG and LPG pricing after the recent announcement to increase LPG prices:

The latest move by the government has made piped natural gas or PNG consumption almost 50% cheaper than LPG, which was so far at par or a little cheaper than PNG due to the telescopic pricing mechanism used by PNG companies. - DNA, 14 Sep 2012

Countries by size of oil reserves

Yesterday, I came across this simple map which shows country sizes based on Oil Reserves...Undoubtedly, Middle-East countries rule...

Source: Houston: We have a problem.

Beautiful propane flames

For a change, this is post is about 'propane' and not 'natural gas'...:)

I came across this stunning photo of propane gas flames...the activity shown is called as 'Flame Weeding'.

Flame weeding is the killing of weeds with intense heat produced by a fuel-burning device, either hand-held or tractor-mounted. Flame weeding usually relies on propane gas burners to produce a carefully controlled and directed flame that briefly passes over the weeds.

This is what I call 'Stunningly Beautiful'!

Source of image: http://www.tarimsalhaber.com

Special Report on 'Natural Gas' from The Economist

I had read somewhere that 19th century was dominated by COAL, 20th by OIL and 21st will be dominated by NATURAL GAS and it seems we are moving in the same direction. ‘The Economist’ has recently released a special report on Natural Gas. It says that new sources of gas could transform the world’s energy markets – but it won’t be quick or easy. Here is the link to the report.

Key 10 one-liners for you from this report –

1) An unexpected boom in Shale Gas in the US will spread across the globe which will add to gas supply
2) Because of high transport costs, only 1/3 of all gas is traded across borders, compared with 2/3 of oil
3) Other commodities fetch roughly the same price the world over, but gas has no global price
4) World might have gas for next 200 years against earlier estimation of 50 to 60 years
5) Better technology and high oil prices are helping natural gas
6) Share of gas in the global energy mix will rise from 21% today to 25% in 2035
7) Natural Gas is a flexible fuel – Wide range of uses: Domestic, Boilers, Power Generation, CNG, plastic, fertilizers etc.
8) Gas Markets are regional
9) Unknown Gas Treasures: Not just America but parts of Europe, China, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and several African countries
10) Visualization – Remaining recoverable natural gas resources:

Let there be Gas! :)

How does a natural gas regulator work?

Ever wondered how a pressure regulator actually ‘regulates’ gas pressure?...and those colourful cross-section diagrams are not helping you?! :)...I know those don’t…Here is an informative video on how a natural gas regulator works…

This is what we need today...

Pipeline Association for Public Awareness (PAPA) is a US based non-profit organization which provides educational information concerning pipeline safety and emergency preparedness to residents, businesses in the vicinity of pipeline. Click on this link to visit their website.

Considering the fast paced development in city gas industry (in fact in the entire utility industry which dominates the underground traffic :)) having such organization in place is critical for Indian CGD. As per me, it is absolutely essential for emergency responders like Fire Brigade, utilities taking urgent repairs/leaks etc.

It is an important step in incident prevention. 

Let there be light gas!

Min. Evacuation Distances

PNGRB vs IGL, Part-II begins...

So, couple of years back we had this question: Who is authorized to grant CGD licenses?

After receiving answer from Supreme Court on this, now we have a new question...’Who can regulate the gas tariff for CGD companies?’ :) 

Though, Delhi High Court has recently said that PNGRB did not have the authority to fix tariffs, PNGRB has decided to go to Supreme Court…(Reference: Link) and thus…(drum roll sound please) PNGRB vs IGL, Part-II begins… I appreciate IGL’s spirit in fight against PNGRB :)

Amount of gas blown off: Easy to remember formula

Here is an easy to remember formula to estimate the amount of gas blown off through an opening in the pipe:

Q=D^2.P.t/60

(in words D square PT by sixty…Isn't it easy to remember? :))

Now remember this as well…:D…which I suppose is quite standard.

Q = Volume of gas at 15 Deg C and 14.7 psia, SG = 0.6
D = Diameter of opening in inches (Orifice, pipe, nipple etc.)
P = Pressure in psia at some nearby point upstream of opening
t = Time of flow in minutes

That’s it!.. and you can estimate the gas lost through venting or valve opening!

Let there be Light Gas!

Hazards Based On Energy Sources

I came across this interesting diagram in an office today. It shows 8 energy sources which may lead to a hazard. (Motion, Chemical, Radiation, Electrical, Gravity, Heat/Cold, Biological, Pressure)
It is amazing to see that all the sources of hazards we can think of can be covered by only 8 categories. I made few unsuccessful attempts to think of a hazard which doesn’t fit in these categories :)

This is a simple and powerful diagram.

Customized SAP Solution for Indian City Gas industry

So, finally, a SAP Solution tailored for Indian City Gas industry is in the market. ‘Rapid Deployment’ is the key here and it will determine the success. You can find more details by clicking on this link:

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/fujitsu-unveils-sap-qualified-solution-for-cgd-sector_677079.html

CP Marker

I came across this marker a few days back and couldn't resist myself from taking a picture.
I liked the extra line on the board, 'Electrical wires tied to gas mains'.

Flow of gas in pipes

I was going through my old diary and found some information I had noted down from a book on Gas Technology I had come across in a library about nine years ago. I don’t recall the title and author of the book but it was one of those out of print old books you get attracted to for some secret/sacred knowledge. :)

The information was about flow of gas in pipes and the simple diagram and explanation there was extremely useful and it helped me throughout my career.

I am recreating the diagram here, hope you will find it useful.

Assumptions:
1) Horizontal pipe, uniform diameter
2) Four pressure gauges attached to points A, B, C and D at equal distances of 8m.
3) When valve E is opened, gas flows in the direction of the arrow.

The graph below shows what happens under four different sets of conditions: (Please click on the image to zoom in.)

1) Standing Pressure: When gas is standing still in a pipe i.e. when valve E is turned off, the pressure throughout the whole length of the pipe is the same. 

So, pressures at A, B, C and D = 20 mbar 

2) Working Pressure: Valve E is turned on to allow a ‘normal quantity’ of gas to flow through the pipe. In this case the pressure drop between point A and B is 2 mbar. 

So, pressure at point B = 18 mbar 

But, distance between A and B is same as distance between B and C as well as C and D. So pressure loss will be same i.e. 2 mbar. 

So, pressure at point C = 16 mbar 

Hence, Pressure at point D = 14 mbar 

3) Working Pressure with increased quantity: If the quantity of gas flowing is now increased then the pressure loss will also increase. The line 3 shows, with a 40% increase in quantity, pressure loss has doubled i.e. 4 mbar. 

So, pressure at point D = 8 mbar 

4) Normal quantity with partial blockage: Line 4 shows readings obtained for a ‘normal quantity’ of gas flowing but with an obstruction in pipe between point A and B. This reduces the effective diameter of pipe between point A & B and this has greatest effect on the pressure. 

Point B onwards pressure drop is back to normal i.e. 2 bar. 

However, the actual pressure drop between point A and B has increased. 

Pressure at point D = 4 mbar

Let there be light gas! :)

All you want to know about city gas distribution projects: An informative report by ICRA

ICRA has recently released this informative report on current state of City Gas Distribution Sector in India.

Highlights of the report are:

• Historical background of CGD in India
• Regulatory Aspects
• List (which everyone wants to know ;))  of successful bidders from 1st and 2nd round of bids invited by PNGRB
• Key challenges
• What the future looks like

For me the most interesting part was, the ratings assigned in ICRA’s Portfolio of CGD companies. IGL and MGL have been given AAA ratings.

Overall, this is a good read for all the people who are interested in knowing the ‘latest’ on CGD Projects in India.

Let there be Light Gas! :)

Interesting website on natural gas

Visit this interesting website on basic information on Natural Gas.

http://www.allaboutnaturalgas.com/

It also has a funny video which explains how natural gas is lighter than air.

This is an innovative initiative by GazMetro Public Relations and Communications Department.

It's sad to see BG go...

We all know that BG Group is preparing to divest its stake in Gujarat Gas and news of BG’s exit from Mahanagar Gas is in the air from last one year or so. (BG controls 65.1% in GGCL and 49.8% in MGL) Personally, I am a big fan of British Gas. I’m of the opinion that British Gas pioneered the modern City Gas Distribution Technology and obviously their partnership helped MGL and GGCL to establish from technology perspective.

Though BG’s exit might not impact already established GGCL, I’m sure their plan to exit from GGCL is not something shareholders might have expected. The reaction by Stock Market is an indication of that. GGCL's stock has lost close to 23% since the start of September 2011, mainly driven by the news of BG’s exit.

Various reasons are being reported behind this exit, right from availability of gas, high gas-prices to need to raise capital to invest in other countries. Anyways, for BG there is certainly a valid business reason behind this move. Keeping business aside, for me, it is a sad news. :-|

By the way, I like the tagline British Gas used earlier with their brand : ‘Natural Gas, It’s our business.’ :)

Number of PNG consumers compared to LPG consumers

If someone asks you, ‘What is the % penetration of PNG consumers compared to LPG consumers in India?’, what would be your guess?! 5%?, 10%?, 15? or 20%?!!!...I might have guessed between 5% to 10%.

But, the reality is different. It is just 1.19% as of 24 Nov 2011. 

As per the official news release by Government of India, against a total of 1,328 Lakh LPG consumers, there are only 15.88 Lakh PNG consumers in the country. 

This is a clear indication of potential ahead for City Gas Distribution industry in India.

As I always say, Let there be Light Gas! :)

PNGRB Vs IGL: Supreme Court Decision

I have received couple of e-mails asking about the result of the PNGRB Vs IGL case in Supreme Court. Actually it is my mistake that I missed to post the final part after my initial two posts on this subject.

Following are the highlights of what Supreme Court said:

• PNGRB can process CGD licenses to provide PNG and CNG 
• PNGRB cannot process authorisations for areas where licences have already been issued by the central government (e.g. Ghaziabad) 
• Fill up all vacancies on the board 

You may refer to this link for the news (dated12 May 2011) in detail.

Effect of altitude on gas pressure

Does gas pressure increase with increase in altitude? Yes, it does! Believe me. :)

Effect of Altitude on gas pressure is an interesting topic and I used to discuss this with my colleagues in my earlier city gas company and people working in planning, design, projects and O&M departments would be interested in this.

Let’s see this through Fluid Mechanics basics.

We know that, Atmospheric pressure is about 1013 mbar at sea level. = (A)
It becomes less as altitude increases. The reason is simple: Weight of the column of air is reduced.

Now, pressure at the depth of this column is = h (height of column) x d (density) x 9.81 kg/m3. (Let us call this as ‘Equation-X’). Now with this equation as foundation, let’s start our investigation.

Take a rise in altitude of 100m. At 100m above seal level the atmospheric pressure will be less by an amount equivalent to the pressure caused by a column of air 100m high.Hence, assuming air density as 1.248 kg/m3, pressure exerted by this column = 100m x 1.248 kg/m3 x 9.81 = 1224 N/m2 or 12.24 mbar = (B)

So, atmospheric pressure 100m above sea level is = (A) – (B) = 1013 – 12.24 = 1000.76 mbar

This was for air, but what happens to the gas? Here the things get interesting,

Assuming specific gravity of gas as 0.5 (for calculation sake), considering Equation-X above, pressure of 100m of gas will be = 100m x 1.248 kg/m3 x 0.5 x 9.81 = 612.14 N/m2 or 6.12 mbar

Thus , the gas pressure reduces by 6.12 mbar when the atmospheric pressure reduces 12.24 mbar.

The consequence of this is an apparent increase in gas pressure of 6.12 mbar for every 100m increase in altitude.

Based on above logic, following is the general formula which states the relation between difference in pressure and altitude.

Pressure difference = 0.12 x h x (1-S) mbar
(Where, h = height in metre, S = Specific Gravity of gas)

So from the formula above it is obvious that if the gas is heavier than air, then the difference will be decrease in pressure NOT increase. :)

Hope you find this helpful.

Let there be Light Gas! :)

Free IGEM Standards

We all know that purchasing legal copies of gas industry standards, for that matter all technical standards, is a pricey affair on individual level. But that doesn’t mean that there are no free lunches…there are…:)

You may visit the following link to download legal copies of some free standards from IGEM (Institute of Gas Engineers & Managers).

http://igemshop.helixsoftware.co.uk/category/68-show-all.aspx?orderby=10

I am sure you will find these useful, specially, IGEM/G/4 ‘Definitions for the gas industry’.

Don't reinvent the wheel, use PODS

I am back.

Sorry, I was swamped with work and couldn’t post anything in Aug and September.

Two weeks back I attended 2011 PODS User Conference in Sugarland, Texas. It was a great experience. For those, who don’t know what PODs is, PODS stands for ‘Pipeline Open Data Standard’. It is becoming (in fact has already become) the ‘Industry Standard’ for Pipeline Industry Data Model.

If you are thinking of implementing any IT system related to Integrity Management, Asset Management, Risk Management, GIS etc., do consider it from PODS perspective. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel of data model for your company. You can leverage PODS.

If you want more details on the Data Model, you can visit their website.
I also suggest going through the presentation made in the User Conference. It is a good read. http://www.pods.org/87/Presentations/

Wish you all a Happy and SAFE Diwali! (Keep an eye on your service regulators and keep your LP Drawings ready and handy to handle emergency)

Let there be gas! :)

Laying foundation of Pipeline Integrity Management

We all know that ASME B31.8 is the most widely used Code for the design, operation, maintenance, and repair of natural gas distribution and transmission pipelines. However, a gas utility company should NEVER forget the tiny supplement (sold separately) to ASME B31.8 i.e. ‘ASME B31.8S: Managing System Integrity of Gas Pipelines’ which applies to on-shore pipeline systems constructed with ferrous materials and that transport gas.
Having an Integrity Management Plan in place from the inception of the gas pipeline network will surely serve in the long term and ASME B31.8S is the mother source of all the Pipeline Integrity principles.

I have put together an overview of ASME B31.8S. I hope you will find this useful.

Overview of ASME standard B31.8S : Managing System Integrity of Gas Pipelines

I) General

• ASME B31.8S is a ‘Standard’.
• This is a supplement to ASME code B31.8 ‘Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping System’
• This standard applies to onshore pipeline systems constructed with ferrous materials and that transport gas.
• ‘Pipeline System’ means all the parts of physical facilities through which gas is transported including,
• Pipe
• Valves
• Appurtenances attached to pipe
• Compressor Units
• Metering Locations
• Regulator Stations
• Delivery Stations
• Holders and,
• Fabricated assemblies

II) Integrity Management Process



III) Integrity Management Principles

• Functional requirements for IM shall be engineered into new pipeline system
• Commitment by all operating personnel
• IM program must be flexible and should be customized to meet operator’s unique conditions
• Periodic evaluation
• Information Integration
• Risk assessments form the foundation
• Effective Performance Measurement
• Communication to appropriate stakeholders

IV) Integrity Management (IM) Program Elements



Following is the description for each of the element,

• Integrity Management Plan

• IM plan is developed after gathering the data and completing the risk assessment for each threat and for each pipeline segment or system.
• The plan shall be updated. The plan must remain flexible and incorporate any new information
• IM Plan Framework:
• Gathering , Reviewing and integrating data
• Assess Risk
• Integrity Assessment
• Responses to integrity assessment, mitigation (Repair and prevention) and intervals.

• Performance Plan

• Performance Plan shall be evaluated at least annually.
• Performance Plan requires operator to:

• Collect performance information
• Periodically evaluate success of program
• Evaluate effectiveness of its management systems and processes
• Evaluate new technologies for use in the program

• Performance Measures focus attention to IM program results that demonstrate improved safety. Following are the Performance Measures Group:

• Process or activity measures
• Operational Measures
• Direct Integrity Measures

• Performance Measurement Methodology can be of two types:

• Intrasystem – within operators own system
• Industry based – Comparison with other systems on industry-wide basis

• Communication Plan

• Communication shall inform about operators IM efforts and the results of IM activities. Information shall be communicated routinely /ad-hoc basis /upon request as per the target party and the nature of the information.
• External Communication to:

• Landowners and tenants along the Right of way
• Public officials other than emergency responders
• Local and regional emergency responders
• General Public
• Internal Communication: within operator’s organization

• Management of Change Plan
• Management of change shall address technical, physical, procedural and organizational changes to the system whether permanent or temporary.
• System changes can require changes in the IM program and, conversely, results from the program can cause system changes.
• Management should involve operating staff to review the procedures.
• All changes (whether small or major) shall be identified and reviewed before implementation.
• Documented record of changes should be developed and maintained.
• Changes should be communicated to affected parties.
• Training should be provided if required.

• Quality Control Plan

• The standard defines ‘Quality Control’ as “documented proof that the operator meets all the requirements of their IM program.
• Quality Management Control:
• Requirements of Quality Control Program:

• Documentation
• Implementation
• Maintenance
• Activities that should be included in the QC program are as follows:

• Determine the documentation required
• Define responsibilities and authorities
• Periodic review of results
• Involvement of qualified and competent personnel
• Define performance metrics, control points/criteria
• Internal/external audit
• Continuous improvement to QC program
• Outsourced activities shall be included in the QC program

Let there be Light Gas! :)

City Gas India news on Wall Street Journal

CGD India Market is already being discussed on global landscape:

Here is the news on Wall Street Journal (WSJ) website:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304259304576373392373309016.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Let there be light gas. :)

BG Group India Unit May Bid for Gas Networks Outside Home State

Finally, this has happened.
BG Group India Unit May Bid for Gas Networks Outside Home State


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-16/bg-group-india-unit-may-bid-for-gas-networks-outside-home-state.html