Natural Gas and CO: Policy 804 Flashcards
How is natural gas distributed?
Through a system of high pressure (85 bar) pipelines to local distribution zones medium pressure (25 bar) which then goes to smaller distribution sites where the supply is staged down to lower pressure for domestic use. It is at this point that the stenching agent ethyl mercaptan is added so leaks are easily detectable.
Who has legal responsibility for natural gas leaks including CO and natural gas safety?
Gas Authority (GA)
What are the hazards of a 25-85 bar pressure jet of gas?
- Physical mechanical damage to surroundings and people. Loud jet like noise.
- Large fireball/jet flame causing oxygen starvation and asphyxiation.
- Significant radiated heat.
- Large unignited release could present explosion risk in open air if confined or congested.
What is an easy way of identifying a natural gas distribution site?
Large gas holders.
How long can it take to turn off the high pressure system at a natural gas distribution site?
Up to an hour as the natural gas has to be staged down to prevent a rupture from sudden shock of the valves being closed.
What are the hazards of low pressure gas leaks?
- Even though lighter than air if it built up in confined compartments such as hidden air pockets it can reach flammable/explosive mixtures.
- In high concentrations can become an asphyxiant but only likely in confined spaces or in very close proximity to a very large gas release.
Is the smell of ethyl mercaptan confirmation of a gas leak?
No only potential. It is heavier than air whereas gas is lighter so may have dispersed. In addition, maintenance work on national grid infrastructure may mean deliberately vented.
What is the only true way of confirming the presence of natural gas?
DIM (Detection, Identification and Monitoring) equipment.
What are the hazards of ethyl mercaptan when stored in high levels such as at distribution centres?
- Explosive range of 2.8-18.2%.
- Extremely harmful to the environment and not be allowed to enter water course or drains.
- Colourless to yellow liquid but may be dyed.
What is CO?
Carbon Monoxide. A by product of burning of natural gas and other fuels. Very toxic in small doses.
How does CO’s density compare with air?
Same density so will mix in the room and adjoining rooms have potential to be contaminated.
Information on natural gas risks on the ground should be gathered from?
- 72ds.
- local knowledge.
- ORD.
- On site specialist/responsible person.
- Chemdata.
- Other specialist advice.
How do you quote wind directions? Is quoting wind direction always crucial?
Where the wind is coming from.
Eg ‘the wind is coming from the north’
Don’t place to much emphasis on wind direction in heavily built up areas as tall buildings create turbulence and unpredictable patterns.
What time or weather conditions will effect risk?
If no wind there may be limited or no dispersion above COMAH sites. Could be localised gas/vapour clouds.
This will be worse at night or during foggy days when vertical dispersion could be less effective.
Where should an initial appliance be sited for a low pressure gas leak?
Min 25m away unless incident or Pre-planning dictate otherwise. Not in line of site or front or rear of building. Greater than 45 degrees from front or rear.
How can you immediately tell a high pressure gas pipeline has been ruptured?
The loud jet like noise.