GAS SUPPLY SYSTEM

 GAS SUPPLY SYSTEM

The Gas Supply Act 1993 (Act 501) and Gas Supply Regulations have been enforced since 17 July 1997. With these legislations in force, all activities pertaining to the supply of hydrocarbon gas through pipelines, its supply to consumers and use will be regulated by the Regulatory Agency. The purpose of such legislations is to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders, i.e. the gas supply industry, consumers and public on safety, economy, reliability, quality and efficiency aspects are taken care of. In principle, the Gas Supply Act applies to gas supply activities to consumers through pipelines as follows:
- Downstream of the last flange of the city gate station.
- From the storage tank or cylinder specifically used for reticulation of gas any apparatus in any premises.

Figure: Typical gas supply system in Malaysia (Source: Castleteamservices)

Types of gas supplied to consumers

It is a fossil fuel that contains primarily methane, along with small amounts of ethane, butane, pentane, and propane. Like other fossil fuel such as coal and oil, natural gas from the plants, animals and microorganisms that lived millions of years ago.

• Natural gas (NG)
• Natural Gas Liquid (NGL)
• Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
• Liquid Natural Gas (LNG)

Figure: Formation of petroleum and natural gas (Source: Google Image)

1. NATURAL GAS (NG)

Characteristics.

Natural gas does not contain carbon monoxide. The by-products of burning natural gas are primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor. Natural gas is a colorless, tasteless, odorless and non-toxic gas.

• Can solve hard problems reliably
• Easy to interface with existing models
• Easy to hybridize with other methods
• Extendible
• Need very little domain knowledge

Figure: Physical properties of natural gas (Source: Google image)

Uses.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel used as a source of energy for heating, cooking and electricity generation. Its is also used as a fuel for vehicles and as a chemical feedstock in the manufacture of plastics and other commercially important organic chemicals. Water heating accounts for the second larges use of energy. A natural gas water heater is one of the most economical fuel systems available. Once your home is connected to natural gas, it is easy to add appliances such as ranges, cook tops, dryers, fireplaces or outdoor grills. 

Figure: Uses of natural gas on a regular basis (Source: Google Image)

Figure: Percentage of natural gas used in daily life (Source: Google Image)

Types of natural gas components.
Natural gas is primarily composed of methane, but also contains ethane, propane and heavier hydrocarbons. It is also contains small amounts of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and trace amounts of water.

Figure: Typical Composition of Natural Gas (Source: Google Image)

Figure: Natural gas industry (Source: Google Image)

The main content of natural gas is methane with small percentages of ethane. LPG comprises propane and butane. Natural gas will go trogh the various stages of processing to produce liquefied natural gas. Gas from offshore will transfers through subsea pipelines to the gas station will be measured. Next, the gas is channel to the drying unit in which bubbles of steam will be removed. The remaining gas will be delivered to cooling it to a temperature of -161 celcius by using coolant. 

Equipment of gas.
Natural gas brings comfort and convenience to your home, while reducing your environmental footprint.

Gas supply system is equipped with :

1. Gas pressure meter
2. Communication system
3. Warning system
4. Automatic Control System
5. Stop valve equipment to disconnect a pipe or even a separate section of the building during emergency and repair work.
6. Gas distribution and gas service line.
7. Its role is to deliver gas from the distribution point of the municipality and stations and from the gas storage facilities to user.

• Furnaces and heating - The great quality air of your home's heating system can directly impact how comfortable you and your family in your home.
• Water heaters - Have peace mind. Enjoy plenty of hot water. Lower your energy bills. You get all that with a high-efficiency natural gas water heater.
• Fireplaces - Flip a switch and set the mood with a relaxing fire. 

   Figure: Water heater typically used at home (Source: Google Image)

Figure: Furnace at home (Source: Google Image)

Figure: Connection of a home heating system (Source: Google Image)

Method of installation gas systems.

Make connection to steel gas pipe.

Remember, you can't connect the flare fitting on the flexible gas line directly to a steel pipe thread. You have to install the flare fitting that's included with the kit.

Connection to soft copper.

Common sizes of flare fittings are 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch. Match the flare fittings to the outside diameter of the soft cooper you're connecting to. 

Figure : Connection to soft copper (Source: Google Image)

OUTSIDE INSTALLATION
Whenever the pipe is installed outside where it can be exposed to direct sunlight, it shall be covered to prevent continuous exposure.

INSIDE INSTALLATION 
Whenever the pipe is installed inside the building, it can be installed exposured to indoor light or it can also be embedded in concrete, or behind the wall in dry wall systems as needed.

UNDERGROUND INSTALLATION
Make sure the types of pipe or the materials of pipe is resistant against acid, alkaline or salty soil and allows the system to be buried underground.

GENERAL
It can be installed behind drywall and above false ceiling or surface mounted, as long as it encased with some protection likes concrete, steel or resistance chemicals and corrosive activity.

2. LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG)

LPG is a mixture of propane (30%-40%) and butane (60%-70%). LPG is stored as liquid under pressure is colourless and odourless in its natural state. LPG vapour is heavier than air. Therefore, the vapour may flow along the ground and into the drains and ignited at a considerable distance from the source of leakage. LPG forms a flammable mixture when mixed with air within the flammability limit to large volumes of vapour/ air mixture and thus cause considerable hazard. LPG is odouless before distribution, such tat any escape of has may be noticable by its smell.

SO TODAY'S SHARING IS A BRIEF INTRODUCTION ON GAS SUPPLY SYSTEM IN BUILDINGS! LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT WEEK SHARING TOPICS ON THE LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM!

Source: Live Science