Hse Challenges in City Gas Ditribution-Gail

HSE CHALLENGES IN CITY GAS DITRIBUTION-GAIL
SAURAV ANAND
Mob NO-705535700
Abstract : The past few years have witnessed tremendous growth in City Gas
Distribution (CGD) business in India. Today the CGD sector in India is on the
threshold of a new era.Sizeable opportunities and implementations have resulted in
developing understanding of the engineering, regulatory, and financial concepts in
this area. City Gas Distribution is one of the most assured businesses in current
times as Natural Gas being a clean fuel becomes the first choice of
consumers.Though CGD Network has enormous potential and has evident
advantages however, it brings alongwith it’s own challenges but the biggest
challenge is the vicinity of CGD Network with common public. A major factor for
success of CGD Network depends on the discipline and involvement of common
public in keeping CGD Network safe and effective. This paper intends to discuss
on HSE issues with focus on like Single Call system for India, Indian regulations
Vs other countries and Quality Assurance.
CGD Network across Indian Sates.

Oil India Limited was first to start distribution of gas in Assam in 1960’s. In
Gujarat, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) started selling its associated gas
to the neighboring industries in 1970’s.With the find of Oil / Gas at Mumbai high,
supply of gas commenced to industrial consumers around Mumbai like MSEB,
Tata and RCF. The gas pipeline networks were laid / owned by either ONGC or
the customers.
As a pilot project first city gas distribution project was taken up with the help of
ONGC at Vadodara city in 1972. Historically due to scarcity of natural gas vis a
vis demand, the supply of gas to other cities like Mumbai and Delhi, projects did
not take off in absence of adequate gas allocation.
Gujarat Gas Company Ltd. (GGCL) was the first commercial city gas distribution
company in India. GGCL in association with British Gas developed distribution
network in Bharuch and Ankleshwar cities. Subsequently, they expanded their
network to Surat.
Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) started city gas distribution to domestic,
commercial and industrial customers in Mumbai in 1995. The focus of the
company was to supply gas to domestic households and to transport sector and in
an event of surplus cater to the industrial demand.
Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) started city gas distribution to domestic,

commercial and transport sector customers in Delhi in 1998. The focus of the
company was to supply gas to transport sector .
In terms of network, 1,069,263 PNG connections and 244 CNG stations have been
added in the past 18 months. CGD operations have commenced in Daman & Diu,
Bhubaneswar, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Kutch (West), Amreli, Dahod, Dahej-Vagra
and Jalandhar cities. Meanwhile, authorisations have been granted to 14 new Gas
Meanwhile, the government is exploring new eco-friendly and cost-efficient fuels

to expand CGD network coverage. There are plans to set up 5,000 compressed
biogas plants at an investment of about Rs 1.75 trillion in the next four to five
years. These compressed biogas networks will be integrated with CGD networks to
boost supplies to domestic and retail users. Further, Petronet LNG plans to launch
around 20 LNG fuel stations on a 4,000 km route running from Delhi to
Thiruvananthapuram.
INFRASTRUCTURE: CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

The primary network of steel pipelines provides the core backbone connecting
CGS to various DRS. The pressure levels for primary network are between 26
bar(g) to 19 bar(g). While most of the industrial customers are not required to be
supplied at this pressure level, only a select few units have specific requirement for
medium pressure delivery would be connected to through this network. The design
of the primary network is based on the demand forecast to be catered. Secondary
network system consisting of MDPE pipelines operates at pressure level between 4
bar(g) to 1 bar(g). MDPE pipeline network is planned for cluster of industrial,
commercial or domestic units at low pressure. The secondary network is normally
developed with MDPE pipes. Using the domestic / small commercial quantity and
large commercial quantity values, and additional information, including location of
customers, pressure requirements at major customers, availability of existing
supply, and geographic features, optimum method of supply is determined and the
network is designed and constructed accordingly. The supply facilities include the
following:-
• High pressure Steel pipeline main
• Medium pressure Steel pipelines
• Low pressure MDPE mains
• Low pressure MDPE services
• CGS/ DRS / Hot Taps
• Service Connections
• Odorisation Facilities
CHALLENGES IN CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
The various challenges in city gas distribution network can be categorized under
two broad
heads as below –
(a) Setting up the Network
(b) Operation & Maintenance of the Network
SETTING UP THE NETWORK

No separate corridors or ROW is available in the city area for laying of gas
pipelines. The pipeline is to be laid along the road side or under the pathways in
whatever space is available along with the other utilities like telecom cables, water
pipes etc. Due to city congestion and traffic not enough working space is available
for pipeline construction activities. Large number of metalled and unmetalled road
crossings along with drains etc are to be made to take pipeline to the various end
users. Each end user means a separate branch line for the user. As the pipeline is
laid in the limited space available in parallel or crossing the other utilities,
additional precautions and care is required so that the other utilities do not get
damaged. Where steel pipelines are used, providing effective cathodic protection
for the city pipeline network is also a challenging task. As safety cannot be
compromised, all the standard codes in design and construction have to followed
and compliance has to be strictly ensured. .The dynamic nature of city gas
distribution, with frequent addition of new consumers also requires continuous up
gradation and expansion of pipeline network.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Once the network has been set up and gas is charged in the pipeline network, it is
not only required ensure continuous availability of gas to the consumers but also to
maintain the health of the pipeline system. The safety of the system and the
surrounding areas is of paramount importance in city area. A small leakage or an
accident / fire in gas pipeline may
result into a big catastrophe. A quick vigil is required to be maintained by the
O&M personnel to face the following challenges in the city gas distribution.
1. Safety and Emergency preparedness.

2. Customer related operations like
(a) Proper metering and billing.
(b) Changing pressure and flow requirements of consumers.
(c) Shutdown, overdrawl, non-payment by the consumers.
(d) Consumer education and training.
3. Liasoning with District Authorities and other utility departments
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Genesis of Hazard
a) The major hazard in gas supply is a leak or rupture of pipeline, resulting in
uncontrolled gas release. The gas leaks can prove hazardous if mishandled or not
properly disposed off. The situation can assume disastrous proportions if adequate,
safe and timely actions are not taken. It is, therefore, essential to have an organized
plan of action.
b) Possible causes of gas leaks-
1. Pipeline damage due to construction/material failure, corrosion or mechanical
damage etc.
2. Flange leak due to material failure, wrong gasket. (Inside customer’s premises
only).
3. Valve leak due to stem seal failure, assembly failure etc. Valve seal leak can
occur as a result of ageing, filthiness, damage, wrong gasket used or
assembly failure.
4. Enemy Action / Sabotage / Natural calamities like earthquake, flood etc.
c) In a typical City Gas Distribution network the other main underground utilities
are OFC, telephones cables, power cables, sewer and water lines.
Historical data available from world over indicate that the main risk to the pipeline
integrity is from damage created by third parties e.g. a crew repairing telecom
cable or water mains may inadvertently damage the gas pipeline in the process of
excavation.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The unprecedented situations where the accidents happen in spite of all the built in
safety features and actions, have to be handled effectively and efficiently so as to
minimize its effect and losses to the public and the property. Any organization has
to be very well prepared to handle such emergency situations, as any let out may
result into a majordisaster affecting the life and property of many in the congested
city areas.
Emergency Response and Disaster Management Plan
Particular care must be taken when handling natural gas. Prompt action must be
taken to stop leaks, and very small fires nearby must be extinguished immediately
to prevent a difficult or uncontrolled situation from developing.Once a significant
fire has developed, personnel will almost certainly not be able to approach the
point of leakage, or to attack the fire itself, because of the pressure of the gas
escaping and the intense heat radiated by the fire. In fact, even if it was possible,
immediate extinguishing of the flames may be dangerous because almost certainly
there would be a “flash-back” as the leaking gas may catch fire from surfaces
heated by the fire. The procedure for tackling such incidents is ;
1. Ensure whereabouts and safety of all personnel.
2. Inform the fire brigade/Safety Department.
3. Isolate the section of the pipeline from which gas is leaking.
4. Protect the section of the pipeline from which gas is leaking.
5. Only where the fire has been greatly reduced by loss of pressure and is under
control, should it be extinguished by power appliances. Water hoses and monitors
must continue to cool surrounding equipment until gas leakage has been stopped. If
gas leakage cannot be shut-off completely, it would be safe to leave the fire
burning in a contained manner, until positive shut-off has been established. Such
action would prevent danger of “flash-back”. GAIL (India) Ltd. has a well-defined
and documented Emergency Response and Disaster Management Plan. The plan is
prepared in consultation with all the agencies and departments involved in handing
of an emergency situation arising out of a gas leakage or a fire and the same is
approved by the District level head i.e. the District Magistrate. Copies of
this plan are made available along with the city gas network maps to all the
concerned authorities and executives. Key features of the plan include-
• Description & details of the city gas pipeline network
• Identification and definition of Roles, Responsibilities and Authorities
• Procedures for Emergency Handling, Shutdowns and Evacuations
• Emergency contact numbers
• Mutual aid agencies and their roles
• Important Do’s and Don’ts
• List and location of Emergency tools and spares
• Training requirements and plans
Upcoming Plans and recommendation
Time has come when Natural Gas as an industrial, domestic and

automotive fuel is gaining popularity in India. This is reflected in the fact
that India today operates the largest fleet of CNG buses in the world. With
recent gas finds and import of gas, the gas shall be available in abundance
in the years to come. Keeping in tune, the City Gas network in the existing
cities are expanding and also City Gas Pipeline Networks are being set up
to cover more cities not only for industrial supply but also for the domestic
as well as automotive sector. More and more consumers are being added
on to the existing network and the length of the network is growing swiftly.
GAIL is all set to expand its existing pipeline network and establish CGD
networks in many more cities in the country.

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HSE CHALLENGES IN CITY GAS DITRIBUTION-GAIL

CGD Network across Indian Sates.

Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) started city gas distribution to domestic,

Meanwhile, the government is exploring new eco-friendly and cost-efficient fuels

INFRASTRUCTURE: CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

CHALLENGES IN CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

SETTING UP THE NETWORK

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

1. Safety and Emergency preparedness.

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Emergency Response and Disaster Management Plan

Time has come when Natural Gas as an industrial, domestic and

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