PROPERTIES OF NATURAL GAS

Natural Gas
Natural gas, oil, & coal are collectively known as hydrocarbon. Natural gas is constituted of a
mixture of hydrocarbons with small amounts of other chemical compounds that are found in the
gaseous or liquid/particulate state along with the crude oil in natural underground reservoirs.
The lower the number of carbon molecules, the lighter the compound, & the more likely the
hydrocarbon will be found in the gaseous phase. Crude oil contain longer chain of carbon
molecules & are heavier than gas, they are more likely to be found in liquid phase. Coal is usually
found in the solid phase & contains even longer chains of carbon molecules.
Principal characteristics and physical‐chemical properties
The hydrocarbons present in the natural gas are the lighter compounds of the series of the
paraffin (saturated hydrocarbons), having methane (CH4) as it’s major constituent (80 to 90%), the
rest being ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), hexane (C6H14) and small quantities of
heavier hydrocarbons, apart from some Non hydrocarbon components such as carbon dioxide (CO2),
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), Nitrogen, hydrogen, helium, & argon.

The carbon dioxide (CO2) &Hydrogen sulphide( H2S) must be removed from natural gas stream
prior to sale. Gas with high level of Hydrogen sulphide(H2S) is called sour gas & Gas with low level of
the Hydrogen sulphide(H2S) is termed as sweet gas. Sweet gas can be directly sold to consumer. Sour
gas usually required treatment to removed sulpher prior to sale.

Natural Gas exhibits adequate characteristics at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure
to be used as fuel in domestic, industrial, commercial, vehicular applications and as raw material in
chemical, steel and fertilizer industries. The density of the natural gas is less than that of air (SG
approx. 0.6), facilitating its dispersion into the atmosphere in the event of loss of containment.

The natural gas causes asphyxiation by the suppression of oxygen in confined spaces. Asphyxia
occurs when any gas occupies the space of the atmospheric air at the height of the human
breathing. The explosive limit (by volume in air) for Natural gas is 5% to 15%.
An Explosion is a process of spontaneous combustion of very high intensity releasing huge amount of
energy in the fraction of a second.

Calorific Value ‐ It is the number of heat unit which can be obtained from a measured
Volume of Gas. The calorific value of Natural gas is 8500kcal/m3.
LPG ‐ It contain 30% to 50% propane & Butane & with small quantity of Ethane, Ethylene, Pentane.
Density of LPG vapor is 1.7 times that of air. The explosive limit for LPG is 2% to 10%.The Calorific
value of LPG is 11400Kcal/Kg.
Liquefied Natural gas (LNG):
Methane is the most common component transported by pipelines and converted to liquefied
natural gas (LNG). LNG is the liquid product produced by cooling Methane (CH4) gas to ‐ 161.5 °c
whose volume is approximately 600times less than the equivalent volume of methane gas. LNG is
usually stored and moved at cold temperatures and at low pressure. Gas converted to LNG can be
transported by ship over long distances where pipelines are neither economic nor feasible.
 Figure below represents the CGD Supply chain

City Gate Station:

The Gas is received by IOAGPL at the City Gate Station, where custody transfer takes place between
GAIL and IOAGPL. It is at the CGS where the natural gas ceases to be the responsibility of supplier /
Transport Company and transfers to IOAGPL. The following activities are carried out by at the City Ga
te Station: Gas filtration, Metering,
Pressure regulation & Odorisation. Accordingly the CGS facility comprises of: Filters, Knock out
drums, Pressure regulators, Safety valves, Gas flow meters, Control instrumentation and Odorizing
system.
The filtration is done with the objective of eliminating dust and solid matter from the gas received,
metering is to measure the quantity of gas received from the suppliers, Pressure regulation
ensures a steady downstream pressure while Odorisation imparts the characteristic smell to the gas
so as to make it detectable to human nose in case of a leakage. Ethyl Mercaptan(C2H5SH) is used
for Odorisation normally in a dosage of 15 to 30 PPM.

Basic Steel Grid network

The basic steel grid pipeline network is laid for transporting & distributing Gas from the City Gate
Stations to various places of consumption like DRS, MRS & CNG Compressors. The steel network
pipelines are built in carbon steel and normally operate at 19 bar pressure.
In most of the cases the 19 bar pressure of the trunk lines is too high for direct customer usage
thereby necessitating the steps of Pressure Regulation at a District Regulating Station, to reduce &
maintain the pressure at 4 bar to supply into the medium pressure networks.
Industries and CNG stations are however directly connected to 19 bar line pressure.

The steel grid network along with isolation valve assemblies and above ground installations like
DRS, MRS are constructed in conformance to the ASME B31.8 and relevant IGE standards.
Steel pipelines of different sizes varying from dia 4” to 18” conform to API 5L Grade B. These are laid
underground with a top cover generally in excess of 1.0 meter. Where the depth of cover can not be
achieved, deviations have to be approved thru the IOAGPL MOC procedure SCO ‐ 01.

In each Sectionalizing Valve Assembly, vent valves have been installed both on the upstream as
well as downstream to enable prompt depressurization of the affected section in the event of any
untoward incidents resulting into gas escapes. This feature effectively minimizes the duration of
uncontrolled escape of gas and is in compliance with the requirements of ASME B31.8.
Route markers have been installed at regular intervals along the entire pipeline route and are
distinctly marked with pipeline warning, emergency contact Telephone number information etc. IOAGPL

has adopted three layers PE coating on the steel pipeline and heat shrinkable PE sleeves on the weld
joints and fittings like bends.
To supplement the passive corrosion protection system, IOAGPL has installed active cathodic
protection system using the known temporary and permanent system at various stages. Induced
Current Cathodic protection (ICCP) system takes care of the corrosion control management.
The CP current concentration is monitored thru a series of Test Lead points (TLPs),
, at an interval of 0.5 Km. across the entire steel pipeline. The inspection of materials, pipeline laying
activities and testing of pipeline is carried out by
reputed Third Party Inspection agencies appointed by IOAGPL

CNG STATION LAYOUT

In case of CNG stations the Gas received is further pressurized in steps through compressors up to
a pressure of around 250 bars, necessary for supplying to the automobiles. A typical CNG station
comprises of reciprocating Compressor(s) of a capacity of 750/1200 SCMH, CNG storage cascade(s)
and dispensers. The gas is received from 19 bar steel pipeline, compressed dispensed into the CNG
vehicles so as to have a final fill pressure of around 200 bar. Depending upon the location &
expected load the CNG station is designed with the right size & number of compressors &
dispensers.

Compressor:
The CNG compressors conforms to API 618/ API 11P & other relevant International Standards. All
compressor are mounted inside a weather‐proof (protection level equivalent to IP 44 as defined in AS
1939) acoustic enclosure to limit the noise to a maximum of 65 DBA at a distance of 1 meter. All
electrical devices, control panel, instruments etc are selected for the relevant hazardous area
classification i.e. class I, Div I, Group D as per NEC or Zone‐I, Group IIA/IIB as per IS/IEC
specifications or equivalent specifications. Gas detection system consisting of 2 nos. Infrared type LEL
detectors are provided inside each compressor enclosure for automatic shut down of the
compressor in the event of gas leakage. Dispenser:
The CNG dispensers conform to NFPA‐52, NZS 5425, Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) 179 /
relevant international standards. All the electrical and electronic components are mounted in
flame/ explosion proof housing suitable for hazardous area classification of Class I, Div 1, Group D as
per NEC or Zone 1, Group IIA/IIB as per IS/IEC specifications. Dispensers are housed in weather‐ proof
cabinet of robust construction and stainless steel (SS 304) material with a tamper proof locking
arrangement. Dispensing units have overfilled protection through electronically
programmed microprocessors with 2 nos. of pressure limiting device per filling line. Dispensers’
refueling hoses are provided with return vent line hose for safe venting of gas. Dispensers are
provided with easily accessible emergency shut off valve on each filling line

Cascade:
Construction, licensing & inspection, markings, fitment, handling, storage and all other relevant
aspects of cylinders and fittings are as per ‘The Gas Cylinder Rules’ and are approved by Chief
Controller of Explosives (CCOE). Cylinders are mounted on a robust frame structure which does
not allow lateral / rotating movement of cascade in any condition. All cylinders are subject to a
hydraulic stretch test at a minimum pressure of 422 bar or to pressure as determined and
approved by CCOE and as required under rules 39 to 42 of Gas Cylinder Rules, 1981 (India). All
cylinders are provided with safety relief device consisting of fusible burst disc assembly as
approved by Chief Controller of Explosives (CCOE). The burst disc discharge is manifold to a
common header for safe venting. All cylinders are periodically examined & hydro tested every five
years as per ‘Gas Cylinder Rules.

District Regulating Station:

IOAGPL has District Regulating Stations whose function is to reduce and regulate the pressure 19bar of
gas supplied from the steel grid network into the Medium pressure PE network at 4bar. A DRS also
filters any impurities such as dust that may be present in the gas. The principal components of a typical
DRS are described as follows:
a) Inlet isolation: The inlet section to DRS comprises insulation joint & an isolation valve. The
inlet thereafter bifurcates into two separate streams each provided with inlet as well outlet
isolations. b) Filtration:
The filtration of incoming gas is through the filter of a rating adequate for the types of
equipment installed downstream such as pressure regulators, relief valves, slams etc.
c) Slam Shut‐off: Upstream of the pressure regulator is fitted the Over pressure shut off (OPSO)
valves with the aim of shutting of the Gas flow in the event the outlet pressure exceeds the set
values. OPSO protects the facilities & equipment downstream of the DRS. DRS is also fitted with
Under pressure slam shut off (UPSO) valves to protect the system in case the pressure drops to
extremely low values (lower than the predefined values i.e. outside the safe operating envelope)
d) Pressure Regulating: Two pressure regulators are installed in series forming the “Monitor &
Active” configuration with the one taking over the other in case of malfunction. This system
ensures uninterrupted supply of Gas by automatic switching between the two regulators in the
event of the “Active” suffering a malfunction. The models & ratings of both the regulators are the
same with only a required variation in their pressure settings. e) Safety Relieving:
A Safety Relief Valve is installed Downstream of the regulator for relieving
of excess pressure build ups caused by the such things as the regulator valves not fully sealing at
lockup, sudden drop of consumption or any other fluctuations causing an upsurge in pressure.
f) Outlet Isolation: The outlet of the DRS is provided with an isolation valve through which Gas
passes into the downstream Medium pressure PE network. Typical DRS internal layout and its
installation at site are shown in picture below.
In built safety in DRS.
Twin stream configuration, “online” & “standby”, so as to ensure continuity of gas supply
in case of failure of one stream. Active & monitor configuration within a stream. Slam shut valves
provided in each stream to protect against Over‐pressure of the downstream. Some units have
Under‐pressure shut off too for protect the upstream in cases of low inlet pressure. Relief valve
provided in each stream to protect against downstream overpressure in the event of regulator
malfunctioning.
. Pressure Regulator (Pietro)

PE PIPE DISTRUBTION NETWORK

The Medium Pressure PE Distribution Network starts from downstream Isolation valve of District
Regulating Stations. The Local Distribution Network is constructed of Poly ethylene pipes varying
from dia 20 mm to 180 mm. These pipes are made of PE 80 material with SDR as 11. The network
has been designed as per IGE/TD/3 (Institution of Gas Engineers UK ‐ Transmission and
Distribution requirement), ASME B31.8 and is operated at a maximum pressure of 4 bar. The
Potential Gas Supply area, which is fed by a DRS is called as a DRS area. Each DRS caters for to
specific load of Domestic, Commercial and Industrial customers in the respective DRS area. The
DRS’s are looped to each other to provide reliability & continuity of supply.
The pressure is reduced from 19 Bar to 4 bar (g) at the DRS from where the gas is fed into the PE
network. The DRS has twin stream system with Under Pressure Shut off (UPSO), Over Pressure
Shut off (OPSO) & Safety Relief (SRV) devices. The 4 bar PE system is called as Medium Pressure
(MP) Network & is made up of Medium Density Poly Ethylene (MDPE) pipe. PE network utilizes lengt
hs of MDPE pipes which are supplied either in coils or straight lengths
(depending upon dia); electro fusion process conforming to Standards BG/PL‐2 ‐Part 4 / ISO 8085
Part‐iii / EN 1555Part‐IV is employed for jointing of these pipes which ensures 100% leak proof
joints. “Tapping Tees” are utilized for drawing fresh branches out of the Live PE network without
affecting the Gas supply. Both the electro fusion & Online Tapping procedures can be done within
a very short period with adequate safety & ease. PE has strong advantages for usage as under
ground network.
Performance requirements for PE pipes governed by:
The American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM) established ASTM D1248.
• Type I LDPE ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 0.910 ‐ 0.925 gm/cc
• Type II MDPE ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 0.926 ‐ 0.940
• Type III HDPE ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 0.941 ‐ 0.959
• Type IV HDPE‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 0.960 and above

Advantage of PE pipe:
‐Resistant to corrosion ‐ Easily repairable
‐Squeezable ‐ Flexible
‐Easy handling ‐ Easily identifiable
‐High life period (Design life 50 years) ‐ Low cost
 The difference between MDPE pipe & Metal
pipe‐

Depth & trench width ‐

The following table gives the Trench widths & minimum depth requirement for main operating up to
4bar & these may vary where site condition is different. & maintain 250mm clearance between other

utility.
Proximity ‐
PE mains & service should not be laid closer to properties than stipulated below in Table‐1

Any deviation to the above Depth/Proximity must be with the approval of the competent
authority.
 Servic
e Regulator:
A Service regulator has both Over‐pressure (160mbar) and Under‐pressure Slam shut
devices (40 to 65mbar). The over pressures device protects the downstream from over
pressurization and the under pressurization device protects the upstream from air ingress and to
maintain a positive gas pressure.
Service regulator is also incorporated with creep relief valve to protect against downstream Over‐
pressure in the event of regulator malfunctioning
Service Regulators (SR) & Metering and Regulating Stations (MRS) are installed at appropriate
locations within respective customers’ premises. The SR regulates the pressure from 4 Bar to 100
Mbar, which is further distributed through smaller dia PE pipes i.e. size of 20, 32, 63 mm forming
the LP network, while an MRS feeds an Industrial/commercial customer at the required pressure,
normally about 500mbar. The MRS & SR to have UPSO, OPSO & pressure relief safety devices.

Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes are installed on the external walls of the building with an entry into
every registered customer’s kitchen in the building. Laying of Powder coated GI pipe riser up to 8th
floor i.e. 24 mtr (approx) height floors with threaded joints and any riser having length more than
24 mtr heights, i.e. above 8th floor from the ground level should have welded type joint for
complete length of ERW pipe line in place of conventional threaded joint. There is chances
of linear expansion/contraction of app.0.2mm per meter of riser length on high rise
Building, so above 8th floor flexible Anaconda fitting should be provided on each lateral. Once
 inside the kitchen the pressure is further reduced to 21mbar by another regulator, known as the
Meter Regulator. The meter is installed to measure the gas consumption for each customer.

Meter Regulator:
The meter regulator further regulates the 100mbar pressure to 21mbar pressure. It also has the followi
ng features:
Gas flow rates up to 2.5 m /h Inbuilt with Low‐pressure cut off device, which shuts off the supply
through the regulator when the inlet pressure falls to as low as 11.0 to 15.0 mbar
ock up pressure is 30 mbar, which helps in protecting the downstream piping and apparatus from
over pressurization.
Regulators shall be provided with an adjustable spring loading device to regulate the outlet
pressure. Re‐pressurization safety device fitted in regulator, which prevents the regulator from
reopening when the inlet pressure is restored, unless there is downstream back pressure, i.e. all
connected appliances have been turned off / attended.
Copper Pipe ‐
The pipe work inside the domestic kitchen is Copper pipe of dia.. 12mm. Two valves ‐ Meter

Control Valve (MCV) and Appliance Valve (AV) are installed inside kitchen at the entry as well as at the
end point of the piping so as to further enhance control & safety.
Domestic Gas Meter:
Positive displacement diaphragm gas meters of 2.5 m
/hr capacity for use with natural gas, having

specific gravity of 0.61, normal working pressure of 21 mbar (g), maximum flow rate of 2.5 m
/hr, and Range ability of 1: 150 or better, suitable to withstand a maximum pressure of 200‐500 mb
ar . The
meters shall be approved and manufactured in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 1359:
1999, or equivalent
Domestic Installations ‐ the pipe work down stream of the meter & Meter
regulator, Cu pipe & Appliance valve.
 Commercial / Industrial Consumers:
The large commercial / industrial consumers are supplied by means of Spur lines originating
from the high or medium pressure networks, as applicable. The gas supply is received by
these customers at the Metering & Regulating station (MRS) that perform the function of
regulating the pressure as per the contracted requirements as well as the measurement of
the volume of Gas delivered/ consumed