The YPFers heard from Tenix Systems Operations Engineer – Gas Ben Gliwa whose presentation was entitled “˜Network pressure regulation in natural gas distribution’.
After providing a brief overview of natural gas distribution in Victoria and the services Tenix offers to the gas industry, Mr Gliwa began to describe distribution networks in more detail, focusing specifically on pressure regulating stations.
Mr Gliwa described the components and typical setup of a pressure regulation station, how it operates and the numerous protection measures in place to ensure against failure. He noted that one of the reasons these measures are necessary is because of an issue gas distribution network operators face called the Joule-Thomson (JT) effect.
When gas pressure is reduced, the gas expands and its temperature is lowered considerably. This can sometimes cause ice to form on the regulating mechanisms, rendering them inoperable.
Mr Gliwa said that to prevent this, Tenix has started to install heat exchangers and water bath heaters – which heat the gas prior to regulation – in some of SP AusNet’s regional Victorian networks.
Mr Gliwa’s presentation generated much interest, and after it had concluded, YPFers continued to discuss the issue further over drinks and finger food provided by Speaker Night sponsor Tenix.
For more information or to become involved with the Young Pipeliners Forum contact APIA on 02 6273 0577.