One thing that most people need for residential and commercial uses is natural gas. In particular, people use it for their daily needs, such as heating, cooking, and electricity generation. Therefore, gas pipeline installation is essential to transport the gas from fixed facilities into various locations.
Depending on where you live, the laws that apply differ in each country. For example, in the UK, a person who wants to connect any installation pipework must inform a competent person. Additionally, it is illegal to carry out any work concerning a gas fitting or gas storage vessel without a professional.
What is a Gas Pipeline Installation?
A gas pipeline is a network of pipes that transports natural gas from sources to the end users. In addition, the pipeline also utilises the transport of raw materials from gas wells to facilities that transport gas. Infrastructure is an economical and safe mode of transporting natural gas. Moreover, it can transport gas in three forms: gaseous, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and compressed natural gas (CNG).
Most of the gas pipeline installation is buried underground, although some can be found above the ground. In the UK, the National Transmission System (NTS) records a total length of 7600 km of gas pipeline. The gas leaves the transmission network at 175 locations.
Steps to Get Your Gas Pipeline Installation
If you want to begin your gas pipeline installation, you should follow the UK government law about this. A pipeline project must be screened under the Public Gas Transporter Pipeline Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999. Other than that, a gas transporter's construction of a pipeline should follow the Planning Act 2008. Here are the steps to get your gas pipeline installed.
1. Check the Availability
The first way to obtain gas pipeline installation is to check the supply in the area. The local gas distribution network (GDN) will provide you with the information you need. At least, your position needs to be 23 metres from a main gas pipeline.
Any necessary installation costs to connect the gas pipeline from the main pipe to the destination will be charged to the customers. However, in most cases, the GT will bear the costs of installing the first 10 metres of pipe on the public highway. Three types of suppliers provide gas and these are:
- Gas Transporter (Government)
- Independent Gas Transporter (IGT)
- Utility Infrastructure Provider
The government provides pipeline networks in the East of England, London, North of England, North West, Scotland, South of England, Wales & West and West Midlands. However, some areas belong to a licenced IGT. The UK government recognises 11 IGT to supply gas in some areas of the UK.
Infills
Some places are within the reach of the main gas pipeline installation. The term is “Infills”, which means there are several existing communities that do not have a connection to a gas supply. Thus, if you live in this area, LPG is one of the alternative methods.
However, if the number of potential customers requested in that area increases, the GT will determine the scheme to make the connection. Also, the government will charge for all requests for a connection to the main pipeline for a maximum period of twenty years. Gas (Connection Charges) Regulations provide arrangements for the charging.
2. Hire a Registered Gas Engineer
The only person who can legally work on the gas pipeline installation is the one who registered with the Gas Safe Register. The professionals have to be certified. Other than that, it is illegal. If you want to verify their credentials, you can check it on the Gas Safe Register website.
You are also going to need installation services too. Also, only a qualified engineer can do this job. They will handle the physical connection from the main gas pipeline to where you need it. Moreover, one of their priorities is ensuring the work complies with the legal safety standards.
3. Apply Permits and Approval
Connecting the gas pipeline installation will require permits and approval, such as planning permission. The reason is that some of the installations need digging up land or installing a new gas metre. You could consult your local council or gas network operator for the specific requirements.
Another thing that you have to prepare is Building Regulations. The installation must comply with the UK government’s guidelines for gas installations. The minimum depth cover of a gas main is 750 mm in a road or verge and 600 mm in a footpath. Gas service pipes usually have a minimum depth of 375 mm on private ground and 450 mm on footpaths and highways. But don’t worry; the engineer or contractor should be familiar with the rules.
4. Installation Process
After all the permits and approvals are clear and a certified engineer has been appointed, the installation can begin. They will install the pipeline, connect it to the gas network, and check for safety and compliance. For the installation, trenches are not exempted in the digging, to lay down the gas pipeline.
The contractor will connect the pipeline to the nearest gas main after they finish the installation. This part requires digging and roadwork if they must have to. Then, they will install a gas metre installation to measure your gas consumption. Usually, they place it at a convenient location.
5. Inspection and Certification
Last but not least, the authorities will inspect the gas pipeline installation. If everything is safe, the engineer should provide you with a certificate that confirms that the work has been completed according to safety regulations. The inspection usually includes pressure testing and leak detection.
Pressure testing is needed after the pipe is installed and connected. This will assess the integrity of the installation to see if the pipe can withstand pressure without failing. Typically, this test is using hydrostatic or pneumatic methods. This method could help to detect fabrication defects and deterioration from ageing, cracking, and corrosion.
For leak testing, its purpose is to find leaks in the installation. They usually use a bubble test or electronic detection to conduct this test. Furthermore, this test will be important for quality control and maintenance. It uses a tracer gas like helium, hydrogen, or sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) to identify the location and quantity of a leak.
Conclusion
Although it is not easy to do gas pipeline installation in the UK, it is needed for safety measures. Especially when hiring a qualified engineer since this job requires a high safety standard. With this, this article helps you to understand more about gas pipeline installation, from how to get information about it to the installation.
Understanding the concept of construction is essential to understanding how this installation works. As for that, the College of Contract Management will help you understand more about this area through their offered programmes. Other than that, CCM can also help you understand important concepts like contracts and project management from their courses.
