IGEM/TD/17
Steel and polyethylene (PE) pipelines for biogas distribution
IGEM/TD/16 Biomethane injection
This Standard covers the construction and operation of facilities that allow biomethane into a gas network, and the functions such a facility may have to perform.
In particular, it covers the requirements for design, construction, installation, inspection, testing , operation, maintenance and de-commissioning of Biomethane Network Entry Facilities (BNEF). Biogas Upgrading Plant (BUP) are outside the scope of this standard but the impact of the BUP on the BNEF may be appropriate. It contains details of various functions that a BNEF may be required to perform, such as:
- Enrichment with LPG
- Pressure control
- Flow Management
- Metering
- Gas analysis
- Odorant injection
- Telemetry
Specifically, it details:
- Legal and allied considerations, such as Gas Safety (Management) Regulations and Environmental Protection Act
- Contractual framework, asset ownership and design, operating and maintenance responsibility
- Design, including material selection, pressure regulation and flow management, metering and odorant injection.
- Construction, including installation and testing.
- Commissioning and validation.
- Operation, including control and monitoring of calorific value, gas quality, pressure and odorisation.
- Maintenance and periodic validation.
- De-commissioning.
- General safety and record keeping.
IGEM/TD/17 Steel and polyethylene (PE) pipelines for biogas distribution will be for use in conjunction with existing standardsIGEM/TD/3 Steel and PE pipelines for gas distribution andIGEM/UP/2 Installation pipework on commercial and industrial premises.
It provides guidance on the installation of biogas pipelines, to allow producers to transport biogas for subsequent grid injection or on site utilisation. This technical standard will deal primarily with safety concerns relating to biogas composition, and as well as constructing a pipeline.
It is designed for representatives of gas transporters and potential suppliers to work to and also to provide assurances to HSE that proper measures are in place relating to biogas pipelines. It also aimed at designers of gas systems and consultants.
This Standard details the requirements for the use of Steel and Polyethylene pipelines for the distribution of biogas.
In particular, it covers the additional requirements for design, construction, inspection, testing, operation and maintenance of stainless and polyethylene pipelines for the conveyance of biogas. It covers pipelines carrying biogas not exceeding MOP of 2 bar and at 0oC to 40oC for PE and -40oC to 100oC for stainless steel. It covers the predominantly underground network of pipes that convey biogas from production plants to a suitable point where it can be used in the industrial/commercial sector or upgraded to biomethane, for use as vehicle fuel or injection in the Natural Gas network. Specifically, it addresses:
- Competency, quality assurance and integrity of a pipeline.
- Legal considerations and planning, such as the Pipelines Act and Gas Safety (Management) Regulations.
- Design principles, including risk assessment and classification of hazardous areas.
- Construction basics, such as joints and welding.
- Pressure testing, commissioning and de-commissioning procedures.
- Alterations and connections to live pipelines.
- Operation and maintenance, including gas detection.
- Record keeping and distribution.