URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE

PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

ASSIGNMENT 2

NAME; NGONYANI, LOUIS JAMES.

REGISTRATION NUMBER; 26545/T.2021

DEGREE PROGRAM; BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

IN MUNICIPAL AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES
ENGINEERING
Natural gas (also called fossil gas, methane gas or simply gas) is a naturally occurring mixture of
gaseous hydrocarbons consisting primarily of methane (97%) in addition to various smaller
amounts of other higher alkanes. Traces of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and helium
are also usually present. Methane is colorless and odorless, and the second largest greenhouse gas
contributor to global climate change after carbon dioxide. Because natural gas is odorless, odorizes
such as mercaptan (which smells like sulfur or rotten eggs) are commonly added to it for safety so
that leaks can be readily detected.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is formed when layers of organic matter (primarily marine
microorganisms). Decompose under anaerobic conditions and are subjected to intense heat and
pressure underground over millions of years. The energy that the decayed organisms originally
obtained from the sun via photosynthesis is stored as chemical energy within the molecules of
methane and other hydrocarbons. Natural gas can be burned for heating, cooking, and electricity
generation. It is also used as a chemical feedstock in the manufacture of plastics and other
commercially important organic chemicals and less commonly used as a fuel for vehicles. The
extraction and consumption of natural gas is a major and growing contributor to climate change.
Both the gas itself (specifically methane) and carbon dioxide, which is released when natural gas
is burned, are greenhouse gases. When burned for heat or electricity, natural gas emits fewer toxic
air pollutants, less carbon dioxide, and almost no particulate matter compared to other fossil and
biomass fuels. However, gas venting and unintended fugitive emissions throughout the supply
chain can result in natural gas having a similar carbon footprint to other fossil fuels overall. Natural
gas can be found in underground geological formations, often alongside other fossil fuels like coal
and oil (petroleum). Most natural gas has been created through either biogenic or thermogenic
processes. Thermogenic gas takes a much longer period of time to form and is created when
organic matter is heated and compressed deep underground. During petroleum production, natural
gas is sometimes flared rather than being collected and used. Before natural gas can be burned as
a fuel or used in manufacturing processes, it almost always has to be processed to remove
impurities such as water. The byproducts of this processing include ethane, propane, butanes,
pentanes, and higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. Hydrogen sulfide (which may be converted
into pure sulfur), carbon dioxide, water vapor, and sometimes helium and nitrogen must also be
removed. Natural gas is measured in standard cubic meters or standard cubic feet. The density
compared to air ranges from 0.58 (16.8 g/mole, 0.71 kg per standard cubic meter) to as high as
0.79 (22.9 g/mole, 0.97 kg per scum), but generally less than 0.64 (18.5 g/mole, 0.78 kg per scm).
For comparison, pure methane (16.0425 g/mole) has a density 0.5539 times that of air (0.678 kg
per standard cubic meter).

In the 19th century, natural gas was primarily obtained as a by-product of producing oil. The small,
light gas carbon chains came out of solution as the extracted fluids underwent pressure reduction
from the reservoir to the surface, similar to uncapping a soft drink bottle where the carbon dioxide
effervesces. The gas was often viewed as a by-product, a hazard, and a disposal problem in active
oil fields. The large volumes produced could not be used until relatively expensive pipeline and
storage facilities were constructed to deliver the gas to consumer markets.

Until the early part of the 20th century, most natural gas associated with oil was either simply
released or burned off at oil fields. Gas venting and production flaring are still practiced in modern
times, but efforts are ongoing around the world to retire them, and to replace them with other
commercially viable and useful alternatives. Unwanted gas (or stranded gas without a market) is
often returned to the reservoir with 'injection' wells while awaiting a possible future market or to
re-pressurize the formation, which can enhance oil extraction rates from other wells. In regions
with a high natural gas demand (such as the US), pipelines are constructed when it is economically
feasible to transport gas from a wellsite to an end consumer. In addition to transporting gas via
pipelines for use in power generation, other end uses for natural gas include export as liquefied
natural gas (LNG) or conversion of natural gas into other liquid products via gas to liquids (GTL)
technologies. GTL technologies can convert natural gas into liquids products such as gasoline,
diesel or jet fuel. A variety of GTL technologies have been developed, including Fischer–Tropsch
(F–T), methanol to gasoline (MTG) and syngas to gasoline plus (STG+). F–T produces a synthetic
crude that can be further refined into finished products, while MTG can produce synthetic gasoline
from natural gas. STG+ can produce drop-in gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and aromatic chemicals
directly from natural gas via a single-loop process.

Because natural gas is not a pure product, as the reservoir pressure drops when non-associated gas
is extracted from a field under supercritical (pressure/temperature) conditions, the higher
molecular weight components may partially condense upon isothermal depressurizing—an effect
called retrograde condensation. The liquid thus formed may get trapped as the pores of the gas
reservoir get depleted. One method to deal with this problem is to re-inject dried gas free of
condensate to maintain the underground pressure and to allow re-evaporation and extraction of
condensates. More frequently, the liquid condenses at the surface, and one of the tasks of the gas
plant is to collect this condensate. The resulting liquid is called natural gas liquid (NGL) and has
commercial value.

The following are the principles facilities of the natural gas distribution system.

• Production wells facility

Once a suitable well location has been identified, permitted, and leased, the next steps for oil and
natural gas development are drilling, completion, and production. Drilling typically takes about
50-60 days. It starts with preparing the site (clearing and leveling) and setting up a drilling rig to
drill a borehole and feed steel pipe into the well. Drilling mud is used to manage downhole
pressures, provide information about the rock layers being drilled through, and keep the drill bit
cool. Safety equipment, such as a blowout preventer, is installed to prevent oil and natural gas from
being released in rare unexpected overpressure situations. Completion is a 1–5-week process
where the steel pipe in the well is perforated to connect the well bore to the oil or gas reservoir. As
needed, additional recovery techniques such as hydraulic fracturing (for low permeability
reservoirs) or steam flooding (for thick oil) are applied. A Christmas Tree (series of valves) is
installed at the top of the well. As reservoir pressure declines, a pumpjack is installed. Production
from a completed well can last 50+ years. During the production step, the well is monitored,
maintained, and managed.

Sketch showing the positioning of the extraction wells

 • Gathering Pipelines

The gathering system of pipes consists of low pressure, small diameter pipelines that transport raw
natural gas from the wellhead to the processing plant. Should naturally gas from a particular well
have high sulfur and carbon dioxide contents (sour gas), a specialized sour ga

s gathering pipe must be installed. Sour gas is corrosive, thus its transportation from the wellhead
to the sweetening plant must be done carefully.

Sketch of the gathering pipe

• Gas Processing Plants facility

Gas processing plant is where the initial purification is usually done where the removal of acid
gases (hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide). There are several processes available for that purpose
but amine treating is the process that was historically used. However, due to a range of performance
and environmental constraints of the amine process, a newer technology based on the use of
polymeric membranes to separate the carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from the natural gas
stream has gained increasing acceptance. Membranes are attractive since no reagents are
consumed. The acid gases, if present, are removed by membrane or amine treating and can then
be routed into a sulfur recovery unit which converts the hydrogen sulfide in the acid gas into either
elemental sulfur or sulfuric acid. Of the processes available for these conversions, the Claus
process is by far the most well-known for recovering elemental sulfur, whereas the conventional
Contact process and the WSA (Wet sulfuric acid process) are the most used technologies for
recovering sulfuric acid. Smaller quantities of acid gas may be disposed of by flaring.
The NGL fractionation process treats off gas from the separators at an oil terminal or the overhead
fraction from a crude distillation column in a refinery. Fractionation aims to produce useful
products including natural gas suitable for piping to industrial and domestic consumers; liquefied
petroleum gases (Propane and Butane) for sale; and gasoline feedstock for liquid fuel blending.
The recovered NGL stream is processed through a fractionation train consisting of up to five
distillation towers in series: a demethanizer, a deethanizer, a depropanizer, a debutanizer and a
butane splitter. The fractionation train typically uses a cryogenic low temperature distillation
process involving expansion of the recovered NGL through a turbo-expander followed by
distillation in a demethanizing fractionating column.

• Transmission Pipelines facility

Natural gas transmission pipelines are all about movement large volumes, long distances. Often
designed as a grid or a trunkline system, transmission pipelines are wide-diameter lines that move
natural gas from a gathering, processing or storage facility to a large-volume customer, distribution
system or another processing/storage facility. Grid-style transmission systems usually include a
large number of laterals, or branches off the mainline, that serve major market areas.

During this stage of transportation, natural gas processing plants produce “pipeline-quality” dry
natural gas by separating impurities and non-methane hydrocarbons and fluids.

Natural gas transmission pipeline

 • Compressor Stations facility

A compressor station is a facility which helps the transportation process of natural gas from one
location to another. Natural gas, while being transported through a gas pipeline, needs to be
periodically pressurized at intervals of 40 to 100 miles (64 to 161 km). Siting is dependent on
terrain, and the number of gas wells in the vicinity. Frequent elevation changes and a greater
number of gas wells will require more compressor stations. The compressor station, also called a
pumping station, is the "engine" that powers a long-distance natural gas pipeline. As the name
implies, the station compresses the gas (increasing its pressure) thereby providing energy to move
it through the pipeline. The compressor is driven by a motor fueled by some of the natural gas bled
from the pipeline. Pipeline companies install compressor stations along a pipeline route. The size
of the station and the number of compressors (pumps) varies, based on the diameter of the pipe
and the volume of gas to be moved. Nevertheless, the basic components of a station are similar.

• Distribution Mains facility

Natural gas distribution is the final step in delivering natural gas to consumers. While large
industrial, commercial, and electric generation customers often receive natural gas directly from
high-capacity interstate and intrastate pipelines (usually contracted through natural gas marketing
companies), most other users receive natural gas from their local gas utility, also known as a local
distribution company (LDC). These LDCs are regulated utilities responsible for delivering natural
gas to consumers within specific geographic areas.

• Service Lines

The last section of pipe that carries natural gas to the customer’s meter. These lines are typically
smaller in diameter. The service lateral connects individual homes or businesses to the distribution
main. It carries natural gas from the distribution main to the gas meter located either at or inside a
structure.
 • Natural gas Regulators facility

Natural gas regulators are vital pieces of equipment that ensure proper gas flow and performance
of the appliance or equipment while protecting it from overpressure. Gas regulators normally fall
under one of the two following categories: pressure reducing regulators or back pressure
regulators. There are different types of the natural gas regulators which are as follows

i. Pressure Reducing Regulators: A pressure reducing regulator is located at the front end of
the system before the pressure sensitive equipment. This valve is usually open, and it’s
used to reduce or regulate higher pressure levels that could be problematic.
ii. Back Pressure Regulators: Back pressure regulators also work to control pressure levels,
but they have a slightly different role than pressure reducing regulators. A back pressure
regulator is usually installed downstream of another regulator and is designed to relieve
excess pressure if the main regulator fails.

A sketch of natural gas regulator

• Meters

A gas meter is a specialized flow meter, used to measure the volume of fuel gases such as natural
gas and liquefied petroleum gas. Gas meters are used at residential, commercial, and industrial
buildings that consume fuel gas supplied by a gas utility. Gases are more difficult to measure than
liquids, because measured volumes are highly affected by temperature and pressure. Gas meters
measure a defined volume, regardless of the pressurized quantity or quality of the gas flowing
through the meter. Temperature, pressure, and heating value compensation must be made to
measure actual amount and value of gas moving through a meter.

A sketch of the gas meter

• Odorization facility

The gas odorant is the chemical injected into the gas to cause it to smell. Most odorants today
consist of an assortment of various chemicals which include tertiary butyl mercaptan,
tetrahydrothiophene, isopropyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and methyl ethyl sulfide.

Chemical manufacturers create custom odorant blends with different compounds so that they are
suitable for particular applications. When selecting the odorant, it is essential to understand the
odorant’s vapor pressure, oxidation resistance, soil penetrability, and odor.

Designing criteria of the natural gas distribution system.

• System Planning

Determine the layout of the distribution pipelines, considering factors like population density,
existing infrastructure, and future growth. Choose suitable locations for pipelines based on land
use, accessibility, and safety. Classify areas (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial) to guide
pipeline design and safety measures.
 • Engineering Analysis, Plans, and Specifications

Conduct engineering studies to assess factors such as pressure requirements, flow rates, and
material selection. Develop detailed plans for pipeline routes, including pipe sizes, fittings, and
connections. Specify materials, construction methods, and safety features for the pipeline system.

• Distribution Pipeline Design

i. Pressure and Temperature Ratings: Ensure that pipeline components (pipes, valves,
regulators) meet pressure and temperature requirements.
ii. Gas Specifications: Adhere to gas quality standards (e.g., methane content, impurities) set
by regulatory bodies.
iii. Gas Velocity: Optimize gas flow velocity within safe limits to prevent excessive pressure
drops or turbulence.
iv. Pipeline Sizing: Calculate pipe diameters based on anticipated gas demand and pressure
drop constraints.
v. Stress Analysis: Assess stress levels in the pipeline due to internal pressure, external loads,
and temperature variations.
vi. Location Class: Classify pipeline locations (Class 1 to 4) based on factors like proximity
to buildings, roads, and public spaces.
vii. Material Selection: Prefer plastic or steel pipes for distribution systems, meeting safety
requirements and gas supplier approvals.

Operational and maintenance procedures of the natural gas distribution system.

Operational procedures

• System Monitoring and Control: SCADA Systems utilize Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition (SCADA) systems to monitor and control the distribution network in real-time.
Implement telemetry systems to collect data from remote locations for analysis and
operational adjustments.
• Pressure Regulation: Continuously monitor pressure levels throughout the system to ensure
they remain within safe operating limits. Regularly inspect and calibrate regulator stations
to maintain proper pressure levels.
 • Gas Quality Control: Ensure consistent odorization of natural gas to help detect leaks.
Periodically test the gas for impurities and composition to maintain quality standards.
• Load Management: Use historical data and predictive models to forecast demand and
adjust supply accordingly. Implement load balancing techniques to distribute gas evenly
across the network.

Maintenance procedures

• Pipeline Inspection and Maintenance: Conduct regular leak detection surveys using
advanced technologies such as infrared cameras, acoustic sensors, and gas sniffers.
Monitor and maintain cathodic protection systems to prevent pipeline corrosion. Regularly
patrol pipeline routes to detect and address any signs of damage or unauthorized activities.
• Valve and Regulator Maintenance: Regularly inspect and test all valves to ensure they
function correctly and can be operated in an emergency. Perform routine maintenance on
pressure regulators to ensure accurate and reliable operation.
• Facility Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain city gate stations, including pressure
reduction equipment, filtration systems, and metering devices. Perform routine
maintenance on compressors to ensure efficient and reliable operation.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of all maintenance activities,
inspections, and repairs. Maintain documentation to demonstrate compliance with
regulatory requirements and industry standards.
 DESIGNING OF THE NATURAL GAS SUPPLY SYSTEM AT GOBA WARD

The ward selected for the designing of the natural gas supply system is Goba ward which help in
the serving of the people of Goba where by following the design criteria I will obtain the demand
of the gas supply and being able to obtain the supply velocity and the specification of the pipes
and the regulators that I will be having in my natural gas supply system. And the supply of the gas
can be given by the following map and the system layout.

Map of Goba for the natural gas supply system

The supply system requires a layout of which it will give the required things and facilities for the
supply of the natural gas in Goba ward.

Lay out of the natural gas supply system