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Leakage measurement at large ball valves in gas pipelines

PUT US TO THE TEST!

Isolation valves in gas supply have to be checked regularly on site for leakages

Process data

Measuring task:
Leakage measurement at large ball valves

Measuring point:
At the valve’s leakage lines

Measuring range:
Up to 50 m/s

Process pressure:
Atmospheric

Process environment:
For outside use or in the  workshop

Recommended products

VA Di or TA Di (for small flow velocities)

ProductProduct data sheet

ProductProduct data sheet

Flowtherm NT.2 or flowtherm EX

productproduct data sheet

productproduct data sheet

Application

Gas pipelines allow transport of natural gas obtained from abroad to downstream distribution networks. They have a diameter of 1.4 meters and operate at about 100 bar. These pipelines have isolation valves to separate each segment from the other. The herefore used ball valves have to be checked yearly according to DVGW G 441. With these so called „block and bleed“ armatures possible leakages are measured in closed and in the open state through a separate outflow („bodyline“ or „block and bleed pipeline“).

The measurement’s result determines whether the ball valve can continue to be operated or if repair or replacement is required. That way leakage measurement determine a possibly necessary new investment. Measuring instruments must be accurate. Measurement happens „in the field“.

Your advantage

Robust
The instrument is suited for the robust use outside

Tried and tested
Numerous operators counted on Höntzsch instruments for this application

Safe
Höntzsch also offers a portable solution as an ex-version

Natural gas transport via pipeline networks

Natural gas is one of the most important primary energy sources. It’s mainly used for heat generation. Additionally it’s also used in the chemical industry supplying gas power plants. Due to their flexibility for the transition from conventional to regenerative power generation they‘re becoming increasingly important.

Types of natural gas transport through pipelines

Natural gas obtained from abroad is supplied through a great gas distribution system (high pressure) of about 50,000 km in Germany. Every 100 to 150 km pressure in the pipes needs to be raised through a compressor station to even out any pressure loss.
The finely meshed low pressure network and the house connection pipes add another 400,000 km. Already processed biogas is fed into the natural gas  network. This can further benefit the change in energy production. „Green“ hydrogen the highly discussed energy carrier of the future can also be transported in the gas network. First trial runs are already underway for example in Holzwickede in Germany by Eon. Hydrogen can be added to the natural gas and later extracted. Alternatively it’s also possible to transport clean hydrogen in the pipeline. Both is an alternative to electricity. The existing infrastructure can be used variably for different gases and is therefore an important resource for the gas network.                                  

 

Regular leakage mesurements at large ball valves in gas pipelines

The ensure economic efficiency of gas distribution systems the isolation valves have to be checked regularly. There’s a separate regulation for large ball valves. The DVGW 441 (A) describes in detail what needs to be checked. One main focus is on possible leakages oft he valves.

Any greater leakage can have dramatic consequences. That’s why the large „block and bleed“ ball valves are regularly checked. Höntzsch has tailor made solutions for these applications that have been used in the field for years. The measuring equipment is connected at  the ball valve‘s so called „body line“. When closed, the flow rate must not exceed a defined limit. For an exact measurement sufficient in- and output sections are necessary. The sensor’s measured raw data is transferred to the handheld unit and displayed in the desired unit. Measuring data can also be recorded and later transferred to a computer where it can be evaluated and archived.

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