Session 3: “Best Materials for a safer and more reliable Gas Grid”

Introduction
Moderator: Prof. Ph. van Speybroeck, Becetel (B)

The liberalization of the Gas Market in Europe, started in 1998 with the first Gas Directive, has dramatically changed the environment of the Gas Companies by modifying deeply their organization.

In spite of these changes, the Gas Industry has succeeded in improving the safety and reliability of its activity. To continue this successful story, a particular attention shall be given to maintain the existing high level requirements & procedures for materials used in the construction of gas grids and the improvement of the quality of new materials & technologies for the future. The session focus also on the very important role played by International and European standardization which provides for a common safety level and for quality requirements for all the Gas Operators involved in the process.

Programme

1. 1. Steel pipelines systems - standardization
   A. Krijgsman (Gasunie, NL)Abstract

2. 2. Potential for optimization of PE coatings for steel pipelines systems
   H. J. Kock (Mannesman – Fuchs, D)Abstract

3. 3. Cathodic protection to steel pipelines systems
   R. Gregoor (Fluxys, B)Abstract

4. 4. PE systems – some key issues
   Dr. D. Walton (Borouge, SG)Abstract

5. 5. Plastic pipes – a look into the future
   S. Beech (SHB Consulting, UK)Abstract

6. Questions & Answers – Discussion and wrap up

Session 4: “Technical Changes due to Liberalization”

Introduction
Moderator: M. Ronchi (CIG, I)

The EU rules for opening the natural gas internal market and increasing competition have created many new challenges for the gas operators.

In this framework, decisions to invest in new infrastructure projects shall be taken carefully and alternative solutions to new grids such as pressure upgrading can be of high interest.

But the increasing competition among the different players shall not lead to a reduction of the safety and reliability of the gas systems but, on the contrary to their improvement at a lower cost. Subjects presented in this session will deal with how to reconcile the expectations for a good level of safety and reliability with the constraints posed by cost reduction.

Many discussions are currently taking place at EU level regarding the possible introduction of smart metering systems. The MARCOGAZ position and an example of development will be presented.

Safety being always paramount for gas systems it is important to evaluate the possible impact on safety of new gases to be injected in the future into gas grids. The GERG presentations gives a flavour of the impact on safety of the injection of Hydrogen into gas pipelines and how to measure the safety level by the use of specific safety indicators for distribution grids.

Programme

1. 1. Pressure up-grading of transmission pipeline systems
   V. Gourioti (DESFA, GR)Abstract

2. 2. Safety & Reliability of transmission pipeline systems
   V. Potocny (eustream a.s.,SK)Abstract

3. 3. Infrastructure planning in a liberalized environment – Austrian experiences T. Heissenberger
   (Austrian Gas Grid Management A.G., A)Abstract

4. 4. Smart metering: the MARCOGAZ vision
   J. Dehaeseleer (ORES, B)Abstract

5. 5. The effect on safety of adding hydrogen to the natural gas system
   B. Lowesmith (GERG, B)Abstract

6. 6. Gas distribution grids safety indicators: Dutch approach
   R. Hermkens (KIWA, NL)Abstract

7. Questions & Answers – Discussion and wrap up