Standardised Biomethane Connections
Abstract
Through consultation with the biomethane industry National Gas are looking to offer a cost effective, repeatable and simplified Minimum Connection arrangement at greenfield locations with low visual impact by locating the network isolation valves in a pit. Thus, avoiding a traditional larger Above Ground Installation with perimeter security fence and internal vehicle access and potential local authority planning permission.
The use of pits to house valves on National Gas AGI’s has historically created operational and maintenance issues, such as pipe pit wall transition corrosion, pit flooding and access restrictions.
However, through consultation with NG Chief Engineer a decision support paper was submitted and approved allowing the development of a valve pit arrangement to align with requests from the biomethane industry and address historic issues.
Following this decision, conceptual designs were completed for minimum connections at Oulton Airfield and Manby projects in 2024. These designs included a concept design of a MOC valve arrangement in a pit.
