RR882 - Hazards arising from the conveyance and use of gas from Non-Conventional Sources (NCS)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognises that there is increasing interest in the use of non-conventional source (NCS) gases and that conveyance of the gas from the source to the end user will be through the existing natural gas grid. All gas transported and used has to comply with the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations [GS(M)R] and this raises questions with regard to the suitability of the NCS gas within the network and the possible additional hazards that may result over and above those associated with natural gas.
The HSE commissioned this study to review the available data on NCS gas composition to support assessment of hazards and risks associated with the introduction of NCS gas into pipeline networks.
This report covers the following aspects:
- Collation of data on composition for a range of NCS gas types and sources, including both bulk gas components and contaminants.
- Summary of NCS gas clean-up processes and their performance with regard to removal of contaminants.
- Impact of NCS gas composition on network materials, combustion/utilisation equipment and emissions.
The majority of compounds found in NCS gas are similar to those found in natural gas and thus pose no greater risk to the integrity of the pipeline and downstream equipment, however, siloxanes, high levels of oxygen and highly odiferous compounds need further study.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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