Is the Pressure in Your Gas Distribution System Set for Optimal Flow According to Canadian Standards?

Gas distribution systems are a prevalent component for many industries in Alberta. By controlling the flow and pressure of gasses, equipment can be effectively operated, components cleaned, and laboratory research conducted. However, problems with the pressure and flow of gasses may result in excess waste, costly inefficiencies, and ineffective processes. Therefore, it is imperative to make sure that gas distributions are set to release gas into the system at the optimal flow rate.

This article will discuss the effects of pressure issues on gas distribution systems; sources of potential pressure issues; and how working with a local solutions supplier can provide the engineering expertise and technology to determine and set the optimal flow and pressure for gas distribution systems.

The Effects of Pressure Issues on Gas Distribution Systems

Issues with the pressure and flow of gasses in a gas distribution system can have consequences that damage the overall system. Some of the major consequences of suboptimal pressure and flow settings are discussed below:

• Additional wear and tear: Components within the gas distribution system and components downstream of the gas distribution system have an optimal pressure and flow range. Deviations from this range could result in additional damage to components which will result in additional strain on other components. Operating outside of required flow and pressure ranges can also result in gas leaks due to damage to components and due to gas emitted at connection joints.
• Fugitive emissions: The potential for additional gas leaks (fugitive emissions) when operating at suboptimal pressure and flow of gasses is problematic for several reasons. Fugitive emissions may pose a health risk to employees depending on the gases and chemicals utilized. They could be damaging to the environment—as an environmental toxin and as a greenhouse gas. And, fugitive emissions may run afoul of Alberta standards and regulations on fugitive emissions.  
• Gas inefficiencies and excess waste: Gas distribution systems with high pressure and flow will likely result in excess waste. Gas cylinders will need to be filled more frequently as gas will be used faster. The potential of additional leaks will also result in gas being used faster than needed.
• Increased costs: The aforementioned problems will result in increased costs. Additional wear and tear will cause the need for components to be replaced sooner and will result in increased maintenance costs. Excess fugitive emissions may result in fines when they breach Alberta regulations and standards. Excess use of gas will require additional gas to be purchased. As is apparent here, pressure and flow problems can easily affect a business’s bottom line.

Having a gas distribution system set to the optimal pressure and flow is very important for safe and efficient operations. The first step to dealing with pressure and flow issues is to understand their root causes.

Sources of Pressure Issues in Gas Distribution Systems

Understanding the potential sources of pressure and flow issues in a gas distribution system will help to prevent future instances. The main sources of pressure and flow problems are discussed below:

• Gas regulator: The operation of the gas regulator follows the flow of the inlet and outlet pressure. Depending on the type of regulator, the poppet will either open or close to regulate inlet or outlet pressure. If pressure drops, the flow of gas can become choked.
• Tubing and valves: Tubing and valves need to match the pressure and flow requirements of a system. Failure to do so will result in difficulties controlling the pressure and flow of gas. This, in turn, will result in additional wear and tear on the system and potentially lead to leaks. 
• Poor fitting and improper components: Components need to match pressure-flow requirements and form a tight seal when implemented into a gas distribution system. 
• Poor planned systems: Systems that are composed of disparate components may result in bottlenecks that cause gas pressure and flow problems. Understanding the entire system and how gas is diverted along the system is imperative to system efficiency.

Gas pressure and flow issues can be mitigated, monitored, and maintained by partnering with a local distributor of gas distribution components. 

Turn to Edmonton Valve & Fitting to Mitigate Gas Distribution Pressure Issues

Partnering with a local provider of gas distribution system components can help you maintain safe and efficient operations, according to Canadian pressure and flow standards. Edmonton Valve & Fitting has the expertise to understand your gas distribution system’s unique specifications. Further, as a local provider, Edmonton Valve & Fitting has a team nearby to help consult when gas pressure and flow issues become apparent. Finally, Edmonton Valve & Fitting has expert Field Advisors who can identify current issues in your gas distribution system and help prevent future occurrences.