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Natural Gas Distribution Overview and Safety

Natural Gas Distribution Overview and Safety. MISSOURI ONE CALL SYSTEM OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING. DECEMBER 19, 2013. Agenda. Laclede System Overview Natural Gas Properties Natural Gas Safety Natural Gas Home Safety Tips. LACLEDE SYSTEM OVERVIEW. Background on Laclede Gas Company.

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Natural Gas Distribution Overview and Safety

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  1. Natural Gas Distribution Overview and Safety MISSOURI ONE CALL SYSTEM OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2013

  2. Agenda • Laclede System Overview • Natural Gas Properties • Natural Gas Safety • Natural Gas Home Safety Tips

  3. LACLEDE SYSTEM OVERVIEW

  4. Background on Laclede Gas Company • Company was created in 1857, and named in honor of St Louis founder, Pierre Laclede Linquest. • For the first 90 years, Laclede manufactured and distributed gas, this gas was derived from burning coal in the absence of oxygen. • Starting in 1932, natural gas was introduced into the distribution system. • In 1942, Union Electric and Laclede Gas exchanged gas and electric customers. • In 1949 the distribution system began using 100% natural gas. • St Charles Gas was acquired in 1963. • MGE joins the Laclede Group in 2013.

  5. Laclede Group Service Area

  6. Laclede Group System Overview • Natural Gas Transmission Lines – 276 miles • Natural Gas Distribution Mains – 17,069 miles • Steel mains: 51% • Plastic mains: 42% • Cast iron mains: 7% • Natural Gas Distribution Service Line – 1,118,0734 services • Steel services: 14% • Plastic services: 80% • Hard copper services: 6% • Highly Volatile Liquid Line (HVL) – 39 miles (Propane and Butane) Note: All values based on CY 2012 reporting.

  7. Natural Gas Properties

  8. Natural Gas – A Great Energy Source When Used Properly What essential properties of natural gas do our employees need to know to work safely?

  9. Essential Properties of Natural Gas Safety • Flammable range in air – 4.5-15% • Ignition temperature – 1163◦ F • Density – lighter than air • BTU – 1020 per cubic foot • Odorless/colorless – addition of mercaptans • Non-toxic, non-corrosive • Compressible – MAOP of systems • Wells and storage – 500 to 3500 psig • Transmission – 750 – 1000 psig • Distribution – 15 – 60 psig • Residential service line – 0.5 psig • Liquefiable – LNG • -270◦ F • 1 to 600 ratio • Explosion – when confined in the proper concentration • Asphyxiant – at high concentrations • Clean burning – >2X cleaner than oil or coal • A mixture predominated by methane • KNOWLEDGE KEEPS YOU SAFE

  10. NATURAL GAS SAFETY

  11. What To Do If You Smell Natural Gas • If inside a building • Evacuate and leave the area immediately. • Once you are outside and a safe distance from the odor call “911” • If you hit a line while excavating • Immediately turn off any machinery. • Leave the immediate area. • Secure the area to keep others out. • Call “911” , “811” and notify the Local Natural Gas Distribution Company • DO NOT • Turn on any light switches, ring door bells, call on you cell phone or operate any electrical equipment in the presence of a natural gas odor in a home or confined area. • Run around the home or area trying to open windows and doors

  12. NATURAL GAS HOME SAFETY TIPS • If your pilot or burner is substantially higher than normal, this could be an indication of excessive pressure. • Dead or distressed vegetation above a pipeline is an indication of a gas leak. • Always call “811” if you plan any excavation work in your yard. • Have your furnace checked annually for: • Adequate ventilation • Proper combustion (blue flame) • Keep combustibles away • Change filters • Proper operating appliance can not only save money but prevent conditions that can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. • Invest in a UL-approved carbon monoxide detector and change the batteries annually.

  13. NATURAL GAS HOME SAFETY TIPS (continued) • Watch your hot water settings – small children can be easily scald. • If going out of town consider having a neighbor or family member check on your residence. Occasionally gas utilities require interruption of service to conduct unanticipated repairs. • Check plastic vent pipes – Furnaces installed after Sept 1987 use high temperature plastic vent pipes. • Uncoated brass flexible connectors installed prior to 1977 generally used to connect appliances such as stoves and dryers are subject to cracking and breaking. • Customer buried fuel lines – should be maintained and checked annually. Hand dig to find these fuel lines in advance of excavation work near them. Call a plumbing or heating contract if you need help locating, repairing and inspecting.

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