Analysis of the Problem of Natural Gas Waterlogging

Abstract

The domestic gas industry has been set an ambitious goal in the form of a state programme for extensive gasification of Polish cities and towns. This provides for transition of the municipal thermal energy and of the municipal economy to natural gas. Ensuring of reliable and safe transport of the gaseous fuel is also a part of this programme. The article discusses the problems of transporting of the nitrogen-rich natural gas from the local mines, related to water of unknown origin appearing in it. The events that can confirm that there is a possibility of moisture condensation from the gas and its migration deep into the distribution network have been analysed. The actual level of moisture in the natural gas, which is already directly supplied to the consumers, has been experimentally tested. It has been proved by the computer calculations that in the conditions of high pressure in the network, there is a possibility of such condensation, depending on the external atmospheric conditions and physicochemical parameters of the gas. It has been proposed to change the existing designing & construction legal provisions in order to protect the gas networks against water accumulating in them in a better way.