OPEN GRID EUROPE GMBH

With the development of CHARM®, Open Grid Europe is providing an efficient leakage control method for natural gas pipeline networks and thus an alternative to the labour intensive practice of conducting on-site inspections of the pipelines with gas detection devices. CHARM® is a highly accurate infrared laser system integrated in a helicopter that is capable of precisely detecting even very low methane concentrations from the air. Even in the case of very complex pipeline topologies, the course of the pipeline can be detected consistently on a large scale during the flight by an automatic, highly precise scanning beam control system (autotracking), thus ensuring a reliable leak tightness inspection of the natural gas pipeline.

In order to protect pipelines from damage (e.g. during construction activities), they are regularly inspected on foot, from a vehicle or helicopter. Practical experience has shown, however, that these methods do not ensure continuous and comprehensive monitoring. PipeMon+® closes this gap, allowing appropriate measures to be taken immediately when a pipeline is suddenly damaged. OGE has developed a pipeline monitoring method based on the principle of cathodic protection (CP). When a cathodically protected pipeline is damaged by construction equipment (excavator, drill, rotary cultivator, etc.), the protective current distribution on the pipeline changes. Using appropriate sensors and special analysis methods, these events can be detected in real time.

The safe and efficient construction and operation of gas transmission systems calls for complex decisions; there are a number of prerequisites that must be met. This applies to many areas such as material selection, component design and sizing, well-founded assessments of the condition of pipelines and facilities based on various test procedures, the determination of the repair and maintenance work required as well as quality assurance for materials, procedures and personnel. We offer a comprehensive service portfolio in this area, based on the experience and know-how gained from the operation of our pipeline network and the technical infrastructure available for this purpose.

Our Gas Quality Competence Centre answers chemical analysis and process engineering questions in all matters connected with the transportation and use of natural gas. Our Competence Centre uses high-performance methods and processes for the analysis of gases and accompanying substances and can draw on many years of experience in the operation of our transmission system and cooperation with customers. The full range of our laboratory services if of course also available to other companies and organisations. They include: Determination of natural gas compositions in accordance with DVGW Code of Practise G 260 Natural gas analyses up to C14 Determination of trace concentrations of accompanying substances Water analyses on preheaters in accordance with DVGW Code of Practise G 495 Natural gas safety data sheet and much more Our Gas Quality Competence Centre is certified to DIN EN ISO 9001. The natural gas analysis laboratory is accredited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.