Study regarding the Determination of the Flammability Characteristics of the Residue Collected from Natural Gas Transport

Abstract

In the natural gas pipelines, the so-called black powder is formed. It can take many forms, including wet tarred substance or fine dry powder. Black powder occurs in both newer and older natural gas pipelines. This can disrupt the distribution of natural gas either by interrupting distribution to the customer or by reducing the quality of products delivered to customers. This residue, black powder can damage operations that take place in the transport pipelines, such as reduced inspection accuracy, erosion of the control valve and reduced flow. In addition, this powder also presents a health hazard due to the fact that it may contain pyrophoric sulphides, which require specific handling and storage procedures. Black powder is a solid contaminant found in natural gas distribution systems around the world. Drilling mud, dust, construction dirt, sand, iron oxide, iron carbonate, iron sulfides, welding slag, salt crystals, valve grease, corrosion inhibitors, and other organic materials can contribute to the formation and the presence of this residue, also called black powder. In this paper were analyzed the flammability properties of black powder collected from natural gas transmission pipelines of an operator in Romania.