Northern Gas Networks is working with DNV GL and the Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) to study how proposed gas quality changes would affect industrial and commercial users.

The gas network plays a vital role in transporting energy to consumers securely and cost-effectively. The industry is facing its greatest challenge since the introduction of natural gas in the 1960s, with new types and sources of gas and the need to reduce carbon emissions by 2050.

Gas quality will play a crucial role in the future of energy in Great Britain as new sources of gas become available.

IGEM is collaborating with all the UK’s gas distributers to investigate the impact of making changes to the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations (GS(M)R). This includes allowing a greater range of gases, including hydrogen, which will increase the Wobbe Index range.

The project team is inviting feedback from industry on how potential change could impact users in the future through a stakeholder questionnaire available to download from the IGEM website at:

http://www.igem.org.uk/technical-standards/working-groups/gas-quality.aspx

Gas quality depends on composition which affects the physical and chemical properties of a gas, including the way it burns in appliances and combustion equipment.

This study will explore the effects of a wider gas Wobbe Index including blended hydrogen mixtures (containing up to 20 mol% hydrogen) by researching the measures in place around the world to ensure safe and efficient combustion of wider specification gas.

The research will also include the effects of rate of change of Wobbe Index as fluctuations and rapid changes may become more frequent as the number and types of gas entering the networks changes.  The industrial and commercial equipment examined will be greater than 1 MW in size and the research will also consider any instrumentation which measures, or may be affected by, gas quality.

The project is collaboratively funded by the UK gas distribution networks under the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) – an Ofgem innovation funding mechanism.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.