1THE LACLEDE GROUP
Natural Gas Distribution Overview and SafetyMISSOURI ONE CALL SYSTEM
OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING
DECEMBER 19, 2013
2THE LACLEDE GROUP
Agenda
• Laclede System Overview
• Natural Gas Properties
• Natural Gas Safety
• Natural Gas Home Safety Tips
4THE LACLEDE GROUP
• 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.
Background on Laclede Gas Company
6THE LACLEDE GROUP
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.
8THE LACLEDE GROUP
Natural Gas – A Great Energy Source When Used Properly
What essential properties of natural gas do our employees need to know to work safely?
9THE LACLEDE GROUP
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
11THE LACLEDE GROUP
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
12THE LACLEDE GROUP
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.
13THE LACLEDE GROUP
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.