Reticulated system and LPG Solution

Reticulated System and LPG Solution

We provide LPG storage, cylindr banking, reticulated system for residential apartments, industries where natural gas scarcity is a factor to run the burners, furnaces and other appliances which are depended on natural gas. Tank gauging system, fire alarm and fire fighting system ar associated witht he reticulated systems as per requirement.

A. Why Use Reticulated Or Piped Gas Systems in Apartment Complexes

Most of the cooking gas demands in Bangladesh households are met by Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), This LPG is the mixer of 30% propane and 70% butane. In Bangladesh the consumption of LPG is growing day by day rapidly. The government now intends to spread the use of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) which has 50 lakh consumers as of 2019.

In this system, people receive the cooking gas which is delivered via the pipelines straight to the home and pay for this like other utility bill. Cylinder fixing, loading unloading are not available here. This LPG is locally stored in the building where NG is supplied from central government gas line. Installation of NG pipeline is based on technical and commercial feasibility, thus progress isn’t as fast as the simple LPG cylinder delivery system. This natural gas based piping system is replaced by LPG reticulated system now. This system is installed by any real estate or Industial infrastructure developer at the development and planning stage and is inherited by housing societies for management and maintenance. Pipeline installation is sophisticated but limited to the residential/commercial premises and doesn’t need years of planning.

B. What is a reticulated or piped gas system?

This a centralized piped gas system, which is a way to deliver cooking gas through a network of pipelines that are connected to the main gas cylinder storage system. All kitchens have their own LPG cylinders, except those are not tucked away under the kitchen countertop, but sits in a bulk storage zone under the residential building or basement, industries along with many cylinders or small storage.

C. How reticulated/piped gas system work?

High inlet gas pressure from the source or cylinder is regulated and reduced to the level which is appropriate for the pipes and then delivered to the individual outlets o kitchen. This is done by a pressure regulation system that consists of a cylinder manifold (for small to medium complexes) and underground/ above ground/mounded bulk LPG storage tanks (for huge apartment complexes).

Let’s understand a common three-stage pressure control system with an inlet pressure range of 1 bar to 6 bar and outlet pressure range of 110 millibars to 28 millibars.

A. Cylinders with adaptors and pigtailed pipe are stacked against a wall and attached to the first pressure regulation system.
B. The first pressure gauge is connected to the mainline which has the gas bank’s main controller and runs through a second pressure regulation system.
C. The riser ball valve then takes the regulated gas up to individual apartments which have their own control valve, pressure regulator and a meter (usually at the kitchen entrance or outdoor pantry).
D. A copper pipe connects the set-up to the kitchen and gas is provided via a tap.
E. The cylinder manifold at the centralized bank consists of two arms – operational arm and a stand-by arm. Once the operational arm runs out there is an automatic changeover to ensure uninterrupted supply.
F. It’s the responsibility of the society MC to order cylinder refills, activate connections for individual homes and collect gas payment from the residents.

D. Features and benefits of the reticulated or piped gas system

A. Overpressure and underpressure shut off valves to provide safety and proper burning at the stove
B. 24/7 gas supply without the need for dragging, replacing cylinders or placing cylinder replacement orders
C. No need to stack the cylinders in the kitchen
D. Individual prepaid/ postpaid meters which ensure transparency or all consumers
E. Financial benefit since you pay only as much as you use gas
F. No need any interaction and transaction with gas agencies, whole seller, retailer or delivery men
G. Enhanced safety owing to the fact that the gas pressure is lower in pipeline compared to the volume packed in the cylinder at home
H. It adds value to the society as this system signifies the transition to an advanced gas distribution system

E. How to maintain a warehouse for a reticulated or piped gas system?

A. Keep the cylinder storage facility locked at all times while displaying hazard (highly inflammable) signs around the fenced set-up. It’s important that no one is allowed to smoke or have fireworks near the gas bank enclosure.
B. Don’t allow unauthorised access to residents, servicemen, etc.
C. Ensure regularly that valves, gauges are at proper measurements so there’s no over/under pressure and backflow or leakages
D. Always keep a good stock of fire extinguishers close to the set-up
E. Make sure that gas bank facilities are properly ventilated
F. Don’t install wired lighting or allow mobiles inside the gas bank
G. Don’t allow children to play or pets to wander off around the gas bank
H. MC should arrange for thorough training to be given to designated resident/office manager/ head guard or committee member in the matters of technical specifications, safety measures and maintenance dos and don’ts along with refill order procedures so that there’s no confusion or mishaps that could affect the comfort and safety of residents.