Factors Causing Safety Hazards in Natural Gas Pipelines

The demand for natural gas in daily production and life is increasing with the improvement of the social economy. Natural gas is a clean, pollution-free energy source and is widely used worldwide. However, the distribution of natural gas in China is uneven. Natural gas resources are relatively scarce in the economically developed eastern region of China, while in contrast, the sparsely populated western region is rich in natural gas resources. Therefore, to promote economic development effectively, it is necessary to transport the abundant natural gas resources from the west to the eastern region. Pipelines are the primary means of transporting natural gas. Because natural gas is toxic, explosive, and flammable, relevant personnel must prioritize the safety of natural gas pipelines. Personnel must monitor pipeline safety, identify problems promptly, and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of natural gas pipelines. Pipeline valves are easily damaged or corroded by various factors during natural gas transportation. If not maintained promptly, a series of incidents may occur over time. Valve safety technology has always been a key area of research. Personnel should carefully analyze and learn from experience, identify factors that cause valve safety hazards, implement effective solutions promptly, and strive to eliminate risks like valve damage or corrosion.
 
1. Overview of the Characteristics of Long-Distance Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines
Because the gas pressure in natural gas transmission pipelines is high, and the transmission distances are long, their maintenance is more challenging than that of other pipelines. Since natural gas transported by long-distance pipelines is fluid, toxic, and corrosive, and interacts with the pipeline, these pipelines are typically buried underground for a certain distance to ensure continuous gas transmission. Long-distance pipelines play a critical role in the safe transportation of natural gas to consumers' homes. These pipelines generally have larger diameters, greater transmission volumes, and extend over longer distances. They can also be independently controlled, enhancing transportation safety and preventing incidents such as natural gas leaks. Given that natural gas has a large volume and low density, pipelines are an efficient transportation method. The pipeline connects the natural gas supply station to the distribution station. The gas transmission system primarily consists of a control center and pipeline. The pipeline system is divided into the main pipeline, valve rooms, communication facilities, and cathodic protection systems. It is crucial to ensure the pipeline is properly insulated and corrosion-resistant, and that shut-off valves are installed at specific sections. In this way, in the event of a fault, the valve can be closed promptly to prevent gas leakage, ensuring the safety of the pipeline, the surrounding environment, and ecological health.
 
2.1 Objective Factors
These primarily include natural factors and equipment factors:
(1) Natural factors: China has a vast territory with a wide distribution of natural gas, making the pipeline-laying environment more complex. Different geological conditions must be considered, adding complexity to the pipeline-laying process. Fragile geological conditions can easily lead to geological disasters. In addition, harsh natural conditions can damage the pipeline, compromising the safety of pipeline transportation. Furthermore, under certain environmental conditions, the exterior of the pipeline may corrode or rupture, shortening its service life.
(2) Equipment factors: Pipeline corrosion is currently a common issue. Corrosion significantly reduces its service life, potentially leading to leaks and even explosions. Therefore, personnel must closely monitor pipeline safety. Corrosion is caused not only by natural environmental factors but also by equipment issues, such as the use of inferior anti-corrosion materials, substandard cathodic protection facilities, and other related equipment. Moreover, natural gas pipelines often operate under high loads due to their large transportation volumes, extended time, and distance. When pipeline loads reach a critical point, splitting may occur, leading to gas leaks and explosions. Given this, personnel must prioritize pipeline inspection and maintenance, promptly repairing any damaged sections.
 
2.2 Subjective Factors
(1) Lax management: Construction units responsible for long-distance pipelines must have specific qualifications. However, in practice, pipeline construction projects often switch construction units, and their qualifications are not thoroughly verified. Furthermore, during management, project quality was not strictly controlled according to the required standards. Additionally, the technical expertise of some construction personnel did not meet standards, and many lacked experience in large-scale projects, affecting overall construction quality due to their lack of professional skills.
(2) Insufficient safety awareness: The economy surrounding the natural gas transportation belt will continue to grow alongside natural gas projects. Factories, residential buildings, schools, and hospitals will emerge in these areas, increasing pressure on natural gas pipeline operations. In areas with lax management and underdeveloped economies, natural gas projects often fail to meet standards, leaving numerous safety hazards. Natural gas projects have stringent technological requirements, and their construction process is highly complex. During construction, insufficient safety awareness and inadequate technical skills among personnel have led to buried safety hazards, seriously impacting project quality.
(3) Frequent incidents of natural gas theft: The long natural gas transmission pipelines, scarce resources, and high economic value have led some individuals to steal natural gas. Motivated by profit, they may damage pipelines to steal natural gas. Stealing natural gas not only endangers national interests but also causes severe safety risks.