Gas Distribution System - Prevent Dangerous Leaks with Better Design

Could your gas systems be better designed to prevent dangerous leaks?

In most applications, the user needs gas delivered at a certain high pressure. That means the system must be able to maintain flow and pressure from the source to the point of use, allowing the user to obtain the gas at the right pressure safely and consistently. High-pressure gases can be dangerous to operators if not properly contained and handled, however. Alternatively, gases delivered at too-low pressures may lead to inefficiency and is indicative that there is some performance issue causing pressure losses somewhere in the system. These issues are unfortunately often overlooked.

The second most common problem is leaks, which can happen at numerous points throughout the distribution system. Leaks can compromise the safety of personnel and the environment when the gas in question is noxious or toxic. But even leaks involving benign gases can be costly for the plant operator. Most facilities buy these gases from a supplier, and losing them via leaks creates unnecessary costs. For example, nitrogen is a common laboratory gas and is often used to purge systems of more toxic substances. If that purge function is operating inefficiently, the facility is wasting significant sums of money on wasted nitrogen.

Optimized Gas Panel Design = More Intuitive Operation and Maintenance

Newer gas panels featuring an optimized design can alleviate some of the concerns. Your gas panel supplier should also consider your specific needs and offer a configuration that works best for your operation.

This is the process that our team goes through for customers who take advantage of Swagelok’s gas distribution advisory services. We help our customers gain a better understanding of their own systems, inform proper selection of components, guide design improvements, provide complete documentation, and identify best practices for maintaining and using the system throughout the facility.

Contact us to learn how our gas distribution system advisors can work with you to evaluate your gas distribution systems and recommend opportunities for improvement.