Member content

Study Group 4.1: Asset Management by WOC 4 Secretary - Robert Thomas — last modified 10-Oct-2006 16:03

Review of Asset Management Strategies and Practices. Chair: Andreas Hennig, Germany. Deputy: Alessandro Soresina, Italy. Terms of Reference:  The study will review the processes and methodologies used to develop strategies for operating, maintaining and replacing gas distribution networks. This will build on the Distribution Integrity study from the previous triennium. The study will recognize the influence of differing regulatory frameworks both in defining local good practice and assessing the applicability of “best” international practices.  Objectives and expected results The definition of distribution integrity performance measures; The use of available information systems, data and the management of data quality; The availability and applicability of cost/benefit calculations; The influence of national and international technical standards; The influence of economic regulation and competitive markets; The range of approaches within legal frameworks; prescriptive vs risk-based.

Study Group 4.2: Leakage Reduction. by WOC 4 Secretary - Robert Thomas — last modified 04-Oct-2006 15:43

Review of Leakage Reduction strategies & practices. Chair: Fergal Geoghegan, Ireland. Deputy: Steve Vick, UK. Terms of Reference: The study will determine the process necessary for the evaluation and determination of leading practices used in the industry for the management of leakage from gas distribution systems. These leading practices will be based on reviewing commonly defined metrics of operational performance. Methane is a significant greenhouse gas and leakage is perceived to contribute to depletion of the ozone layer. Leakage also presents safety, economic and operational challenges to distribution operators. Objectives and expected results A review of leakage management strategies across member countries; Assessment of the ability to quantify leakage from distribution systems; Specific focus on the effectiveness of leakage survey methodologies; Identification of best practices in leakage management systems; Review of existing and emerging technologies for leakage control.

Study Group 4.3: Third party damage by WOC 4 Secretary - Robert Thomas — last modified 04-Oct-2006 15:43

Development of best practices for the prevention of third party interference damage to distribution assets. Chair: Svend Bomholt, Denmark. Deputy: Kevin Knapp, USA. Terms of Reference: This is a study to evaluate how each of the IGU member countries approach the reduction of third party interference damage to gas distribution systems. This emerged as a major integrity issue from the 2003-2006 triennium study. It is important to determine the various approaches, funding levels, legal requirements and collaborative efforts currently in place. Objectives and expected results The study will provide a review of damage control activities systems including: Provision of plant records & information to enable location; Legal/regulatory requirements driving plant location; Measures of effectiveness of plant protection systems; Resourcing requirements for site attendance where provided; Review of existing and emerging technologies for damage control; Identification of best practices in plant and damage location systems across all utilities.

WOC4 meeting schedule 2006-2009 by WOC 4 Secretary - Robert Thomas — last modified 03-Jun-2008 15:29

WOC4 meetings for 2006-2009 triennium

WOC4 SG leaders teleconference agenda by WOC 4 Secretary - Robert Thomas — last modified 18-Jul-2008 00:25

Teleconference 18th July 2008 - Agenda