AG&P Pratham - How Natural Gas Is Supplied And Importance Of Dial Before You Dig

The Slogan "Dial Before You Dig"

Toll Free – 1800 2022 999 for Underground Pipelines by AG&P Pratham

Introduction:

The world beneath our feet is a maze of underground utilities, including gas pipelines that deliver this essential energy source to homes, businesses, and industries. However, excavation activities pose a significant risk to these buried assets, potentially leading to gas leaks, service disruptions, and even catastrophic incidents. In light of these risks, "Dial Before You Dig" (DBYD) emerges as a critical tool for ensuring the safety and efficiency of excavation projects, particularly those involving gas pipelines. In this blog, we'll explore why Dial Before You Dig is crucial for protecting gas pipelines, how the process works, and the benefits it offers.

How Natural gas is supplied from main gas connections to end users through underground pipelines:

Natural gas, a versatile and clean-burning energy source, is supplied from main gas connections to individual homes, commercial establishments, and industries through an extensive network of underground pipelines. This distribution system, known as the reticulation network, plays a vital role in delivering natural gas safely and efficiently to end-users.

The process begins with the extraction of natural gas from underground reservoirs or as a byproduct of oil drilling. Once extracted, the gas undergoes processing to remove impurities before being transported through high-pressure transmission pipelines to distribution centres.

At these distribution centres, the gas is depressurized, odorized (with an external odorizing agent like Ethyle Mercaptan or other similar purpose chemicals) and further processed to meet quality standards. It is then distributed through a network of lower-pressure underground pipelines to individual consumers. These pipelines are carefully laid out beneath streets, sidewalks, and other public areas, minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment with a top cover of 1m.

Individual homes, commercial establishments, and industries are connected to the underground pipeline network through service lines. These service lines deliver natural gas directly to the premises, where it can be used for various purposes, including heating, cooking, hot water production, and industrial processes.

Essential safety practices done by AG&P Pratham to prevent  Incident:

AG&P Pratham places warning mat above gas pipelines as a proactive safety measure aimed at preventing accidental damage and ensuring the integrity of underground infrastructure. These mats, typically made of durable materials such as  plastic, are placed at 0.5 meter above buried gas pipelines to provide a visible and tactile indication of their presence.

Warning mats often feature distinctive colours, symbols, and text that clearly communicate the presence of a gas pipeline and the need for caution in the area. These mats are also having contact information of AG&P Emergency Control Centres operating 24x7 . The placement of warning mats above gas pipelines is an essential safety practice that complements other measures such as route markers and warning signs.

Route Markers and Warning Signs

Placing route markers and warning signs on the ground near pipelines is a crucial safety measure to prevent accidental damage and ensure the integrity of the pipeline network. We at AG&P Pratham place route markers every 100 meters or other crucial places to identify and signify the presence of underground pipelines. These markers and signs serve as visual indicators for excavators, construction crews, and the general public, highlighting the presence of underground pipelines and the need for caution in the vicinity.

Route markers typically consist of durable posts or stakes placed at regular intervals along the pipeline route. They are often color-coded and display information such as the type of pipeline, its owner, emergency contact numbers, and any relevant safety warnings. These markers help to identify the approximate location of the pipeline, guiding excavators away from potential hazards during digging or construction activities.

By placing route markers and warning signs on the ground near pipelines, stakeholders can effectively communicate vital safety information and minimize the risk of accidental damage. This proactive approach helps to protect both the integrity of the pipeline infrastructure and the safety of nearby communities and workers.

Understanding Call Before You Dig:

 “Call Before u Dig (CBuD)” is an innovative initiative by the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India to encourage minimal or no damages to underground assets while carrying out any digging activity, whatsoever. This online platform, available in the form of an easy-to-use mobile app as well as online portal, facilitate smooth coordination between the digging agencies and underground utility asset owners to save the utilities from damages that may occur to them due to the digging activities. It serves as a vital communication link between contractors, excavators, homeowners, and utility operators. The core principle is simple: before commencing any excavation work, individuals are required to contact CBuD to obtain information about the location of underground utilities in the vicinity of their proposed dig site.

The Process:

1. Submitting details on CBuD: Individuals can upload their excavation plans through CBuD App or Portal, or various communication channels operated by AG&P including phone, online portals, or mobile applications. They are required to provide details about the location and scope of their excavation project.
2. Information Collection: Upon receiving a request, CBuD coordinates with participating utility operators in the area to gather information about the presence and location of underground assets. This information typically includes the type of utilities, their depth, and any special considerations.
3. Utility Response: Participating utility operators respond to the CBuD inquiry by providing maps, plans, or markings indicating the location of their underground infrastructure. This information is crucial for excavators to avoid accidental damage during digging.
4. Review and Confirmation: Once the information is compiled, CBuD sends a comprehensive response to the requester, detailing the locations of underground utilities and any associated safety measures or restrictions.

Pipeline Awareness Programs, Patrolling of Pipelines, Pratham Mitra, Stakeholder Consultation and Utility Coordination Meeting :-

AG&P team is conducting regular Pipeline Awareness Programs with Utility Companies and Permission Authority; Conducting Patrolling of Pipelines to identify third party activities around Gas pipeline network; AG&P team has identified a team of volunteers along the pipeline network fondly called as Pratham Mitra to act as an additional source of information about third party activities on pipeline network around Pratham Mitra location;  AG&P team is conducting Stakeholder Consultation and Utility Coordination meetings at regular intervals to create required awareness about gas pipeline safety

Note: If any excavation work is done by third parties around the gas pipeline without prior notice or proper information to the company will lead to a legal offense. If there is any pipeline damage due to unapprised digging and excavation  by third party agency, the Government of India has made a provision of imprisonment upto 3 years and a fine of upto Rupees 25 crores, as per PNGRB Act, 2006; PMP Act, Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita (Earlier Indian Penal Code).

What we Conclude is

"Dial Before You Dig" slogan stands as a linchpin in the realm of natural gas pipeline safety, fostering collaboration and proactive risk mitigation among stakeholders. By advocating for awareness regarding the importance of identifying and respecting underground utilities, we fortify our communities, infrastructure, and environmental well-being. So, before engaging in any excavation, remember to dial before you dig and our AG&P Pratham team will be available to assist you Toll Free – 1800 2022 999. It is the duty of all of us to contribute to the preservation of natural gas pipelines and the safety of all.