Natural gas

Understand factors affecting fuel selection.

Assessment criteria #1

identify the types of fuels used in appliances

describe the factors which affect the selection of fuels

state sources of information for fuel supply installation

 define the regulatory type bodies which govern the installation of various fuel types

 specify the storage requirements for fuels

 compare factors which could affect storage requirements for fuels.

Assessment criteria #2

• describe the combustion process

•  identify the main constituents of complete and incomplete combustion

•  identify causes of incomplete combustion

•  identify signs of incomplete combustion

•  describe the symptoms of CO poisoning

•  describe the purpose of CO detectors

•  explain the requirements for ventilation

•  identify the different types of ventilation

•  explain installation practices for ventilation.

Assessment criteria #3

• explain the operating principles of chimney/flue systems

•  identify types of chimney/flue systems

•  identify the components within chimney/flue systems

•  explain the effects of layout on chimney/flue systems

•  state the layout and features of chimney and flue construction

•  reference termination requirements for chimney/flue systems from relevant documents

•  list basic inspection and testing procedures for chimney/flue systems.

Families of Gas

Mains natural gas

Mains gas is the natural gas that is distributed to buildings through a pipeline infrastructure. In the UK, mains gas is supplied to more than 21 million homes and is the most popular fuel for heating and cooking.

Natural gas is mainly methane (CH4), but it also contains ethane, propane and some heavier hydrocarbons as well as small amounts of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and traces of water.

While the gas itself is owned by individual gas suppliers, all gas passes through the National Grid’s transmission system on its route to end users. As the owner and operator of the UK’s gas transmission infrastructure, the National Grid work with the gas suppliers to ensure delivery.

The National Grid undertake safety checks on all gas being received in their reception terminals, and add an odoriser to enable leaks to be detected by smell as it colourless, tasteless, odourless.

It is the responsibility of the National Grid to ensure that the gas leaves the transmission system and enters the distribution networks at high pressure, where it is then transported through various reducing pressure tiers until being delivered to the end user. The UK has 8 regional distribution networks, of which 4 are owned by the National Grid, and the other 4 by separate companies. 

Source-https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Natural_gas#Storage