Research & development

Applied research

Fluxys runs various applied-research projects and works closely with the Association Royale des Gaziers Belges (ARGB/KVBG, the technical association of the Belgian gas industry) and other European gas companies under the umbrella of various national and international organisations such as:

  • the European Gas Research Group (GERG);
  • the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN);
  • the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO);
  • the European Association for the Streamlining of Energy Exchange - Gas (EASEE-GAS);
  • Marcogaz, the Technical Association of the European Natural Gas Industry.


The key research and development projects can be found in the fields of metrology, the control of the pipeline status, the exchange of operational data and ICT applications for customers.

Metrology

  • In the context of environmental activities, a working group drafted an international standard against which to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. A similar working group was also established to measure methane (CH4) emissions. This group has compiled an initial inventory of methods currently used to measure methane emissions and is looking into what specific methods are appropriate for measuring emissions on natural gas transmission systems. There are plans to set up a similar working group to focus on NOX.
  • Fluxys was involved in tests on using a laser molecular assessment system to detect and measure natural gas released into the air. In a later phase, the system will be adapted for market use.

 

Pipeline status

  • Fluxys systematically inspects its pipelines using 'intelligent pigs', measuring instruments which are inserted into a pipe and pushed through it via natural gas flow. However, in some pipelines, such scrapers cannot be used and in 2010 Fluxys conducted research into external measurements using ultrasonic or magnetic waves. However, the tests revealed that such equipment is currently not a viable alternative to intelligent pigs.
  • Fluxys took part in research into a theoretical model to detect potential corrosion on pipelines. The model can sometimes be a suitable additional detection method alongside existing methods involving sampling and internal inspection using ‘intelligent pigs’.
  • Fluxys is taking part in comparative tests involving acoustic detection of shocks close to pipelines. Acoustic detection should help to detect damage to pipelines caused by third parties.
  • Fluxys also completed the first phase of a study to investigate a new method of protecting pipelines from corrosion induced by stray alternating current, for instance in the vicinity of high-voltage power lines. This research will continue.
  • Fluxys also pressed ahead with its project to assess pipeline coating. The study is comparing the polyethylene routinely used at present with fusion bounded epoxy, specifically in terms of durability, flexibility and resistance to corrosion.

 

Exchange of operational data

  • With a view to optimising data exchange between natural gas companies, further steps were taken to facilitate secure Internet communication across Europe and to standardise such communication within the gas sector.
  • Fluxys is helping to compile international protocols and standards regarding electronic data exchange between natural gas companies with a view to rolling out a harmonised Europe-wide system.

 

ICT applications for customers

Since the grid was opened up to multiple grid users in 2004, Fluxys has seen existing applications develop considerably in the new multi-customer environment. Since then, Fluxys has continued to refine and expand its applications and in 2010 the main challenge was that of devising mathematical solutions for the new border-to-border transmission model. After all, this model affects the entire process, from capacity-allocation right through to invoicing, as well as grid simulations, nominations, allocation and management of natural gas flows. Against this backdrop and in close cooperation with the Brussels Free University (ULB), the basic components of a specific algorithm have been drawn up to determine the most efficient way of processing and confirming capacity nominations.

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