Quantitative Risk Assessment of Natural Gas Distribution Pipeline Networks in Urban Areas
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Abstract
Natural gas is considered as clean and efficient fossil energy
and its consumption is increasing worldwide. Pipelines are
widely used as the most economical means of transporting and
distributing natural gas over short distances. The distribution
pipelines are usually pressurized, and they may become disastrous
when gas is accidentally released to the atmosphere. Also,
natural gas is volatile and highly flammable, unintentional gas
release in urban areas can lead to severe consequences and losses
in society. Therefore, it is important to assess the risk of natural
gas pipeline in urban areas. In this paper analysis of risks
in different parts of the Dar es salaam Natural gas distribution
network is conducted. Newton’s nodal method was used to analyze
the network and an integrated quantitative risk analysis
method used to estimate incident losses. The results obtained
are useful in understanding the risks, decisions making and
taking measures towards ensuring the safety of Dar es salaam
natural gas distribution pipeline.