Business Blogs

I. Current Status and Future Prospects of China's Natural Gas Industry With China's sustained high-speed economic growth, the demand for energy continues to rise. At the same time, people are increasingly concerned about their quality of life and environmental protection. In response, the government has prioritized natural gas as a clean and efficient energy source. Major projects such as the West-East Gas Pipeline, East-West Gas Transmission, and the import of Russian natural gas have highlighted the strategic importance of natural gas in China’s energy mix. China Gas has established 46 joint ventures across more than a dozen provinces along the East-West and East Sichuan Gas Pipelines, investing in over 50 pipeline projects. This number is expected to grow as the company expands its market presence. The successful implementation of the West-East Gas Pipeline project has significantly enhanced China’s pipeline network infrastructure and laid the groundwork for a national gas grid. Since the start of the West-East Gas Pipeline Project, China’s pipeline construction has advanced toward international standards, moving toward long-distance, large-diameter, high-pressure, and highly automated systems. This has created a solid foundation for the rapid development of the natural gas industry. The pipeline, stretching over 4,000 kilometers from Lunan in Xinjiang through 10 provinces and municipalities, was designed to transport 12 billion cubic meters of gas annually. It has now exceeded this target, reaching 17 billion cubic meters. The project also includes the construction of two major underground gas storage facilities in Liuzhuangzi and Jintan. The pipeline crosses challenging terrains, including the Gobi Desert, Loess Plateau, and Taihang Mountains, and traverses major rivers like the Yellow River, Huaihe River, and Yangtze River. It is currently the largest diameter, thickest-walled, and highest-pressure pipeline in China, setting numerous domestic records and achieving remarkable milestones in high-speed pipeline construction. Looking ahead, China aims to expand its natural gas pipeline network by integrating resources from eastern, central, western, offshore, and onshore areas. The country is actively pursuing a "going global" strategy, seeking to import natural gas from other countries. This will support the development of a five-horizontal and two-vertical national gas trunk network, with key lines connecting Lunan to Shanghai, Changqing to Beijing, and Sichuan to Chongqing. Additionally, regional networks will be developed across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei-Shandong-Jinjiang River area, the Yangtze River Delta, the northwest, and the two lakes regions. These efforts will ultimately lead to a diversified supply system, a robust pipeline network, and a large-scale natural gas market. II. Characteristics of Natural Gas Pipeline Valves As the natural gas pipeline industry develops, the demand for valves has increased. Natural gas pipeline valves differ from general-purpose valves in several key aspects: 1. **Material Selection**: Natural gas often contains hydrogen sulfide, a toxic and corrosive gas that can damage pipelines and equipment. Even after desulfurization, residual hydrogen sulfide remains. Therefore, corrosion-resistant materials must be used, especially anti-sulfur materials. 2. **Leakage Prevention**: Many natural gas pipelines run near urban areas, where regular inspections are difficult. Leaks can lead to serious accidents, making leakage control critical. Valves in these areas are typically welded and feature excellent sealing properties, often using materials like PTFE, nylon, NBR, or VITON for long-term performance. 3. **Longevity and Reliability**: Once installed, natural gas pipelines operate continuously for years. Unlike industrial plants with scheduled maintenance, pipeline valves must function reliably for decades. Mainline valves are required to last over 30 years, with durable components such as valve seats. 4. **Drive Mechanisms**: Due to high pressure and large diameters, pipeline valves require high-torque drives, such as electric, pneumatic, or electro-hydraulic systems. They must also meet explosion-proof standards (e.g., EExdIIBT4, IP68) and allow for remote control in case of emergencies. Emergency shut-off valves must remain open for long periods and close quickly when needed, with clear position indicators for safe operation. These characteristics highlight the complexity and critical role of natural gas pipeline valves in ensuring the safety and efficiency of China’s growing energy infrastructure.

Aluminum Flat Bar

Aluminum Flat Bar,aluminium square bar,flat aluminium strip

Sinogar Metal Co.,Ltd , https://www.sedinoaluminium.com