(54as) Natural Gas Safety As in Response to Indutrial Events

In 2010 American Electric Power was faced with a critical business decision in the wake of the Con Agra and Kleen Energy Disasters. Bill Sigmon Jr. SVP EPFS made the decision that AEP will not use natural gas for cleaning natural gas piping, thus ending this practice in AEP and giving birth to the Natural Gas Safety Program. AEP then proceed to access its 40+ natural gas facilities and developed a list of corrective actions and best practice. As this work progressed, AEP was recognized by the Combined Cycle Journal for “The Best of The Best” safety program in the industry. Work proceeded to correct areas in which natural gas venting could result in a flammable vapor cloud affecting personnel, purging, inerting, and gas reintroduction, over pressure protection, and hazardous electrical classification. As the program has evolved, tools have been made for dispersion modeling and leakage potential to bring more qualification to the analysis and increase support from all levels within the organization. AEP has taken this program to the Region Engineers and Plant Personnel along with comprehensive guidelines for Hazardous Area Electrical Classification along with tools and resources to implement and sustain the program. In 2015 AEP began using advance optical gas imaging and ultrasonic measurement to begin early leak detection within these complex piping networks. As AEP has retrofitted existing generating facilities, these guidelines and standards have been include improving ventilation, instrumentation selection and gas detection. In 2017, AEP has implemented a Leak Detection and Repair Program similar to the EPA’s Methods 21 using optical gas imaging and quantification, PID gad detectors and ultrasonic leak detection.