Common sense approach to curtailment

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 EDT 1974 · Ind. Gas (Duluth); (United States)

OSTI ID:5387242

Munder, G K

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.'s successful use of a temperature-controlled activated alternate-fuel system can be extended to all but the largest industrial natural gas consumers, to help conserve natural gas supplies. This system automatically changes the industrial plant to the alternate fuel whenever the outdoor temperature drops below a predetermined level, switching back when the outdoor temperature reaches 5/sup 0/F above the natural gas cutoff temperature setting. Installation of this natural gas utility system requires selection of the proper fuel to use as the alternate and selection of a switchover system. The LP-gas/air-based system is generally recommended over an oil-based system: Heavy oils are not considered because they require preheating and assurance that the preheating equipment is operating at all times. Grade No. 2 or diesel oil may be used, but require purging and prepurging before firing either fuel. The LP-gas/air system, which is constantly idling and capable of taking full load immediately, should include an alarm activation system to warn the operator when the preset temperature is reached and activate a time-delay safety valve with manual reset for the natural gas supply. The switchover system can be automatic or manual, with the manual considered the safest. However, if a time-actuated manual shutoff valve is not feasible and the automatic must be used, the system should include a back-check device such as a swing valve to prevent backflow, a pressure-sensing switch set to a predetermined minimum pressure to allow the valve in the natural gas supply systems to open, a gas pressure regulator, and regulators with an auxiliary diaphragm.

• OSTI ID: 5387242
• Journal Information: Ind. Gas (Duluth); (United States), Vol. 54
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
CONTROL SYSTEMS
NATURAL GAS
ALLOCATIONS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
LIQUEFIED GASES
LIQUIDS
NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
320301* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Energy Sources