How Snam preserves its manufactured capital
Operating areas |
Main activities |
2015 figures |
Checks on gas transportation lines |
The pipeline route is subjected to regular inspections on foot, by road vehicle and by helicopter in order to identify potentially dangerous situations caused, for example, by third-party work carried out near the pipelines. At the same time, we keep an eye on possible landslides at specific points along the route. The integrity of the pipelines is also monitored internally by devices known as smart pigs, which identify any defects. |
We used smart pigs to inspect 1,315 km of network. We inspected 16,330 km of network by helicopter. |
Monitoring of the distribution network |
The network is monitored using ongoing remote readings of cathodic protection meters as well as manual readings. Our searches for atmospheric gas leaks from street-level pipes provide important additional information about the state of the network. In order that gas which is otherwise colourless and odourless can be detected in the event of a leak, we use odorisation facilities with innovative automatic injection systems that control the amount of odorant based on the volumes of gas distributed. In 2015, we modernised these facilities by installing automatic dosage systems. |
We took ongoing remote readings at 9,100 points. We took 25,000 manual readings. We inspected 27,000 km of pipeline. We took 13,000 readings at networks and plants. |
Dispatching of gas |
Situated at various points along the gas pipeline network of more than 32,000 km are the 11 compression stations controlled directly from the recently renovated San Donato Milanese dispatch centre, which is responsible for keeping pressure at the appropriate level based on demand. Dispatching manages the gas flows in the national transportation network. The main pipelines and the compression stations of the Italian gas system are monitored and controlled remotely from an operations room. A video wall of around 46 m2 provides operators with an overview of the national gas transportation network, the main points of interest and the relevant process information. |
We performed round-the-clock monitoring and control of gas flows. We guaranteed operations in normal and emergency conditions. We worked with Italian and foreign operators connected to the network. |