small natural gas distribution systems

[GeorgeGS]

I am a Civil, not Mechanical Engr. A client asked if there were small booster pumps for gas systems. Homes in a subdivision experience low gas presssure during cold weather. The subd. is served by one pipe, not looped. Could a booster pump help, if ther is such a thing? Thanks

 

[saxon]

GEORGE, First off, a pump's not gong to do you any good, what you need is a booster compressor (pumps are for liquids, comps for gases). Secondly, I don't think the utility service or the building code inspectors would take too kindly to a user installing their own booster comp.. It sounds as if demand is outstripping available supply (pressure drop in the mains and laterals is a symptom), boosting the pressure is not going to fix the problem, the solution lies in increasing mass/volume flow into the system, which is the responsibility of the utility service supplier.

Hope this helps.
saxon

 

[GeorgeGS]

Thanks, Saxon; that's what I suspected. Now I wish to withdraw my question (thread?). Thanks, Engr. Tips!
GeorgeGS