The provided flow chart details the complete process of natural gas production and distribution, from its extraction sources to the final delivery to retail customers. The system is complex, involving extraction, processing, storage, and multiple transport methods.
Overall, the process begins with three primary sources – gas wells, oil wells, and imports – and concludes with delivery to retail customers, often after passing through several stages of storage and large-scale transport.
The initial stage involves the extraction and initial processing of the gas. Natural gas is sourced directly from Gas Wells and also as a by-product from Oil Wells via a refinery. Both streams flow into a Gas Plant for processing. Additionally, gas can enter the system through Imports via ship. All these inputs converge at the Main Underground Storage.
Following initial storage, the gas moves into the distribution network. From the underground storage facility, gas is moved through a Pipeline to Regional Storage. From here, large-scale transport begins, utilizing two main methods: 40,000 litre tankers (trucks) and 24,000 litre wagons (train cars), which move the gas in bulk to the Retail Storage facility.
The final stage is the local distribution to consumers. The Retail Storage, which holds 120,000 litres, is the hub for delivering the gas to the end-user. This final delivery is handled by a 12,000 litre Delivery Truck, which transports the gas directly to the Retail Customer.
