Natural Gas Distribution from Wells to Your Home
Natural gas takes a fascinating journey as it moves from underground wells to eventually help provide power to millions of homes and businesses across North America. Learn more about how it travels and the systems that keep it flowing.
Natural gas production and processing
Natural gas is a fossil fuel found deep in the earth beneath layers of rock and soil. To find it, scientists and engineers study rock samples and take measurements to identify promising deposits. When a site looks good, advanced natural gas production technology is used to extract it.
While natural gas may contain fewer pollutants than other fossil fuels like coal and oil, it needs to be cleaned and processed to remove impurities. During production, other byproducts such as light oils and propane are recovered.
Pipeline transmission systems for natural gas
After it’s cleaned, natural gas enters the network of long-distance pipelines that span North America. This natural gas network of long-distance pipelines is a pressurized system that is designed to carry it from producers and refineries to communities.
To keep gas flowing at proper speeds and maintain pressure, compressor stations are typically positioned every 50 – 100 miles along the pipeline. The pipes are buried approximately 3 to 10 feet underground to help protect them from weather, vehicles and other hazards. Burying lines also allows pipeline operators the opportunity to restore the landscape above.
Natural gas distribution, pressure and safety
When natural gas reaches a community that National Fuel serves, it exits the mainline at a city gate station and moves through our underground pipeline network of gas mains and supply lines for final delivery.
Before you can enjoy natural gas benefits, we typically make two important changes in our distribution system. First, we lower the pressure so it can travel safely through our gas mains.
Second, we add mercaptan, a gas that smells like rotten eggs. Adding mercaptan is intended to help the detection of gas leaks. If you smell rotten eggs, leave the area immediately on foot, dial 911 and then call National Fuel.
Modernizing our distribution
With millions of miles of pipes, continuous monitoring and maintenance is essential. We are exploring new technology including satellite leak detection and real-time monitoring designed to help improve transmission and increase reliability. These upgrades also support our efforts to prepare for the future of energy as innovations reshape the industry.
About natural gas
Why can I smell natural gas if it's naturally odorless?
At the distribution level, we inject mercaptan into your natural gas. This safety protocol gives natural gas its distinctive smell, which is intended to help make it easier to detect leaks quickly.
Does the gas stop flowing if there is a power outage?
Generally, no. Our distribution system relies on physical pressure, not electricity. This makes natural gas a viable energy source during electric grid emergencies and severe weather, depending on upstream conditions.
How deep are the pipes in my yard?
Service pipes are typically buried about three feet deep; however depth can vary so never assume depth. Before any digging project, always call 811 at least two business days in advance to locate underground utilities. Always call before digging.