A Risk and Reliability-Based Scheduling Method for Troubleshooting Regulators in Gas Pressure Stations: A Case Study of Isfahan Gas Company

Objective: This research presents a new method for scheduling troubleshooting operations of station regulators in natural gas distribution stations, focusing on the importance index of equipment, reliability, and risk management.Methods: Using reliability-based maintenance principles and the expertise of professionals from Isfahan Gas Company, we selected ۱۶۶ regulators from ۱۱۲ pressure reduction stations in Isfahan. We assessed the importance index of each station and evaluated the potential consequences of its failure risks, followed by calculating its reliability metrics. The results were grouped using the K-means clustering method. Ultimately, we identified the optimal time frame for conducting troubleshooting operations. Results: In this study, ۱۶۶ regulators were grouped into three clusters. The average time required to perform troubleshooting activities varied among the clusters. For the first cluster, the average time was determined to be ۴۸ hours. The second cluster had an average troubleshooting time of ۵۴۴ hours, while the third cluster had an average of ۸۲۹ hours. Currently, the average time for troubleshooting regulators is ۷۲۰ hours.Conclusion: This paper presents the following contributions: ۱. Identification of the station importance index based on the gas supply mission to subscribers and end consumers. ۲. Localization of the method for estimating risks and consequences arising from station equipment failures. ۳. Assessment of equipment reliability. ۴. Clustering of key regulatory equipment in the case study.

Keywords:

Equipment importance index , Preventive maintenance , reliability-centered maintenance , risk management , natural gas distribution facilities