MUNICH, Germany (March 37, 2012)—Open Grid Europe GmbH (OGE) commissioned TÜV SÜD to provide quality assurance for a new gas pipeline. The pipeline connecting Sannerz and Rimpar is part of the European natural gas pipeline system. Recently, TÜV SÜD also won the contract to provide the quality assurance for the MEGAL route between Schwandorf and Windberg.
Open Grid Europe GmbH operates a natural gas pipeline network in Germany which spans a total length of around 12,000 kilometers. The network includes the MEGAL gas pipeline between Schwandorf and Windberg and the new gas pipeline between Sannerz in Hesse and Rimpar in Lower Frankonia. The pipeline runs largely parallel to an existing gas pipeline and increases the capacity of the North-South transport. By expanding its pipeline network, Open Grid Europe contributes significantly to securing the supply of natural gas to private and industrial consumers in Bavaria and Hesse. The new route is to go into service as soon as October 2012. It spans a length of around 67 kilometers, of which 10 kilometers are in Hesse and around 57 kilometers are in Bavaria. The pipeline has a diameter of 1,016 millimeters and a maximum permissible operating pressure of 100 bar. The costs of pipeline expansion total around 125 million euros.
Open Grid Europe GmbH commissioned TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH to provide the quality assurance for the pipeline. "We are delighted about this new contract and regard it as confirmation of the quality of our work," says Hans-Joachim de la Camp, Head of the Pipelines department at TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH. Over the next months, TÜV SÜD's pipeline experts will be continuously on site to verify compliance with the quality standards. In addition, the Munich-based materials laboratory of TÜV SÜD Industrie Service will carry out detailed analyses of materials and welds. "Safety comes first in pipeline construction and operation," emphasizes de la Camp. "By conducting our tests, we contribute to making pipelines and networks safe, reliable, and profitable in the long run."
TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH offers a comprehensive service portfolio to support pipeline designers, manufacturers, installers, and operators. Further information on these issues is available at www.tuev-sued.de/is.
TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH supplies engineering, testing and inspection, and consulting services for manufacturers and operators of process-engineering plants, buildings, and infrastructural facilities. Additionally, the 2,400 employees offer consulting services for the planning and construction phases and provide support in optimizing and safeguarding smooth operation right down to dismantling and disposal.
04/25/2012