Virtual Pipeline
(Injection Hub)
Biomethane Hub Operations
The hub receives biomethane gas tanked in from across England from remote biomethane production sites who are unable to inject gas into their local network. The hub is capable of off-loading 2 tankers at the same time and have another two tankers ready to be off-loaded as soon as one of the others has finished, ensuring a steady supply of biomethane is available around the clock.
Gas Processing and Quality Control
Each tanker contains up to 10,500m³ of pressurised biomethane gas at 250bar in 114 high pressure cylinders of gas and takes up to 10 hours to be off-loaded. As the gas is removed from the tanker the pressure is reduced to 9bar, it is then heated to around 25°C and is accurately metered. From there it enters the grid entry unit where the pressure is reduced further to 6bar, the gas quality and calorific value is checked, propane enrichment takes place and finally is odorised before entering our network.
At full capacity, the 2 tankers and Springhill’s own AD plant working together can inject gas up to 3000m³/hour into WWU’s network, which is enough to supply low carbon energy to meet the annual heat demand for up to approximately 23,000 customers in the local area. We have the ability to dispense biomethane ourselves and use this as transport fuel for our fleet. This is something we’re investing in, so we can reduce the carbon emissions of our fleet.