Gas station: a critical facility in the urban gas transmission and distribution system.

Gas stations are critical facilities within the urban gas transmission and distribution system, responsible for receiving, storing, pressure regulating, odorizing, metering, and distributing natural gas to ensure a safe and reliable supply to end users. The following is a detailed overview of gas stations:

Gas stations are critical facilities within a city’s gas transmission and distribution system, responsible for receiving, storing, pressure-regulating, odorizing, metering, and distributing natural gas to ensure a safe and reliable supply to end users. The following is a detailed overview of gas stations. ：

I. Main Types and Functions of Gas Stations

1. Gate station ：

   • Connecting the long-distance transmission pipeline to the urban distribution network serves as the “master switch” for the city’s gas supply.
   • The main functions include pressure regulation, metering, odorization, filtration, and gas quality monitoring.
   • Ensure that the gas supplied to the urban pipeline network meets quality standards and is delivered reliably.

2. Storage and Distribution Station ：

   • Gas is stored and dispatched in stages through a network of gas storage tanks.
   • During peak gas consumption periods, natural gas is released to balance supply and demand and maintain stable system pressure.
   • Common processes include high-pressure storage and high-pressure transportation, as well as low-pressure storage and medium-to-low-pressure transportation.

3. CNG station ：

   • Specifically designed to fuel natural gas vehicles, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling stations and liquefied natural gas (LNG) refueling stations.
   • Equipped with a CNG dispenser, gas storage facilities, and safety systems to ensure a safe and efficient refueling process.

4. Pressure regulating station ：

   • Adjust gas pressure according to user requirements to ensure safe and stable gas delivery.
   • They are classified into types such as high‑ and medium‑pressure regulating stations, high‑ and low‑pressure regulating stations, and medium‑ and low‑pressure regulating stations.
   • Equipped with a pressure regulator, valves, filters, and safety protection devices to ensure precise pressure regulation.

5. Gas Mixing Station ：

   • Mix two or more types of gas to achieve the desired calorific value or gas characteristics.
   • Meet the diverse needs of users for gas characteristics and enhance gas utilization efficiency.

6. Gasification Station ：

   • Convert liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the liquid phase to the gaseous phase.
   • It facilitates pipeline transportation to end users, meeting the gas supply needs of long-distance or specialized customers.

II. Safety Management Measures for Gas Stations

1. Regular Inspection and Maintenance ：

   • Conduct regular inspections and maintenance on critical equipment such as storage tanks, pipelines, valves, and instruments.
   • Promptly identify and address potential equipment malfunctions to ensure the equipment remains in good working condition.

2. Fire-fighting facility configuration ：

   • Equipped with fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, fire sand, and other firefighting facilities, and subject to regular inspection and maintenance.
   • Ensure that fire-fighting facilities are effective and readily available, and enhance the capacity for emergency response to fires.

3. Safety Operating Procedures ：

   • Develop and enforce stringent safety operating procedures to standardize employee work practices.
   • Prevent safety incidents such as gas leaks and explosions caused by improper operation.

4. Employee Safety Training ：

   • Regularly organize safety training and operational skills assessments for employees.
   • Enhance employees’ safety awareness and emergency response capabilities to ensure safe production.

5. Emergency Response Mechanism ：

   • Establish a comprehensive emergency response mechanism, develop contingency plans, and conduct regular drills.
   • Enhance the capacity to respond to emergencies such as gas leaks, fires, and explosions, thereby minimizing accident-related losses.

6. Security Equipment Installation ：

   • Install a gas leak detection and alarm system to monitor combustible gas concentrations in real time.
   • Interlock with the emergency shut-off valve to ensure a rapid response in the event of a leak, thereby preventing the incident from escalating.

7. Explosion-proof and anti-static measures ：

   • Implement explosion-proof and anti-static measures, such as installing explosion-proof electrical equipment and static elimination devices.
   • No open flames are permitted in this area to prevent ignition sources from causing accidents.