Guidelines for implementation and risk assessment of inert base gas projects. Final report, October 1995-April 1997

The report presents a systematic methodology for storage field operators to use in implementing inert base gas projects for underground natural gas storage fields. Step-by-step instructions for performing a detailed risk assessment on an inert base gas project are also provided. The field implementation plan is a four-step approach to plan and implement inert base gas projects for underground natural gas storage fields. The four steps are field pre-screening, field selection, data collection, and engineering analysis. The plan uses risk-based criteria to determine if a particular field is suitable for inert base gas use, and a qualitative risk assessment is performed at each step of the plan development. The detailed risk assessment includes cost/benefit analyses and provides data for insurance (risk transfer or acceptance) decisions.