OREANDA-NEWS. On 27 August 2009 was announced, that the specialists of CJSC Gazmontazh and OJSC Ural Gas Networks (enterprises of GAZEKS and CJSC Integrated Energy Systems) have started large-scale repairs on the gas distribution networks of Verkhny Tagil in the Sverdlovsk region. Shutoff valves will be completely replaced on the town gas pipelines in five days.

11 gas wells will be eliminated during the repairs. The gate valves of underground gas pipelines located inside the gas wells represent a 40-year heritage for the first years of gasification. Corrosive environment is formed in the wells: waste water and condensate negatively affect metal parts designed for operative adjustment of gas supply. This results in equipment failure risk. Therefore, the directorship of OJSC Ural Gas Networks made a decision on complete replacement of morally and physically obsolete equipment. The old gate valves will be replaced by modern ball valves, which do not require maintenance and provide a reliable operation for 50 years.

"There are two gas supply pipelines in Verkhny Tagil. One is to industrial enterprises and the other to the town residential quarters. The old shutoff valves are located in the section from which the population is supplied, thus, the replacement of the valves is connected with gas supply restriction for Verkhny Tagil residents, - said Sergey Abalakov, Technical Director of OJSC Ural Gas Networks. This is 5.5 thousand subscribers among the population. The repair work is scheduled for the period from August 3 till August 7, during which gas supply will be interrupted for the population. The gas supply will be restarted from August 8".

The directorship of the Ural Gas Networks made a decision on parallel replacement of equipment of two gas-distributing points (GDPs), which are located in the zone of gas supply interruption, in order to make the best use of the interruption.

"In order to restore gas supply for the town residents as soon as possible, Kirovograd teams will be engaged in startup operations in Verkhny Tagil, - commented Sergey Abalakov on the situation. - However, much will depend on efficient organization of the residents themselves. If all the subscribers are at home at the time specified by gas officials and ensure access for checking serviceability of domestic gas equipment, gas supply will be fully restored by August 10. If we have to search for forgetful summer visitors, the connection may be delayed."

Let's recall that the repairs in Verkhny Tagil are a part of a large-scale program of summer overhauls by GAZEKS holding, which aims at ensuring a reliable and safe operation of gas distribution networks in the Sverdlovsk region. In 2009 the company will invest 110 mln rub. into equipment overhaul and replacement.