The transmission network
De transportnetten die door GTS worden beheerd bestaan uit leidingen en stations. De transportnetten zijn op basis van drukklasse onderverdeeld in een hoofdtransportleidingnet (HTL) en een regionale transportleidingnet (RTL)
The transmission networks operated by GTS consist of pipelines and facilities. These networks are divided into a main transmission network (HTL) and a regional transmission network (RTL), based on pressure class. The HTL (high pressure, big pipelines) transports gas at national level; the RTL is the intricate distribution network (medium pressure, smaller pipelines) to which local gas distribution companies are connected. The HTL is divided into a high-calorific network (H-gas) and a low-calorific network (G-gas) based on gas type.
The RTL starts at a metering and pressure control station which is supplied with gas from the HTL. The RTL is used almost exclusively for transporting G-gas.
The HTL networks are interconnected via blending stations, where different combinations of H-gas and nitrogen are fed into the G-gas network. As well as pipelines, the HTL networks also contain many compressor stations. These stations can increase the pressure of the gas to facilitate further transport.
Gas enters GTS’s HTL network at entry points. Incoming gas is sourced from domestic production (green and grey), border points, LNG terminals and gas storage facilities.
Gas leaves GTS’s network at exit points. These include not only domestic exits, where gas is supplied to local distribution companies, directly connected industries or gas storage facilities, but also border points, where gas is supplied to neighbouring foreign networks.