The activation of the natural gas network in the city of Florina marks a new energy era for the region, offering a cleaner, more reliable, and economical form of energy for businesses, households, and public organizations.
The natural gas network construction project
To connect Florina to the natural gas network, development projects were carried out on the area's low and medium-pressure network, as well as on riser pipes. The supply of natural gas to Florina is temporarily secured through liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification stations, which feed the local low-pressure networks and serve as the energy "gateway" for the region.
Ergocert Hellas S.A., as an Accredited Inspection Body, undertook – in collaboration with ENAON EDA – the provision of inspection and certification services for the expansion of the high-pressure steel network (19 bar), the development of a polyethylene network, and the connection of residential and commercial customers to the low-pressure networks (4 bar) in the city of Florina.
Inspection process and netowrk conformity checks
Στα πλαίσια του έργου, το οποίο υλοποιήθηκε στο χρονικό διάστημα από τον Σεπτέμβριο του 2022 έως και τον Φεβρουάριο 2025, η Ergocert παρείχε υπηρεσίες επιθεώρησης για το φάσμα των απαιτήσεων ασφαλείας και ποιότητας, σύμφωνα με τα εγκεκριμένα Inspection & Test Plans (ITP).
Ergocert's inspection services in the pipeline network construction included:
- Technical documentation and study review, evaluation of material certificates (EN 10204), and compliance with PED, ATEX, and other standard requirements.
- Visual inspections of piping, equipment, welds, and infrastructure at all stages of installation.
- Control and monitoring of welding procedures (WPS/PQR, WPQ), conducting guarantee welding, and inspection of hot tapping operations.
- Witnessing and reviewing at critical stages of construction and testing.
- Non-destructive testing (NDT), such as radiographic testing (RT), ultrasonic testing (UT), magnetic particle testing (MT), and penetrant testing (PT).
- Inspection of risers and drainage pipes, checking insulation and anti-corrosion protection.
- Inspection of safety systems and valves, with reference to safety, metering, and auxiliary installations.
- Supervision of pressure tests (hydrostatic & pneumatic tests), strength and leak tests, as well as inspection of network activation/commissioning.
- Inspection and certification of natural gas stations, such as IRI, GRM, MR/DR, and other special installations (valve stations, metering and regulating stations).
- Issuance of detailed compliance reports and final certificates of safe operation for the project.
Through a comprehensive inspection process, Ergocert Hellas S.A. has contributed to the delivery of a safe, reliable, and compliant natural gas network project for the city of Florina, meeting the requirements of the regulatory framework and the client.
