Comprehensive maintenance and integrity management to strengthen natural gas networks in Peru

The three-year project includes damage prevention activities (PPD), preventive and corrective maintenance on steel and polyethylene networks, as well as work on valves, chambers, access pits, integrity management of connection pipelines, marker posts and other critical components of the natural gas distribution system.

In gas distribution systems, service continuity depends on preventive management capable of anticipating risks, maintaining asset integrity and responding promptly to any condition that could affect operations. The service therefore integrates inspection, patrols, systematic leak detection, prevention of third-party damage, and continuous updating of technical and georeferenced network information.

Applus+ technical scope includes receiving and analysing interference requests, identifying notified and unnotified works, field marking of networks, georeferenced photographic records, updating GIS databases, infrastructure inspection, maintenance of valve records, leak monitoring, and the execution of civil and electromechanical repairs to restore the network to operational condition.

One of the main challenges for natural gas network operators is minimising the risk of damage caused by excavation or third-party activities, as well as preventing leaks, operational failures and disruptions to supply. This is compounded by the need to maintain reliable technical information, ensure the traceability of interventions and comply with established maintenance programmes.

To address these challenges, Applus+ implements a management model based on prevention, inspection, maintenance and document control, supported by geospatial information, field evidence, productivity indicators and continuous monitoring of completed activities. This approach helps reduce operational risks, optimise resource planning and strengthen asset management throughout the maintenance lifecycle.

The project also incorporates strict occupational health and safety controls for activities carried out on public roads, in confined spaces and around critical infrastructure, through the application of work permits, inspections, the use of personal protective equipment, environmental measurements and operational procedures designed to protect people and maintain service continuity.

As a result, the project is expected to increase the reliability of the natural gas distribution system, reduce damage caused by third-party interference, improve the traceability of technical information, optimise crew productivity and ensure compliance with the Annual Maintenance Plan, contributing to safer, more efficient and sustainable operations.

Through these solutions, Applus+ reinforces its expertise in natural gas distribution network maintenance, asset integrity management, prevention of damage to critical infrastructure, network inspection, and preventive and corrective maintenance, providing operators with technical tools to reduce risks, improve asset reliability and ensure continuity of energy supply.