How are gas pipelines protected?
Pipeline coatings, including paints and epoxies, are the primary way to protect a pipeline from chemical corrosion. Coatings can be applied at the factory or painted on pipe in the field as a sealant. Fusion-bonded epoxies (FBE) are one of the most commonly applied coatings for underground steel pipe.
What causes gas pipeline explosions?
Negligence, carelessness, and violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workplace safety regulations are among the common causes of pipeline explosions. Pipeline explosions can also occur when heavy equipment performing excavation work, such as backhoes, strikes a pipeline.
How do you protect gas pipelines from corrosion?
To prevent oxidation corrosion, you can also paint your pipes with an epoxy coating. Because pipelines are usually manufactured from high-quality steel, you need to protect the surface with a high-quality product. Epoxy is known to be one of these high-quality coating materials. It’s ideal for gas pipelines.
How do you protect your pipeline?
Using coatings are one of the easiest ways to protect your pipes against corrosion. Coatings and linings can be used on pipes that are above or underground. They frequently are used in combination with cathodic protection. Some materials that are used to add defense to your pipelines include epoxy and zinc.
How do you stop a gas pipe from exploding?
To prevent gas explosions involving pipelines, companies should:
- Use markers to warn people of buried pipe and watch for signs of digging along the pipeline route.
- Regularly check the pipelines for leaks, corrosion or damage.
- Install methane detectors.
- Monitor pressure in the lines.
- Conduct valve checks and leak surveys.
How do natural gas explosions happen?
The explosion is caused when the rapidly expanding, burning gas is confined and builds up pressure. The most common cause of gas explosions are natural gas leaks through leaking hoses, defective control valves or gas connectors, or leaking propane tanks that can cause propane explosions.
What happens to the natural gas in a pipeline?
Although natural gas in pipelines is considered ‘dry’ gas, it is not uncommon for a certain amount of water and hydrocarbons to condense out of the gas stream while in transit. The liquid separators at compressor stations ensure that the natural gas in the pipeline is as pure as possible, and usually filter the gas prior to compression.
What is line pigging in gas line?
Gas Line Pigging. Pigging in the maintenance of pipelines refers to the practice of using pipeline inspection gauges or “pigs” to perform various operations, such as cleaning and inspection, inside a pipeline without stopping the flow of the product in the pipeline.
Is it safe to dig near a natural gas pipeline?
Knowing the signs of a natural gas leak, practicing safe digging and being aware of proper land use near pipelines all go a long way to keeping you and your family safe. Consumers Energy provides natural gas service to more than 1.7 million Michigan customers.
What should I do if I hit or nicked a gas line?
Once underground facilities are marked: • Avoid digging within four feet of marks • Use hand tools to expose buried utility lines before using power equipment within four feet of marks • Call Consumers Energy immediately if you believe you may have hit or nicked a natural gas line • Do not attempt to stop a gas leak