Did you know we recently updated our briefing papers and added papers on three additional topics? These papers are a great source of 'Pipeline Safety 101' information - they are short and each focused on a single topic. They do not need to be read in order, though some basic understanding is helpful before reading about the more technical issues. Check them out if you haven't already! Here is the … [Read more...] about So much pipeline safety information!
natural gas
Ignition of Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines
Question of the week: A fairly large, 24 inch I believe, natural gas transmission pipeline recently failed here in Pennsylvania, and I was surprised that it did not ignite. I thought when natural gas pipelines ruptured they normally catch fire. Can you tell me why this one didn’t? I think you are referring to the recent William’s Transco failure in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania that is … [Read more...] about Ignition of Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines
Another pipeline incident anniversary – have things changed since 2009?
Question of the week – I think it was around this time in 2009 that a gas pipeline blew up in Palm City, Florida near a school. What really happened then, and have things gotten safer in the past 6 years? On May 4, 2009, an 18-inch Florida Gas Transmission Company interstate pipeline ruptured about 6 miles south of Palm City, Florida, releasing about 36 million cubic feet of natural gas and … [Read more...] about Another pipeline incident anniversary – have things changed since 2009?
NTSB’s recent study on systemic weaknesses in gas pipeline safety
News media recently reported that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found continuing systemic weaknesses in gas pipeline safety. What does the NTSB have to say about where improvements are needed? The NTSB and the gas pipeline integrity management rules The NTSB is a congressionally-mandated transportation agency that operates independently to conduct objective accident … [Read more...] about NTSB’s recent study on systemic weaknesses in gas pipeline safety
New Natural Gas Pipelines and Proximity to Homes
We’ve had a couple inquires in the past few weeks from citizens who have property on or near which a new natural gas pipeline is being proposed. They have asked: 1) How close to homes can one of these pipelines be installed? and 2) What are the options to minimize the danger when developing pipelines in proximity to other structures if the pipeline were to rupture? The answer to the first … [Read more...] about New Natural Gas Pipelines and Proximity to Homes
Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Leaks & Repair Criteria
Smart Pig's Question of the Week - A Texas farmer recently contacted us to ask how long could an operator allow a leak from a natural gas transmission line to go without being repaired? He indicated that a leak - identifiable by the soil being sprayed up in the air above the line - had reportedly been visible in a neighboring field for some time, and there had been no apparent effort … [Read more...] about Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Leaks & Repair Criteria
Natural Gas Components, Transmission Line Leaks and Karst Topography
Smart Pig's Question of the Week - We were recently contacted by a resident of Virginia who wanted to know whether natural gas transmission lines leak, and particularly about how the methane and other constituents of transported gas might behave if a leak occurred in an aquifer associated with karst topography. To best respond to his concerns, we've divided his questions up into smaller … [Read more...] about Natural Gas Components, Transmission Line Leaks and Karst Topography