• PRCI PR-244-0015
Provide PDF Format

Learn More

PRCI PR-244-0015

  • Class Location Criteria for Gas Pipelines
  • Report / Survey by Pipeline Research Council International, 12/01/2002
  • Publisher: PRCI

$198.00$395.00


L51995e

C-FER

Need: Current standards and regulations for gas transmission pipelines classify pipeline corridors into location classes and specify design factors accordingly. In the U.S., the current class location system was developed in the 1950's to mitigate increased potential of equipment impact due to frequent excavation activities in developed areas (Shires and Harrison 1998, Michalopoulos and Babka 2000). By using relatively low design factors for populated areas, the increased wall thickness provides extra protection to resist equipment impact with corresponding increase in costs. The primary objectives of this project were to examine the current class location system and develop supplementary criteria that would enhance pipeline safety by applying risk-based or reliability-based methods.

Result: This report covers four related topics dealing with 1. assessment area, 2. end boundary between different class locations, 3. enhanced prevention and maintenance for class upgrade, and 4. development of a new safety class system.

Benefit: Compared to the current design method, a system that consists of safety classes and corresponding target reliabilities is more compatible with the reliability-based design methodology. Such a safety class system is expected to produce overall cost savings for new pipeline construction and for class upgrade of existing pipelines while not degrading overall safety of the system. It is also expected to produce more consistent risk levels for different pipelines. The development of a safety class system includes data collection, development of safety class criteria, calibration of target reliabilities, and assessment of practical implications.

Related Products

PRCI PR-185-9104

PRCI PR-185-9104

Repair Weld Residual Stress..

$75.00 $149.00

PRCI PR-15-819

PRCI PR-15-819

Effect of Weldment Property Variations on the Behavior of Line Pipe..

$98.00 $195.00

PRCI PR-015-08602

PRCI PR-015-08602

Revised Analysis of Orifice Meter Expansion Factor Data..

$6.00 $12.00

PRCI PR-3-504

PRCI PR-3-504

Effect of Water Chemistry on Internal Corrosion Rates in Offshore Natural Gas Pipelines..

$6.00 $12.00