The PHMSA Pipes ACT 2020 focus is on eliminating hazardous leaks and emissions reduction and comes into effect on Dec 27, 2021.
What this means for pipeline operators is that they must:
Revise all plans to address elimination of hazardous leaks
Revise all plans to address minimization of releases of natural gas
Revise all plans to address replacement or remediation that are known to leak.
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PHMSA will require that leak detection and repair programs consider the environment, the use of advance lead detection practices and technologies, and for operators to be able to locate and categorize all leaks that are hazardous to human safety, the environment, or can become hazardous. With regards to pending regulations, the new legislation would require PHMSA to publish Part 2 of the Transmission Rule within 90 days, and within 1 year review comments to the recent advance notice for proposed rulemaking on Class Location Changes. ”
2022 Inspection Cycle
PHMSA has indicated that the 2022 inspection cycle will contain questions related to compliance with the PIPES ACT requirements in Sect 114.
Emissions Reduction Specifics
Gas pipeline operators are required to eliminate hazardous leaks and minimize gas methane releases both planned and fugitive. Operators should evaluate the entirety of their program to ensure the minimization of methane releases.
Solutions for Reducing Emissions
ZEVAC® = Zero Emission Vacuum and Compressor. This revolutionary, patented technology uses compressed air to reduce emissions. Ideal for planned emissions, it is a pneumatic powered vacuum on one side that suctions methane from any pipe/vessel that needs to be de-pressurized. The other side the ZEVAC unit compresses the gas back up to pipeline pressure so it can be discharged to a nearby transmission, distribution pipe.
ZEVAC uses compressed air to draw the pressure down on a section of the pipe and capture natural gas to be re-compressed into an adjacent pipeline.
Bruest Catalytic Heaters are catalytic converters that convert hydrocarbon such as Methane, Propane, and Butane to carbon dioxide and water vapor. Bruest takes advantage of the fact that the conversion process also generates infrared heat to safely heat up natural gas instruments such as valves, regulators, instrument gas and cold temperature sensitive devices.
The catalytic heater panels convert the fuel gas to CO2, water vapor, and infrared heat with virtually no NOx in the process. Bruest also uses Catalytic Heaters to reduce methane emissions in the Fugitive Emission Digester. This unit uses a catalytic heater pad to catalyze methane from instrumentation that would usually bleed to atmosphere.
Bruest HOTCAT heaters upgrade performance with reduced emissions.
GPT Seal ability is key.
The VCS-ID gasket constructed of GRE and a 316SS, has a PTFE inside diameter (ID) it immediately seals the pipe bore preventing media from getting to the GRE. The EVOLUTION gasket eliminates GRE totally, it benefits from the addition of the PTFE ID giving unparalleled sealing tightness performance, ideal for emission reduction in pipeline connections.
The GPT Monolithic Isolation Joints (MIJ) for below ground pipe applications gives a positive, leak proof block against the flow of electrical current in the piping system. MIJs offer an alternative to buried flanges and are maintenance-free and long lasting block against the flow of electric current in all piping systems. MIJs eliminates the risk of failure due to improper field assembly of traditional flange components by providing a complete coated isolation system that simply requires two butt welds on either end of the joint for installation.
GPT Monolithic Isolation Joint
PIPES Act 2020 - Leak Specifics
Leak mitigation should be reviewed to ensure leaks are repaired as soon as possible and operators should consider increased leak detection patrols.
For liquid pipeline operators, the primary focus will be on the elimination of hazardous leaks through a comprehensive review of their lines.
Operators need to ensure their repair criteria is sufficient to prevent future leaks e.g. replacement versus sleeve. They need to determine segments of line that need to be remediated or repaired.
KERR Solutions for Leak Detection
Gazomat - Using optical technologies, GAZOMAT detection equipment covers the entire field detection process, including high-speed inspection by car, leak detection on-foot, leak location and quantification, coupled with the newest data processing and GPS mapping tools.
Gazomat Gazoscan methane leak detection
KERR SOLUTIONS FOR LEAK REPAIR AND EMISSION REDUCTION
TDW STOPPLE® isolates a section of line for repairs while maintaining gas supply.
TDW STOPPLE® isolates a section of line for repairs while maintaining gas supply
TDW - Hot tapping, STOPPLE®, SHORTSTOPP® and plugging teams use world class technology to create safe work zones for pressurized pipeline maintenance, modification and repair. Strategic use of a STOPPLE® or SHORTSTOPP® plugging device can effectively reduce the overall amount of gas to be blown or drawn down. This is done by isolating a much smaller section of line vs. blowing down a large section between two valves.
TDW in-line inspection (ILI) technologies are fully engineered to provide comprehensive threat assessment and to detect cracks and crack-like anomalies, corrosion and metal loss, dents and interacting threats.
Kerr Engineered Sales Company has represented leading pipeline repair and performance companies in Eastern US since it was founded by Art Kerr, Sr in 1952. They have been serving the industry for over 69 years with knowledge and expertise in natural gas, pipeline, industrial, water and power industries. From gas compressors or pipeline pigs to complex, fully integrated systems, Kerr delivers an exceptional level of expertise and service.
