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Connections Training Programme Pipe Installation 1 Service Laying Basic

Distance Learning Workbook on Pipe Installation

Part 1 Service Laying Basic

To give a basic appreciation on mains and service installation techniques This workbook forms part of a suite of Distance Learning workbooks internal to Transco and as such does not aim to cover all topics in complete detail. For specific topics refer to relevant industry or engineering technical documents

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Pipe Installation 1 Service Laying Basic

Contents

Contents
Page No 1 2

About This Workbook Section One

About This Workbook Aim and Objectives

Beach to Meter
Objectives Transco Network s Operating Pressures Mains and Service Pipes Typical Service Connection from Main to Termination Domestic Termination Options Activity Summary 1 1 2 4 6 8 14 18

Section Two

Installation Methods
Objectives Service Installation Methods Components Used for Service Connections Types of Domestic Meter Activity Summary 1 1 3 8 9 13

Section Three

Connections to Transco Network s


Objectives Types of Works Types of Network Connection Activity Summary 1 1 2 5 7

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About This Workbook

About This Workbook

Who is this Workbook for?

This workbook is designed to give all Transco staff a fundamental knowledge of mains and service installation. Front desk staff will find this basic information helpful when dealing with customer enquiries. Mains and service installation techniques and types of connection.

What is Covered? Prerequisite Knowledge

Before starting this package you should have read the induction pack and should understand the aims of the connections business Transco employees only Read each section carefully making sure that you fully understand it. At the end of each section there are reader activities which will allow you to check your understanding and highlight any problems. There is no set time for the completion of this workbook. Work at a pace that suits you, ensuring that you understand each section before going onto the next. Several short study periods are generally better than one long one. Your tutor/manager will be able to offer help if you have any problems with your workbook material.

How do I use this Workbook?

How long will it take to Complete this Workbook? What if I don t Understand Something? Further Information

If you have any comments or queries regarding this training package, please contact: Transco Asset Policy Lansdowne Gate New Road Solihull Tel: 0121 623 2830

This workbook was produced by Employee Development

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Pipe Installation 1 Service Laying Basic

About This Workbook

Aim and Objectives Aim


To provide a basic introduction to pipe installation (main and service laying) to enable front desk staff to answer customer inquiries.

Objectives
After completing this workbook you will be able to:

Identify how gas gets from the beach

to the meter
Identify the characteristics of mains

and service pipes


Identify the three elements of a basic

domestic service connection


List the various domestic property

terminations
Select appropriate terminations for

different domestic situations


Apply the appropriate pipe installation

method to given situations


List the components used for

connections to domestic properties


Identify the features and basic types

of domestic meter
Determine which types of works apply Define types of network connection

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Pipe Installation 1 Service Laying Basic

Beach to Meter

Section 1

Beach to Meter

By the end of this section you will be able to:

Objectives
Identify how gas gets from the beach to the meter Identify the characteristics of mains and service pipes Identify the three elements of a basic domestic service

connection
List the various domestic property terminations Select appropriate terminations for different domestic

situations

Transco Network
Natural gas is obtained, among other ways, by drilling in: the North Sea to the east and Morecambe bay in the west Gas is piped to shore where it is cleaned eg. unsuitable chemicals like sulphur are removed. After measurement, the gas enters the national grid at high pressure where it is distributed around the country. The distinctive odour is added at the LDZ offtakes.

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Beach to Meter

At certain locations known as offtakes, gas pressure is reduced from high to intermediate pressure, then it enters a network of pipes at various pressures, eventually reaching domestic premises at a relatively low pressure. [See diagram overleaf Schematic Diagram of the Transco System]

Why Different Pressures Within the Network?


Within the gas distribution system there are different pressures found within various sections of the pipework. High and intermediate pressures are required to transmit the larger volumes of gas around the country; medium pressures are required for some industrial consumer loads, and low pressures for domestic consumers.

What Determines the Materials, Fittings and Equipment that are Used?
The pressure range and ground conditions are the main factors that determine the type of materials, fittings and equipment that can be utilised for the gas mains and service system.

Operating Pressures
High Pressure above 7 bar. Intermediate Pressure - above 2 bar up to and including 7 bar. Medium Pressure - above 75 mbar up to and including 2 bar. Low Pressure not exceeding 75 mbar. High Quality Protective Steel Pipe Comprises 3,500 km of mostly steel mains but High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe has now been developed and will forge forward in the new layfuture. Comprises some 31,000 km of mains of which 25%-30% is now Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) pipe which generally replaced cast iron mains from the early seventies onwards By far the most extensive and oldest part of the pipeline system and includes approximately 215,000 km of pipework underground, 50% - 55% of which is still cast iron.

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Beach to Meter

Schematic Diagram of the Transco Network System

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Beach to Meter

Mains and Service Pipes Mains


A main is a pipe which runs in the public highway and feeds more than one premise. There are a number of characteristics which describe a mains pipe, ie. pressure/diameter/material. Size Most Common Low Pressure Size Materials Low Pressure - up to 75 mbar Medium Pressure - up to 2 bar Intermediate Pressure - up to 7 bar High Pressure - above 7 bar Depth of Cover From 63 mm - 600 mm and 2- 24 63 mm - 180 mm Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, Asbestos, PE and Steel Preferred material MDPE Preferred material MDPE Preferred material - HDPE or Steel Preferred material - Steel 600 mm in footpath and 750 mm in carriageway

NOTE: MDPE and HDPE pipe is always referred to in millimetres


diameter. Other materials may be in inches or millimetres depending upon the type.

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Beach to Meter

Service Design
A service is a pipe that connects the premise to the main. There are a number of characteristics that describe a service pipe, ie. pressure/diameter/material. Domestic services eg. private houses Type Single and dual services Size Preferred material Flats Type Size Preferred material Generally 20mm 25mm MDPE

Single, dual services and risers (used in multi-occupancy buildings) Generally 20mm 63mm PE for services PE in protective sleeves for external risers Steel for internal risers

Industrial and Commercial Type Size Preferred material

Single services Generally 32mm upwards MDPE for LP and MP HDPE for IP

NOTE: MDPE and HDPE pipe is always referred to in millimetres


diameter. Other materials may be in inches or millimetres depending upon the type.

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Beach to Meter

Typical Service From Main to Termination


A service connection to a property begins at the point where a service is joined at the main. For a typical domestic PE connection there are usually three elements required. These are described below. [See diagram overleaf Service Connection between Main and Termination]

1. Service Tee (Top ) Connection T


Where the service branches off from the main a connection is used. T The diagram shows a typical connection with a 32 mm outlet. T

2. Reducer
All service tees have a 32 mm outlet and most domestic service connections use 20 mm pipe. Services of less than 32 mm will require a reducer. In this case the reducer allows the 20 mm service pipe to connect to the 32 mm outlet.

3. Service Termination
The service termination is where the meter and control/emergency control valve is fitted. The example shown is a surface mounted meter box external meter boxes are preferred to allow meter reading from outside the property. There are circumstances where it is not possible to install a wall mounted meter box. For example:
on a roadside property where the meter box front door would open

directly onto the public footpath


where accidents to people or property might occur

The alternatives are the use of a semi-concealed meter box (part buried in the ground) or to have the meter installed inside the property.

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Beach to Meter

Service Connection Between Main and Termination

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Beach to Meter

Domestic Termination Options


The following pages show the four typical alternative ways in which a service terminates at a property.

House Entry Transition Tee


This is used where, for safety reasons or lack of wall space, the meter has to be installed inside the property.

Service Riser

U6 Meter Fitted Inside Property

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Inset Meter Box


Similar in design to an electrical meter box, this is fitted into the external wall of the property. Usually this type of meter box is installed by property developers.

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Beach to Meter

Surface Mounted Meter Box


An alternative to the inset meter box. The three part construction, consisting of back-plate, cover and door, is easy to install on existing properties. It is fitted on the outside of a property to allow external meter reading but protrudes 230 mm from the wall.

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Semi-Concealed Meter Box


This is a partially buried box that allows external meter reading. It is usually fitted at the foot of the property wall and protrudes by about 100 mm above ground level. Provides a neat and unobtrusive installation.

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Beach to Meter

Riser and Laterals


The picture below shows a block of flats with risers and laterals.

Riser The vertical part of a service leading to one or more primary meter or emergency control valves.

Risers can be either metallic or PE and be internal or external to the property. Where PE is used externally, it must be protected from ultraviolet and mechanical damage by enclosing the pipe in a sleeve.

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Lateral The pipe forming part of a service, extending from a riser up to and including a primary meter control valve. The pictures below show a PE riser and lateral system to a block of flats.

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Beach to Meter

Based on what you read in this section, try completing the Test that ve follows. If you have to, refer back to the text to complete the Test. Complete answers are provided immediately after the Test.

ACTIVITY
1. For each of the pressures, list the actual pressure range and the preferred material for both mains and services.

Pressure

Pressure Range

Preferred Material for Mains

Preferred Material for Services

Low Medium Intermediate High


2. How is gas transmitted around the Transco system?

3.

What are the most common sizes of low pressure pipe for: a) b) a main? a service?

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Beach to Meter

4.

For each of the properties below select from the list the appropriate service termination.

Situation

Appropriate Service Termination

Terrace property fronting the public highway. Existing semi-detached property. Existing four storey flats. A new build property under construction. Existing property but with no room at the side and limited wall space to the front and rear.

Select From (Use each once only)


1. Inset meter box 2. House entry transition tee 3. Surface mounted meter box 4. Riser and laterals 5. Semi-concealed meter box

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Beach to Meter

ACTIVITY FEEDBACK

1.

For each of the pressures, list the actual pressure range and the preferred material for both mains and services.

Pressure

Pressure Range
Up to 75 mbar Up to 2 bar Up to 7 bar Above 7 bar

Preferred Material for Mains


MDPE MDPE HDPE Steel

Preferred Material for Services


MDPE

Low Medium Intermediate High


2.

Gas is transmitted around the Transco system using the force of the various pressure tiers. The most common sizes of low pressure pipe are, for : a) b) a main - between 63 mm to 180 mm a service - between 20 mm to 32 mm

3.

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Beach to Meter

4.

The appropriate service terminations are as follows:

Situation

Appropriate Service Termination


2 3 4 1 5

Terrace property fronting the public highway. Existing semi-detached property. Existing four storey flats. A new build property under construction. Existing property with limited wall space to the front and rear.

Selected From (Use each once only)


1. Inset meter box 2. House entry transition tee 3. Surface mounted 4. Riser and laterals 5. Semi-concealed meter box

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Beach to Meter

Before we move on let re-cap. s

Summary
In this section we have covered: The Transco network system The characteristics of mains and service pipes Three main elements of a domestic service Service connections and terminations for domestic premises

Now move on to section 2 and we will look at installation methods and components in more detail.

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Pipe Installation 1 Service Laying Basic

Installation Methods

Section 2

Installation Methods

By the end of this section you will be able to:

Objectives
Identify the appropriate pipe installation method to given

situations
List the components used for connections to domestic

properties
Identify the features and basic types of domestic meter

Service Installation Methods Open Cut Installation


Following removal of a sealed surface layer, eg bituminous or concrete etc, excavation can take place using a spade and associated hand tools. This method is used where there are other utilitiesplant present that could be damaged using other methods.

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Installation Methods

Ducting
A method whereby a PVC duct is laid during site construction. The service pipe is then inserted at a later stage so that paths and roads do not have to be disrupted.

Moling
A method by which pipes are laid underground without the need to excavate the entire length of pipework. This involves an excavation known as the launch hole, and an excavation at the property by the service termination, known as the reception hole. Moling causes minimum disturbance to the surface layers and is the preferred method of service laying to an existing property. Care needs to be taken when using a mole to avoid damaging other underground plant such as cables, sewers, water, other gas mains etc. Plans must be consulted and cable detection equipment used prior to this equipment being deployed.

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Installation Methods

Photograph courtesy of TT UK Ltd The above picture shows the mole in its launch cradle with the aiming frame ensuring that the mole is horizontal and in line with the reception pit.

Dead Service Insertion


This method may be used where a property has previously been connected to the gas main but has been disconnected from the network for some time. The old service pipe, which must be at least 1 inch diameter and in a satisfactory condition, may be reused by inserting new 20 mm PE pipe. This is normally used for pipe lengths less than 15 metres.

Components Used for Service Connections Connections to the Main


The selection of connection will depend on whether the main is metallic or PE.

Service Connection (Mechanical)


Used to connect a PE service onto a metallic main.

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Installation Methods

A New Style Plastic Fitting for Connecting onto a Metallic Main


Incorporates a coupon which allows the service to be air tested before the coupon is removed by pulling the blue collar and pushing the yellow section down.

Service Connection (Electro Fusion)


Used to connect a PE main onto a PE service

PE Reducer
A PE reducer (fusion) from 32 mm to 20 mm. Used because the fusion connection above normally has a 32 mm outlet but for most premises a 20 mm service will suffice.

Electro Fusion
Electro fusion is where a PE fitting is meltedto a PE pipe with a time measured electrical current

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Installation Methods

Main Through to Meter


This picture shows the fittings for a house entry transition tee. These fittings, together with other termination components are described below.

Meter Control/Emergency Control


Used to control the gas to the premises. In the position shown the control is in the position. off

M (Male) and F (Female) Elbow


The main tap fits on the male end using an appropriate jointing material.

House Entry Tee

The house entry tee goes through the cavity wall of the property. The tee piece incorporates a valve to control the gas supply from outside the premises, should the need arise. The PE service pipe connects directly onto this house entry tee.

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Installation Methods

Grey Sleeve
This is used to protect exposed PE service pipe from both mechanical damage and the effects of UV.

Black Bend
This turns the service pipe through 90 to allow it to rise up the outside wall of the property without causing kinks in the PE pipe.

Meter Boxes and Fittings


These photographs show a meter box adapter with a meter control and how it fits to a meter box.

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Installation Methods

Mains and Service Pipes


Mains and service pipes come either as straight lengths or in coils.

Transportation
This coil pipe is on a trailer ready for transportation to the job. Great care is taken when uncoiling PE pipe as it can spring straight back with surprising force.

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Installation Methods

Types of Domestic Meter


The three types of domestic meter shown below, from left to right, are:

U6 credit meter - mechanically measures the gas using a bellows system. U6 Electronic token meter (ETM) - allows consumers to pre-pay for their gas as required. A smart card can be credited with gas from post offices etc. E6 Electronic credit meter is a modern version of the U6 where the volume of gas used is measured electronically. The E6 is smaller in size than the U6 due to there being no moving parts involved in its construction.

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Installation Methods

Based on what you read in this section, try completing the Test that ve follows. If you have to, refer back to the text to complete the Test. Complete answers are provided immediately after the Test.

ACTIVITY
1. What components are required to connect a 20 mm service to a PE main?

2.

Select the appropriate installation method from the list below, using each selection only once.

Situation
Path and garden to be laid prior to services being connected in a new property development Single new property being built which requires an inset meter box Existing property with old 1 inch steel service pipe in good condition but disconnected from the gas network Existing property with a block paved driveway

Installation Method

Select From
1. Moling 2. Open cut installation 3. Dead service insertion 4. Ducting

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Installation Methods

3.

List the components, in order of use, to lay a 20 mm service from a PE main to a house entry termination.

4.

What type of meter should be installed for a customer to pre-pay for gas?

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Installation Methods

ACTIVITY FEEDBACK

1.

What components are required to connect a 20 mm service to a PE main? Connection Tee Reducer

2.

Select the appropriate installation method from the list below, using each selection only once.

Situation
Path and garden to be laid prior to services being connected in a new property development Single new property being built which requires an inset meter box Existing property with old 1 inch steel service pipe in good condition but disconnected from the gas network Existing property with a block paved driveway

Installation Method
4

2 3

Selected From
1. Moling 2. Open cut installation 3. Dead service insertion 4. Ducting

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Installation Methods

3.

The components to lay a 20 mm service from a PE main to a house entry termination in order of use, are: Service Connection Reducer PE Service Pipe Black Bend Grey Sleeve House Entry Tee Elbow Meter Emergency Control

4. The type of meter that should be installed for a customer to prepay for gas is: a U6 Electronic Token meter (ETM).

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Installation Methods

Before we move on let re-cap. s

Summary
In this section we have looked at:
Pipe installation methods Domestic property connection components Features and types of domestic meter available

Now move on to section 3 and we will look at connections to Transco network in more detail. s

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Pipe Installation 1 Service Laying Basic

Connection to Transcos Network

Section 3

Connection to Transco Network s

By the end of this section you will be able to:

Objectives
Determine which type of works apply Define types of network connection

Types of Works
Transco quotation documentation refers to two types of connection works:
Standard Works Alternative Works

Standard Works
1. The customer/developer will excavate the trench 2. Transco will lay the pipes on suitable bedding material and put appropriate backfill in the trench 3. The excavation is then reinstated by the customer/developer

Alternative Works
Transco carry out all the tasks referred to in standard works above.

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Connection to Transcos Network

Types of Network Connection


Transco provides three types of connection to the pipeline network:
Transco Lay Self Lay Connected System Exit Point (CSEP)

(pronounced seesep)

Transco Lay
This is where Transco lay and own the pipeline. However, the customer or developer may carry out the excavation to Transco standards on s private property or development sites. The customer or developer may also carry out reinstatement of the excavation.

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Connection to Transcos Network

Self Lay

D iagrammatic view of Self lay

Purge Point

Self Lay Pipe Transco to connect to existing network

Here, a customer may use a suitably qualified company to install a new gas supply, but this needs to be connected by Transco to its network. Transco will also install the meter if requested to do so by a licensed shipper. In most circumstances, Transco will adopt the pipework and infrastructure once it is determined that it is fit for purpose. Transco is then responsible for maintenance and emergency call out from the time of adoption. However, the asset value is not included in Transco asset register. s In some circumstances, a Utility Infrastructure organisation (Self Lay)/Customer may retain ownership. NOTE: Where the supply is greater than 2,196,000kWh, the connecting pipe does not have to be owned by Transco or any other PGT but can be operated by a Pipeline Operator(who does not have the same obligations as a PGT) provided the load remains above that level.

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Connection to Transcos Network

CSEP

D iagrammatic view of a C S E P

Transco Licensed Area

PGT Licensed A rea

This is where a Public Gas Transporter (PGT) other than Transco, lays and owns a pipeline that is connected into the Transco network at an agreed exit point. NOTE: Public Gas Transporter will be changed to Gas Transporter in the Utilities Act The PGT earns revenue by applying a transportation charge for its section of mains. An example of this would be a housing estate where a PGT installs all the mains and services to properties and then requests a connection into Transco network. s Transco would then provide a connection for the PGT to connect on to. The PGT may opt to contract the emergency response to Transco.

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Connection to Transcos Network

Based on what you read in this section, try completing the Test that ve follows. If you have to, refer back to the text to complete the Test. Complete answers are provided immediately after the Test.

ACTIVITY
1. Describe the type of job where Transco completes all the work tasks.

2.

Describe the type of job where the customer or developer excavates and reinstates.

3.

Who ultimately owns the new mains/service for the following connections: a) b) c) CSEP? Utility Infrastructure organization? Transco Lay?

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Connection to Transcos Network

ACTIVITY FEEDBACK

1.

The type of job where Transco completes all the work tasks is known as Alternative Works . The type of job where the customer or developer excavates and reinstates is known as Standard Works . The owner of the mains for the following connections are as follows: a) CSEP A Public Gas Transporter Self Lay Transco or Utility Infrastructure organisation

2.

3.

b)

c)

Transco Lay
Transco

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Connection to Transcos Network

Before we move on let re-cap. s

Summary
In this section we have covered:
The two types of works CSEP, Self Lay and Transco Lay connections and how to

define them

You have now completed this Workbook.

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