Introduction

Gas Pipeline:
Definition:
A Gas Pipeline is a pipe used to transport gas from gas wells to the processing units and then to
a distribution system. Natural gas is directly delivered to homes or businesses through a broad
network of Gas Pipelines. The Gas Pipelines are not only used to transport the gas in the local
areas but also across international borders, as they are very useful to the countries that
produce gas for export to other countries.
A Gas Pipeline is the most effective means of transporting gas locally or over long distances. The
gas is required to be transported over long distances from the production site to the places
where it is used. Gas Pipelines are used throughout the gas system, from the location of
production where gas is collected to the point where it is used in houses or businesses. The
pipelines have three different forms and each of them serves a different purpose within its
network.

 Pipelines with small diameters are used to transport the gas at low pressure from the
wells to the processing units.
 Interstate, intrastate and international transmission pipelines are used to transport the
gas with high-pressure from the processing units to the areas they are required to be
transported. When gas is transported through these long pipelines, it is required to be
passed through pumping stations to maintain the high pressure.
 Distribution pipelines are used to transport the gas through smaller pipes to the users.

Pipeline Components:
A natural gas transportation system is made up of compressor stations, pipelines, city gate
stations, and storage facilities. The compressor station serves as the heart of the transmission
system as it supplies the energy required to ensure that the gas continues to flow at a
prescribed flow rate and pressure. The onshore and/or offshore pipelines have three types:
trunk or gathering, transmission, and transportation and distribution pipelines. The below
figure shows the different types of pipelines according to their function.

Figure 1: How natural gas gets from the well to the consumer (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 2013).
Natural gas pipelines primarily serve as a means of moving gas from the field to consumers.
Inter- and intrastate pipelines are used for the transportation of natural gas produced from gas
fields, either onshore or offshore facilities through gathering systems to commercial,
residential, industrial, and utility companies. The pipelines are usually constructed of carbon
steel and varying in size from 2 inches (51 mm) to 56 inches (1400 mm) in diameter, depending
on the type of pipeline. Pipeline infrastructure originating from the resource field comes from
two main networks:

 High-pressure grid-transport network

 Low-pressure grid-distribution network
High-pressure lines are characterized by larger diameter and strong piping with compression
stations after regular distance intervals. Low-pressure or distribution networks are identified by
pressure reduction stations and a relatively small diameter piping network.

Pipeline’s Function:
The function of the pipeline network is twofold. It serves to supply energy to the consumer in
the required quantity, and at the same time, it also provides storage for the fuel gas in a
considerable quantity depending upon the dimensional capacity of pipeline and the demand–
supply gap. When supply surpasses the consumer demand, the excess gas is “packed” in the
pipeline, which is hence called the “linepack.”

Pipeline Material:
Transport pipelines are mainly made out of steel because of the high pressures used.
Distribution pipelines are made out of cast iron, fibrous cement, PVC-enriched polyethylene
(PE), or steel. Currently, mostly PE pipelines are used.

Piping:
Piping includes pipe, flanges, fittings, bolting, gaskets, valves, and the pressure containing
portions of other piping components. It also includes pipe hangers and supports and other
items
necessary to prevent over pressurization and overstressing of the pressure-containing
components. It is evident that pipe is one element or a part of piping. Therefore, pipe sections
when joined with fittings, valves, and other mechanical equipment and properly supported by
hangers and supports, are called piping

Pipe Size:
Nominal Pipe Size and Schedule:
Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) is a North American set of standard sizes for pipes used for high or low
pressures and temperatures. Nominal pipe size refers to only the outside diameter (OD) of a
pipe making it somewhat vague. For example, when we say pipe size is 2 NPS, it refers to all the
pipes having 2.375-inch (or 60.3 mm) as outside diameter irrespective of wall thickness and
thus the inside diameter. Specific pipe is identified by pipe diameter and another non-
dimensional number for wall thickness referred to as the Schedule (SCH). Pipe schedule sets the
pipe wall thickness. Increasing the wall thickness of the pipe increases the mechanical strength
of the pipe, allowing it to handle higher design pressures.
The terms Nominal Bore (NB) and Nominal Diameter (DN) are also frequently used
interchangeably with Nominal Pipe Size (NPS). Nominal Bore (NB) is European Designation
equivalent to NPS. For NPS 5 and larger, the Nominal Diameter (DN) is equal to the NPS
multiplied by 25.
Initially there are only three pipe wall thicknesses in use –

 Standard (STD)
 Extra Strong (XS)
 Double Extra Strong (XXS)
However with the advancement of industrial age and use of pipes in varying pressure and
temperature conditions, these three sizes did not fit all applications. There have been many
revisions and additions to the tables of pipe sizes based on industry use and on standards
from API, ASTM, and others. Today we have a range of wall thicknesses, namely:

 SCH 5, 5S, 10, 10S, 20, 30, 40, 40S, 60, 80, 80S, 100, 120, 140, 160, STD, XS AND XXS.
Stainless steel pipes, due to less risk of failure due to non-corrosive property, permitted the use
of pipes with thinner wall thickness. Initially thinner pipe schedules 5S and 10S had been
created and afterwards other “S” sizes followed later. Stainless steel pipes are most often
available in standard weight sizes (noted by the S designation; for example, Sch 10S). However
stainless steel pipe can also be available in other schedules. Due to their thin walls, the smaller
“S” sizes can not be threaded together according to ASME code, but must be fusion welded.
In new schedule system,

 Schedule Standard (STD) is identical to SCH 40S, and 40S is identical to 40 for NPS
1/8 to NPS 10, inclusive.
 Schedule Extra Strong (XS) is identical to SCH 80S, and 80S is identical to 80 for NPS
1/8 to NPS 8, inclusive.
 Schedule Double Extra Strong (XXS) wall is thicker than schedule 160 from NPS
1/8 in to NPS 6 in inclusive, and schedule 160 is thicker than XXS wall for NPS 8 in
and larger.
Nominal Pipe Size and Schedule collectively sets the pipe outside diameter (OD) and the wall
thickness (and hence the internal diameter (ID) is automatically fixed). For example, NPS 14 Sch
40 has an OD of 14 inches (360 mm) and a wall thickness of 0.437 inches (11.1 mm).
However the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) and Outside Diameter (OD) values are not always equal,
which can create confusion.

 For NPS ⅛ to 12 – The NPS and OD values are different. For example, the OD of an
NPS 12 pipe is actually 12.75 inches (324 mm). To find the actual OD for each NPS
value, refer to the reference tables which are based on ASME standards B36.10M
and B36.19M.
  For NPS 14 and above – The NPS and OD values are equal. In other words, an NPS
14 pipe is actually 14 inches (360 mm) OD.

Figure 2 Courtesy: www.theprocesspiping.com

Few general rules regarding nominal pipe size (NPS) and schedule,

1. For a given NPS, the OD stays fixed and the wall thickness increases with increase in
schedule number.
2. For a given schedule number, the OD increases with NPS while the wall thickness
either stays constant or increases.
3. Using equations and rules in ASME B31.3 Process Piping, it can be shown that
pressure rating decreases with increasing NPS and constant schedule.
Nominal Pipe Size and Pipe Schedule Chart:

Figure 3 Nominal Pipe Size and Pipe Schedule Chart

Piping Material:
There are several types of materials approved for gas work. The codes for the local jurisdiction
should always be checked but in general

 steel pipes
 copper pipes
 yellow brass pipe
 ductile iron
 aluminum pipe
 PVC pipes
 PE pipes
may be used.

Steel Pipes:
Steel pipes can be used above ground as long as corrosion due to the environment and the
conveying gas is of no problem. Steel pipes and copper pipes are the most common materials
used inside buildings.

Copper Pipes:
Copper pipes used in gas systems should be of type L or K and approved for gas.

Yellow Brass Pipes:

Yellow brass pipes may be approved for inside installations.

Aluminum Pipes:
Aluminum pipes should not be used in the ground. Aluminum is not approved in all
jurisdictions.

Ductile Iron:
Ductile iron pipes may be approved in some jurisdiction for underground work.

PVC Pipes:
PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride - pipes may be used in pipelines buried outside a building.

PE Pipes:
PE - Polyethylene - pipes may be used in pipelines buried outside a building.

Flexible Connectors: Flexible connectors are used to connect appliances to gas sources. Flexible
connectors must be approved.
 Figure 4 Piping Material

Above-Ground Pipeline Materials:

The material of choice for most above ground installations of natural gas piping is ASTM
A53/A53M, black steel, Schedule 40, Type E or S, Grade B. carbon steel pipe. Steel piping is used
for systems operating in excess of 1,000 psig (6,900 kPa) and delivering natural gas to locations
in excess of 300 miles from the last compressor station.  It is also used in many low-pressure
aboveground distribution systems.  
Normally, when operating at pressures over 2.0 psig (14 kPa), welded pipe joints are
recommended.  Fittings would be ASTM A234/A234M wrought-steel welding fittings suitable
for butt welding and socket welding.  Larger pipe, generally NPS-2-1/2 (DN 65) and larger,
would have flanged fittings and valves.  Pipes NPS 2 (DN 50) and smaller would still be
threaded; generally threading and unions would be limited to installation of valves and
regulators that would require periodic maintenance and replacement.  It is recommended that
all piping exposed to outdoor weather be painted.
Other piping materials include aluminum tubing, copper tubing, and corrugated stainless steel
(CSST).

Piping Supports:
Pipe is held either from above by hangers or supports of various types on which it rests.
Hangers are also referred to as supports.
There are a number of typical pipe supports that can be installed to support dead weight loads,
and restrain the pipe for thermal and dynamic loads.
The designs are only limited by the imagination of the engineer and designer, as literally
thousands of different designs have been used for special purposes.
Pipe is rested on or secured to a support member usually of a standard structural shape (I-
beam, wide flange beam, angle, channel etc.). The pipe may be secured to this member with a
pipe support.
Pipe supports and hangers are devices which transfer the loads from the pipe or the structural
attachment to the supporting structure or equipment. They include rod hangers, spring
hangers, sway braces, turnbuckles, struts, anchors, saddles, rollers, brackets, and sliding
supports. Structural attachments are elements that are welded, bolted, or clamped to the pipe,
such as clips, lugs, clamps, clevises, and stops.
The correct and economical selection of the supports for any piping system usually presents
difficulties of varying degrees, some relatively minor and others of a more critical nature.
Proper support selection should be the objective of all phases of design and construction.