DIS 5.

ENGINEERING PROCEDURES

SECTION 5 - PIPE SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION

MODULE 5.6- COMMISSIONING AND
DE-COMMISSIONING OF PIPELINES,
MAINS AND SERVICES
(including governors/above ground
installations)

JANUARY 1994

J174 ( Rev 12/97 )

.
 DIS 5.6

CONTENTS

Page

FOREWORD v

BRIEF HISTORY vi

1. SCOPE 1

2. REFERENCES 1

3. DEFINITIONS 1

4. COMPETENCE 2

5. PHILOSOPHY 2

6. SAFETY 2

7. PLANNING 3

7.1 General 3

7.2 Communications and external liaison 3

7.3 Purge velocity 4

7.4 Branched systems 4

7.5 Riders 4

7.6 Vent pipes and/or ejectors 4

7.7 Inert gases 5

7.8 Pressurization of pipelines or mains 5

8. COMMISSIONING AND DE-COMMISSIONING OF SERVICES 5

8.1 Services greater than 63 mm diameter 5

8.2 Commissioning services not greater than 63 mm diameter 5

8.3 De-commissioning services 6

9. COMMISSIONING PIPELINES AND MAINS - DIRECT PURGING 6

9.1 Isolation 6

9.2 Purge velocity 6

9.3 Branched systems 7

9.4 Commissioning procedure 8

10. COMMISSIONING PIPELINES AND MAINS - INDIRECT PURGING 8

10.1 Isolation 8

10.2 Purge velocity 8

10.3 Branched systems 8

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Page

10.4 Commissioning procedure 8

11. DE-COMMISSIONING PIPELINES AND MAINS - DIRECT PURGING 11

11.1 Isolation 11

11.2 Purge velocity 11

11.3 Branched systems 11

11.4 De-commissioning procedure 14

12. DE-COMMISSIONING PIPELINES AND MAINS - INDIRECT PURGING 15

12.1 Isolation 15

12.2 Purge velocity 15

12.3 Branched systems 15

12.4 Slug purging 15

12.5 De-commissioning procedure (see Figure 8) 15

TABLES

1 Commissioning pipelines or mains by direct purging 7

2 Commissioning/de-commissioning pipelines or mains by indirect purging 9

3 Minimum quantity of inert/purge gas per 100 m length of pipeline or main

for indirect complete displacement purging 10

4 Minimum slug volume (m3) 12

5 De-commissioning pipelines or mains by direct purging 13

FIGURES

1 Effect of low purge velocity 17

2 Minimal purge mixing at correct velocities 17

3 Purging of risers with multiple services 18

4 Commissioning - direct purge 19

5 Commissioning - indirect purge 20

6 De-commissioning - direct purge using a compressor 21

7 De-commissioning - direct purge using an ejector 22

8 De-commissioning - indirect purge 23

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 DIS 5.6

Page

APPENDICES

A CALCULATION OF RIDER PRESSURE FOR PURGES WITH A

SOURCE PRESSURE GREATER THAN 2 bar 25

B COMMISSIONING BRANCHED SYSTEMS USING DIRECT

PURGING - REFER TO FIGURE B.1 26

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DIS 5.6

- iv - J174 ( Rev 12/97 )

 DIS 5.6

FOREWORD

This specification has been adopted by Transco and is an editorial revision of the former British Gas TransCo
specification GBE/DIS 5.6. It reflects the identity and organizational structure of Transco - a part of BG plc.

This Transco specification has been approved for use throughout Transco.

Comments and queries regarding the technical content of this Transco specification should be directed to:

Lead Role Engineer

Transco
West Area Office
Glevum House
Bristol Road
Gloucester
GL2 6YA

Further copies of this Transco specification can be obtained from Dataform Print Management using the print
requisition form G004 quoting the Form Number of this Transco specification (not the designation) and your
cost code.

Transco specifications are revised, when necessary, by the issue of amendments or new editions. Users should
ensure that they are in possession of the latest versions by referring to the Transco Register of Engineering
Documents available on the Transco Information Library.

Contractors and other users external to Transco should direct their requests for further copies of Transco
specifications to the department or group responsible for the initial issue of their contract documentation.

Compliance with this specification does not confer immunity from prosecution for breach of statutory or other
legal obligations.

DISCLAIMER

This specification is provided for use by Transco and such of its contractors as are obliged by the terms of
their contracts to comply with this specification. Where this specification is used by any other party it is the
responsibility of that party to ensure that the specification is correctly applied.

J174 ( Rev 12/97 ) -v-

DIS 5.6

BRIEF HISTORY

First published as BG/PS/DIS 5.6: Part B* July 1988

First update published* April 1990
Complete revision of BG/PS/DIS 5.6: Part B published as
GBE/DIS 5.6 January 1994

* Loose-leaf editions.

© BG plc 1994

This Transco specification is copyright and must not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without
the approval in writing of BG plc.

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 DIS 5.6

ENGINEERING PROCEDURES
SECTION 5 - PIPE SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION
MODULE 5.6- COMMISSIONING AND DE-COMMISSIONING
OF PIPELINES, MAINS AND SERVICES
(including governors/above ground
installations)

1. SCOPE
This Module 5.6 of the Transco Engineering Procedures (formerly Code of Practice for Distribution)* covers
commissioning and de-commissioning of pipelines, mains and services, including governors/above ground
installations. It does not cover the commissioning and de-commissioning of vessels or gas holders.
* Hereinafter referred to as 'this Module 5.6'.

2. REFERENCES
This Module 5.6 makes reference to the documents listed below. Unless otherwise specified the latest editions
of these documents, including all addenda and revisions, shall apply.

Institution of Gas Engineers Recommendations

IGE/TD/1 - Steel pipelines for high pressure gas transmission

Transco specifications

Engineering Procedures (formerly Code of Practice for Distribution):

Module 3.1 - Health and safety at work

Module 5.7 - Under pressure working

Module 5.10 - Service entries.

3. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Module 5.6 the following definitions shall apply:

branch: single pipe arm of a network system where the length is greater than eight times its diameter.

direct purging: the complete displacement of air by natural gas, or vice versa.

ejector: a device operating on the venturi principle, used to draw gas out of a pipe during de-commissioning.

Engineer: a competent engineer appointed to be responsible for the application of all or part of the
Engineering Procedures.

Engineer's representative: a suitably qualified and experienced person acting on behalf of the Engineer.

equivalent pipe diameter: the diameter of a theoretical pipe having the same cross-sectional area as the sum
of the branches in the network.

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DIS 5.6

indirect purging:

a) complete displacement - the complete displacement of air by inert gas followed by the
complete displacement by natural gas and vice versa;
b) slug purging - purging by means of a barrier (slug) of inert gas between the natural gas and
air.

purge pressure: the pressure in the pipeline or main undergoing commissioning or de-commissioning.

purge velocity: the velocity of the purge gas in the pipe being purged.

stratification: the situation where low density gas (natural gas) flows over the high density gas (air or
nitrogen) or, where air (or nitrogen) flows under natural gas.

4. COMPETENCE
All persons engaged in the design, construction, commissioning, operating, maintenance and alteration of
pipelines, mains, services and related plant shall be competent to carry out such work. This may be achieved
by an appropriate combination of education, training and practical experience.

5. PHILOSOPHY
It is imperative that the purge velocity is above the minimum specified in this Module 5.6 (see Tables 1, 2
and 5). Lower velocities will result in the gases stratifying because of the different densities of natural gas, air
and nitrogen. Purge velocities above the minimum specified will result in a gas/air or gas/nitrogen interface
with relatively little mixing (see Figures 1 and 2).

Planning the correct sizes of the vent, rider, ejector hole, air inlet hole, compressors and nitrogen supply rates
are essential to guarantee a successful purge. The first option for commissioning or de-commissioning should
be direct purging. If the criteria for direct purging cannot be achieved then indirect purging shall be used.

New pipelines, mains and services shall be commissioned only after a successful pressure test. Under
exceptional circumstances existing pipelines and mains may be re-commissioned without pressure testing, but
consideration should be given to a post-commissioning flame ionization detection (FID) survey at the
discretion of the Engineer.

Pipelines and mains that have been hydrostatically pressure tested should be dried before commissioning to
prevent the formation of ice at pressure reducing stations, or the formation of hydrate in the system. Further
advice can be found in IGE//TD/1, Section 9.

6. SAFETY
When purging, commissioning or de-commissioning pipelines and mains greater than 63 mm diameter, the
work should be carried out in accordance with an approved written procedure. The procedure should contain
an assessment of the purge duration. Commissioning and de-commissioning shall be carried out by a
competent person.

In order to ensure that air or nitrogen cannot enter the gas supply system, purge pressures shall always be less
than the pressure in the parent main. Pressure points should be fitted and monitored as necessary in all purging
operations.

During all purging operations:

a) a continuity bond shall be maintained across separated metallic pipes;

b) there shall be no smoking or naked lights or other sources of ignition present, and NO
SMOKING signs should be displayed;

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 DIS 5.6

c) precautions against static electricity in plastics pipes should be observed (see Module 3.1);
d) adequate hearing protection shall be available and positioned for use.
Due to the noise levels generated when using an ejector to de-commission pipelines or mains,
it is essential that consideration shall be given to members of the public who may be in close
proximity to the operation. All operational personnel should wear ear protection devices;
e) fire extinguishers shall be available and positioned for use.
NOTE - Inert gas can cause asphyxiation. After purging with inert gas, consideration should
be given to purging with air to avoid releasing immense volumes of inert gas when large
diameter pipelines and mains are cut out.

7. PLANNING
7.1 General
In order to prevent stratification, it is imperative that the purge velocity is always above the minimum given in
Tables 1, 2 and 5. Following the guidelines in these tables will ensure that the minimum velocity will be
achieved.

Short stubs, whose length is less than eight diameters, are not classed as branches and will automatically be
purged by natural convection.

Direct purging should be considered as the first option. Indirect purging should only be used if the criteria for
direct purging cannot be achieved.

The sizes of the vent pipes, riders, ejector holes, air inlet holes, compressors and nitrogen facilities shall be
designed and planned in accordance with this Module 5.6. Use of the correct size will ensure the success of
the purge. If it is proposed to use non-standard equipment (e.g. non-full bore valves), further advice should be
obtained.

An assessment of the purge duration should be made by dividing the length of the pipeline or main by the
proposed purge velocity.

Once a purge has started, it should continue without interruption until complete.

When planning any commissioning operations, it is important to ensure that an adequate supply of natural gas
is available to provide the required flow rate without reducing the local District pressure below minimum
requirements.

Prior to de-commissioning, every effort shall be made to reduce gas venting, by passing gas in a controlled
manner into a system operating at a lower pressure. Re-compression units should be utilized when reducing
pressure in transmission pipelines.

7.2 Communications and external liaison

For major venting operations, the following may need to be informed:

a) the local Engineering and Service Emergency Control Centres;

b) the local authority environmental officers;
c) the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA);
d) the local Police and Fire Brigade;
e) local residents;
f) other affected parties.
Any such liaison should discuss noise, smell and flammability.

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DIS 5.6

A system of communication should be organized to enable the engineer in charge to communicate with
personnel operating the vents, riders, ejector and air inlet valves.

7.3 Purge velocity

If this Module 5.6 is followed, the purge velocities will be above the minimum velocities as given in Tables 1,
2 and 5. Velocity measurement is not required. However, if it is desirable, a probe type turbine meter may be
inserted into the pipeline or main: alternatively, a high gain Pitot tube may be used in conjunction with the
ejector.

If a pipe blockage is suspected and if no means of measurement is provided, provision shall be made for the
Engineer to measure the pressure drop down the pipeline or main. If this indicates that the minimum velocity
is not being achieved, the purge shall be stopped and arrangements made to use the indirect method.

7.4 Branched systems

7.4.1 General
Branched systems may be directly or indirectly purged by either simultaneous or sequential purging. Any
loops shall be isolated by valves or stopping off equipment and then treated as branches.

Special care shall be taken when planning the purging of branched systems to ensure that the purge velocity in
each pipe will be above the minimum velocity as given in Tables 1, 2 and 5.

7.4.2 Simultaneous purging

Simultaneous purging is quicker than sequential purging. It involves opening all the vents or air inlet holes
together and purging all the branches at the same time.

Riders, vents, air inlet holes, ejector holes, compressors and ejectors should be sized for a pipe diameter
equivalent to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the pipes being purged. See Appendix B.

7.4.3 Sequential purging

Sequential purging involves purging each branch in turn, starting with the largest diameter branch. It shall be
used if the workforce is limited or the minimum velocities cannot be achieved in each branch during
simultaneous purging.

7.5 Riders
7.5.1 Riders shall be protected from mechanical damage, interference or fire hazard and should be
constructed from metallic tube, approved flexible steel pipes or polyethylene (PE).

7.5.2 Riders shall be designed to provide at least the minimum flow given in Tables 1, 2 and 5.

7.5.3 Commissioned riders shall not be left unattended unless authorized by the Engineer.

7.5.4 The riders shall be designed and constructed to the pressure standard necessary for the purging
and/or the pressurization of the pipeline or main. Special attention shall be given to end thrust restraint.

7.5.5 Riders shall be tested for leakage.

7.5.6 Riders should not be longer than 10 m, should contain a maximum of six bends and all connections
to the pipelines or mains should be full bore. (It is recommended that saddles are used to connect to the
pipeline or main, not service tees).

7.6 Vent pipes and/or ejectors

7.6.1 Vent pipes and/or ejectors should be fitted at the far end of the main to be purged and should be
manned whilst venting.

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7.6.2 Vent pipes and/or ejectors for pipelines and mains shall:

a) discharge vertically into the open air not less than 2.5 m above ground level;
b) be sited where possible not less than 5 m downwind of possible sources of ignition;
c) be sited where vented gas is unlikely to drift into buildings;
d) be firmly supported;
e) be metallic;
f) include a full bore control valve and a sample test point;
g) not include a flame trap;
h) be adequately earthed if connected to a PE pipeline or main.

7.6.3 Vent pipes for services (not greater than 63 mm diameter) should be flexible reinforced plastics,
terminating with a flame trap.

7.7 Inert gases

7.7.1 Inert gas for purging mains not greater than 315 mm diameter is normally supplied from one or
more cylinders or a bank of nitrogen cylinders. The capacity of a typical 1.5 m long cylinder is usually
7.7 m 3 . The maximum flow rate from a cylinder or bank is typically 1 m 3 /min.

7.7.2 All cylinders shall be carefully checked to confirm that the contents are nitrogen. For nitrogen, the
colour of the cylinder will be FRENCH GREY with a BLACK band.

7.7.3 Where large quantities of inert gas are required for pipelines or mains greater than 315 mm
diameter, consideration should be given to the use of an inert gas generator, which produces a mixture of
carbon dioxide, water vapour and nitrogen. Competent personnel shall operate the generator. Alternatively, a
tanker of liquid nitrogen and vaporizers can be used. In such cases it is necessary to check that the delivery
rate is greater than the flow rate given in Table 2.

7.7.4 Inert gas shall always be supplied through a high capacity regulator.

7.8 Pressurization of pipelines or mains

After purging to gas, pipelines or mains shall be slowly pressurized so that the pressure in the supply pipeline
or main does not fall below the minimum allowable as specified by the Engineer. The connections and any
exposed sections shall be checked at pressure intervals not greater than 7 bar to ensure that there is no
leakage.

8. COMMISSIONING AND DE-COMMISSIONING OF SERVICES

8.1 Services greater than 63 mm diameter
Services greater than 63 mm diameter shall be treated as mains: riders, vents and compressors, etc. shall be
sized as given in Tables 1, 2 and 5 to achieve the minimum purge velocities.

8.2 Commissioning services not greater than 63 mm diameter

8.2.1 General
Services not greater than 63 mm diameter shall be direct purged as follows:

a) a flexible purge hose fitted with a flame trap shall be connected to the meter control valve and
the hose outlet safely positioned outside the premises;
b) when the service has been connected to the main, the meter control valve should be opened to
allow a flow of gas through the purge hose. A member of the service laying team shall be

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DIS 5.6

stationed near the outlet of the purge hose and be able to communicate with the operative at
the meter control valve;
c) the purge is considered complete when 90% natural gas is confirmed at the outlet of the purge
hose using a Gascoseeker or, alternatively, when the service has been purged with natural gas
for 1 s for each metre length of service pipe not greater than 32 mm diameter, and 4 s for each
metre length for a 63 mm diameter service. When the purging is complete, the meter control
valve shall be closed;
d) the purge hose shall be removed and, if the meter is not to be immediately connected, the meter
control valve shall be securely capped with the valve in the 'closed' position.

8.2.2 Multi-storey risers

When purging a multi-storey riser, the following requirements shall be observed in addition to those in 8.2.1
(see Figure 3):

a) the service and riser shall first be purged with the purge hose fitted to the highest meter control
valve;
b) each service lateral shall then be purged in turn through a purge hose fitted to each meter
control valve working from the base of the premises upwards until all laterals have been
purged;
c) the service isolation valve and the emergency control valve shall be left in the 'open' position.

8.2.3 Replacement services

8.2.3.1 A service laid to replace existing supplies shall not be commissioned until the old service, or that
part of the old service which is unique to the premises, is cut off. This practice shall be followed as far as is
practicable.

8.2.3.2 For industrial and commercial premises, if it is not considered reasonable to disconnect the old
service supply before commissioning the new service, the new service may be commissioned before the old
service is cut off, but the old service must be subsequently disconnected as soon as is practicable after the new
service has been commissioned.

8.2.3.3 Before service replacement, a check should be made to ensure that there are no other services
visible within the premises. See Module 5.7, clause 12 and Module 5.10, clause 3.

8.3 De-commissioning services

After disconnecting the service from the gas main, the service riser shall be removed whenever practical and
both ends of the service sealed.

9. COMMISSIONING PIPELINES AND MAINS - DIRECT PURGING

9.1 Isolation
Low pressure mains not greater than 180 mm diameter may be isolated by a single faced valve or squeeze off
if the isolation is sound.

Other pipelines or mains shall be isolated from the parent main by a double block and bleed system.

9.2 Purge velocity

The minimum purge rates to prevent stratification, and the rider and vent sizes required to achieve this, are
given in Table 1. For pipelines operating at pressures greater than 2 bar, purge velocities should not exceed
20 m/s. In such cases the purge pressure shall be calculated as shown in Appendix A and rider valve
controlled to give that pressure.

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 DIS 5.6

Where the conditions given in Table 1 cannot be provided, the pipelines or mains should be commissioned
using indirect purging methods with a velocity of not less than 0.6 m/s.

Commissioning of pipelines and mains by the removal of bags is forbidden. At the discretion of the Engineer,
pipelines and mains may be commissioned by the controlled release of a squeeze-off, or by throttling a valve.
In such cases great care shall be taken to ensure that the upstream pressure is not adversely affected.

9.3 Branched systems

Commissioning of branched systems can be carried out simultaneously or sequentially. Any loops shall be
isolated by valves or stopping off equipment and then treated as branches.

The velocity in each pipe shall be greater than the minimum given in Table 1. Riders and vents shall be sized
accordingly. If the system is simultaneously purged, the riders and vents shall be sized for a pipe diameter
equivalent to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the pipes being purged (see Appendix B).

TABLE 1 - Commissioning pipelines or mains by direct purging

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DIS 5.6

9.4 Commissioning procedure

Pipelines and mains shall be commissioned by direct purging in accordance with Figure 4 as follows:

a) open vent pipe control valves before purging;

b) monitor pressures at P1 to ensure that they do not fail to less than the minimum local
requirements;
c) open rider whilst continually monitoring P1: if pressure drops to the minimum local
requirements, close rider and investigate the cause;
d) if P1 is maintained above the minimum local requirements, continue venting until two
successive tests confirm 90% natural gas at the test points. In the case of branch systems, close
each vent when 90% natural gas is confirmed at that vent;
e) pressurize the pipeline or main under commission to the correct working pressure;
f) open or remove isolation equipment before the rider is disconnected.

10. COMMISSIONING PIPELINES AND MAINS - INDIRECT PURGING

10.1 Isolation
The pipeline or main to be commissioned shall be physically isolated from the parent main. Alternatively, it
may be isolated by an approved method provided the nitrogen injection pressure is limited to 1/3 of the
pressure in the live pipeline or main and the minimum velocity can be achieved.

10.2 Purge velocity

Minimum purge rates for indirect purging operations are given in Table 2. It is essential that the minimum
velocities of 0.6 m/s are achieved. Purge velocities should not exceed 20 m/s. This is only possible when
purging pipelines or mains with pressures greater than 2 bar. See Appendix A to calculate rider valve setting.

In order to achieve at least the minimum purge velocity, riders and vents must be sized as given in Table 2.
Nitrogen facilities must be able to supply the flow rates given in Table 2. It may be necessary to use several
bottles each with their own high capacity nitrogen regulators.

10.3 Branched systems

Branched systems may be commissioned by indirect purging simultaneously or sequentially if the velocity is
greater than 0.6 m/s in every branch.

If branches are simultaneously purged, the vents and riders must be calculated using the equivalent diameter
as detailed in Appendix B but referring to Table 2.

10.4 Commissioning procedure

10.4.1 General
Pipelines and mains shall be commissioned by indirect purging as detailed in 10.4.2 and 10.4.3.

10.4.2 Complete displacement

10.4.2.1 The minimum quantity of inert gas required for complete displacement is as given in Table 3.

10.4.2.2 To prevent over-pressurization, open the vent pipe control valve before inert gas is introduced into
the main.

10.4.2.3 Branched systems may be simultaneously purged or sequentially purged. Each branch shall be
purged until less than 2% oxygen is achieved; the vents may then be closed to speed up the purge to inert gas.

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NOTE - At least one vent, ideally situated at the furthest point, should remain open
throughout the duration of the purge.

TABLE 2 - Commissioning/de-commissioning pipelines or mains by indirect purging

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DIS 5.6

TABLE 3 - Minimum quantity of inert/purge gas per 100 m length of pipeline or main for
indirect complete displacement purging

10.4.2.4 On the completion of the inert gas purge:

a) close inert gas control valve and disconnect inert gas supply;
b) reopen all vents;
c) purge to natural gas taking care that local pressures are not adversely affected;
d) purge continuously until natural gas is obtained at each vent pipe test point and Gascoseeker
readings confirm 90% natural gas; turn off vent when natural gas is confirmed;
e) pressurize the main under commission to the correct working pressure:
f) connect main or remove stopping off equipment before rider is disconnected.

10.4.3 Slug purging

10.4.3.1 For pipelines and mains having a length greater than 250 m, slug purging may be used as a
substitute for complete displacement for economic reasons. Slug purging shall be limited to pipes of nominal
diameter not greater than 600 mm.

10.4.3.2 The slug volume of inert gas shall be not less than 10% of the pipe volume (see Table 4).

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 DIS 5.6

10.4.3.3 For pipe systems with branches, each branch shall be isolated and purged individually.

10.4.3.4 Open vent pipe control valve and introduce the minimum slug volumes as given in Table 4.

10.4.3.5 Purge to natural gas as detailed in 10.4.2.4.

11. DE-COMMISSIONING PIPELINES AND MAINS - DIRECT PURGING

11.1 Isolation
The pipeline or main to be de-commissioned shall be isolated from the parent main by:

a) physical isolation if a compressor is used to push the gas out of the main (see Figure 6).
Alternatively, an approved stopping off method may be used provided the purge pressure is
limited to 1/3 of the pressure in the live pipeline or main and the minimum velocity can be
achieved, or
b) double block and bleed if an ejector is used to draw the gas out of the main (see Figure 7). For
low pressure mains not greater than 180 mm diameter, this may be achieved by a single faced
valve or squeeze off if the isolation is sound.

When the gas has been vented to atmospheric pressure, the vent shall be closed and a test carried out to ensure
that the pressure does not rise as a result of an unknown backfeed (see Module 5.7, sub-clause 14.3).

11.2 Purge velocity

The purge may be generated using a compressor to push the gas out of a vent (see Figure 6), or an ejector to
draw the gas out of the main and draw air in through an open hole (see Figure 7).

At least two compressors should be manifolded together on the ejector to maximize efficiency and give added
security. Only single hoses up to 30 m length should be used to connect each compressor to the ejector.
Sufficient full bore valves should be fitted to the compressor hose lines to enable them to be changed if a
failure occurs.

To prevent stratification, purge velocities shall be greater than the minimum given in Table 5. In order to
achieve the minimum purge velocity, minimum air inlet holes and vent diameters together with the minimum
size of compressor must be as given in Table 5. Multiple holes may be drilled to achieve the same inlet hole
cross-sectional area, e.g. 2 x 2 in. diameter holes = 1 x 3 in. diameter hole.

Table 5 gives an assessment of the typical purge velocity that is likely to be achieved under these conditions.
From this an assessment can be made of the purge duration.

The 150 mm ejector will purge pipelines or mains not greater than 600 mm diameter. The 250 mm ejector is
required for pipelines greater than 600 mm diameter

11.3 Branched systems

11.3.1 General
Systems containing up to five branches may be de-commissioned by direct purging. Networks can be
simultaneously or sequentially purged.

A detailed assessment shall be made of the network to be de-commissioned, and the purge planned to ensure
that the purge velocity in each branch is greater than the minimum given in Table 5.

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DIS 5.6

TABLE 4 - Minimum slug volume (m 3 )

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 DIS 5.6

TABLE 5 - De-commissioning pipelines or mains by direct purging

11.3.2 De-commissioning branched systems using a compressor (see Figure 6)

The compressor shall be connected to the largest diameter pipe in the network.

If the system is to be simultaneously purged, the vents and compressor shall be sized for a pipe diameter
equivalent to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the pipes being de-commissioned in order to exceed
the required minimum velocity in each branch, as detailed in Appendix B but with reference to Table 5.

If the system is to be sequentially purged, the largest diameter branch shall be purged first with the vents sized
for that branch and the compressor sized for the largest pipe diameter. The next largest branch should then be
purged and the sequence continued until all the branches have been purged.

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DIS 5.6

11.3.3 De-commissioning branched systems using an ejector

Sequential purging of a branched system is the preferred method when using an ejector.

When sequential purging is carried out, all vent holes must be the same size as the vent hole of the largest
pipe.

If sequential purging is impracticable, consideration may be given to simultaneous purging and further advice
sought.

The ejector shall be fitted to the end of the largest diameter pipe and the other branches purged in descending
order of size.

11.4 De-commissioning procedure

11.4.1 General
Pipelines and mains shall be de-commissioned by direct purging as detailed in 11.4.2 and 11.4.3.

11.4.2 Using a compressor (see Figure 6)

11.4.2.1 Isolate main to be de-commissioned.

11.4.2.2 Close inlet valve to the rider and vent the gas to a lower pressure system or alternatively vent to
atmosphere.

11.4.2.3 Vent pipeline or main to atmospheric pressure, close vent and check for no pressure build up. Open
all vents.

11.4.2.4 Start compressor and admit compressed air.

11.4.2.5 Monitor pressure at P2: if this exceeds the design pressure of the system, stop the purge and
investigate the reasons causing this excess pressure.

11.4.2.6 If it is suspected that the minimum velocity is not being achieved, the purge should be stopped and
the reasons investigated.

11.4.2.7 Continue purge until two successive checks indicate 10% LEL or less at each vent.

11.4.3 Using an ejector (see Figure 7)

11.4.3.1 Isolate pipeline or main being de-commissioned.

11.4.3.2 Close and if a rider is fitted vent to a lower pressure system or alternatively vent to atmosphere.

11.4.3.3 Start compressors to ejector(s) but do not open valves on compressor.

11.4.3.4 Vent pipeline or main to atmospheric pressure. Close valve under the ejector and check for no
pressure build up. Reopen valve(s).

11.4.3.5 Simultaneously open air inlet valves and open compressor air valve(s) to admit compressed air to
the ejector.

11.4.3.6 Continue purge until the Gascoseeker checks indicate 10% LEL or less at test point on outlet of
ejector(s).

NOTE - Readings must be taken immediately adjacent to the ejector diffuser wall.

11.4.3.7 Stop purge, remove ejector and test inside main at top and bottom that gas is less than 10% LEL.

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12. DE-COMMISSIONING PIPELINES AND MAINS - INDIRECT PURGING

12.1 Isolation
The pipeline or main to be de-commissioned should be physically isolated from the parent main; alternatively,
it may be isolated by an approved method provided the purge pressure is limited to 1/3 of the pressure in the
parent system and the minimum purge velocity is achieved.

When the pipeline or main has been vented to atmospheric pressure, the vent shall be closed and a test carried
out to ensure that the pressure does not rise as a result of an unknown backfeed (see Module 5.7,
sub-clause 14.3).

12.2 Purge velocity

Where the conditions given in Table 5 cannot be achieved, an indirect purge shall be carried out at a velocity
of not less than 0.6 m/s.

Riders, vents and inert gas facilities shall be sized as given in Table 2.

12.3 Branched systems

Pipelines or mains with branches may be indirect purged by complete displacement either simultaneously, or
sequentially, starting with the largest diameter branch. If branches are purged simultaneously, the rider and
vents shall be sized for a pipe diameter equivalent to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the pipes being
de-commissioned (see Appendix B together with reference to Table 2).

12.4 Slug purging

For mains having lengths greater than 250 m, slug purging may be used as a substitute for complete
displacement for economic reasons.

For pipelines or mains with branches, each branch shall be isolated and purged individually.

The slug volume of inert gas shall be not less than 10% of the pipe volume (see Table 4).

12.5 De-commissioning procedure (see Figure 8)

Pipelines or mains shall be de-commissioned by indirect purging as follows:

a) Physically isolate main.

b) Close and vent rider (if fitted).
c) Vent main to atmospheric pressure, close vent and check for no pressure build up. Open all
vents.
d) Admit inert gas.
e) For complete displacement, continue purge until a Gascoseeker indicates 4% or less of natural
gas in the purge gas, measured at each vent by:
1) Mk 2 Oxygas instrument set to the gas scale, or
2) Mk 1 Gascoseeker set to the GIA scale, or
3) Mk 2 Gascoseeker which has been adjusted to operate in the purge mode (operation in
this mode is indicated on the instrument print out).

Consideration should be given to purging to air. Purging from inert gas to air should be considered complete
when 1.5 times the volume of the pipe is displaced by the air.

For slug purging, admit the slug followed by compressed air and continue purging until 1.5 times the volume
of the pipe is displaced by the air.

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a) Slow nitrogen purge to de-commission a pipe

b) Slow air purge to de-commission a pipe

c) Slow natural gas purge to commission a pipe

FIGURE 1 - Effect of low purge velocity

FIGURE 2 - Minimal purge mixing at correct velocities

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FIGURE 3 - Purging of risers with multiple services

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FIGURE 4 - Commissioning - direct purge

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FIGURE 5 - Commissioning - Indirect purge

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FIGURE 6 - De-commissioning - direct purge using a compressor

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FIGURE 7 - De-commissioning - direct purge using an ejector

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FIGURE 8 - De-commissioning - Indirect purge

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APPENDIX A
CALCULATION OF RIDER PRESSURE FOR PURGES WITH A SOURCE PRESSURE GREATER
THAN 2 bar
A.1 Calculate flow rate (Q) for a maximum purge velocity of 20 m/s in pipe diameter (Dp).

A.2 Calculate pressure drop in vent ( ∆ Pv) for flow rate (Q), diameter (Dv) and length (Lv).

A.3 Calculate pressure drop in pipe ( ∆ Pp) for flow rate (Q), diameter (Dp) and length (Lp).

A.4 Calculate pressure drop in rider ( ∆ Pr) for flow rate (Q), diameter (Dr) and length (Lr).

A.5 Rider pressure Pr = ∆ Pv + ∆ Pp + ∆ Pr. Rider valve should be throttled to achieve rider
pressure (Pr).

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APPENDIX B
COMMISSIONING BRANCHED SYSTEMS USING DIRECT PURGING - REFER TO FIGURE B.1
Calculate equivalent diameter D 1 as follows:

D1 = D 2 + D 3
2 2

where D 2 = 180 2 + 180 2 = 255 mm (As actual D 2 = 315 mm, this size shall be used)

and D 3 = 250 2 + 180 2 = 308 mm (As calculated size is greater than actual size, this size
shall be used)
therefore D 1 = 3152 + 308 2 = 441 mm
From Table 1:

- for a pipe diameter of 441 mm and inlet pressure of 30 mbar, the diameter of the rider
R =90 mm.
- vent sizes for each branch are;
V 1 = 32 mm (1 in.), V 2 = 32 mm (1 in.), V 3 = 63 mm (2 in.) and V 4 =32 mm (1 in.)

Check that equivalent vent size exceeds that required for a main diameter of D 1 :

Ve = V1 + V2 + V3 + V4 = 32 2 + 32 2 + 632 + 32 2 = 83.91 mm
2 2 2 2

From Table 1 the minimum vent size for 400 mm diameter main = 90 mm. As the chosen vent sizes for the
branches have an equivalent vent size of 83.9 mm, these are therefore not satisfactory.

Therefore, increase V 1 , V 2 and V 4 to 63 mm (2 in.) diameter. Hence

V e = 632 + 632 + 632 + 632 125 mm

This is now satisfactory.

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FIGURE B.1 - Typical branch system

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