Linc Energy Blog

Trenton, the manufacturer of Wax-Tape, a corrosion prevention system which provides long lasting protection for above and belowground pipelines, is expanding their product line. The long time manufacturer of the petroleum based tape is providing an alternative to those who prefer using liquid epoxy coating.

Tags: corrosion prevention, corrosion control, fbe pipeline coating, liquid epoxy coating

The American Society of Safety Engineers ASSE Safety 2012 Exposition is being held in Denver, Colorado June 3-6 at the Colorado Convention Center.

Tags: safety

The Four Corners Oil and Gas Conference is being held in Farmington, New Mexico, May 9-10.

Tags: natural gas industry, oil and gas

April is National Safe Digging Month. With spring’s arrival comes a host of outside digging projects making this the perfect time to list safe digging tips and practices. If you’re planning an excavation project, whether you’re a contractor or homeowner, consider the following:

Tags: safe digging, 811, call before you dig

Have a clogged sewer line? Do you need to clear your sewer pipe? Consider calling your local gas company to know what’s blocking your line before you clear it.

Tags: clogged sewer line, smell natural gas, gas leak, gas explosion

April is National Safe Digging Month. In fact this is the fifth year we’ve celebrated "call 811," and since 2007 there has been nearly a 31% drop in excavation accidents.

Tags: 811, 811 pipeline damage prevention, damage prevention, call before you dig

Trenton Corporation, the manufacturer of corrosion prevention systems is introducing a new wax-tape coating which offers corrosion protection of metal pipe and irregular shaped fixtures in higher temperature applications.

Tags: corrosion control, anti-corrosion, corrosion prevention

By locating underground metal joints and fittings in cast iron or steel pipelines we can significantly reduce excavation area which decreases costs associated with remediation and repair.

Tags: underground utilities, underground pipelines, locate metal joints, locating utilities

What is a burner management system (BMS)?

Picture this. A process burner flame goes out, and natural gas vents for days. Jacob, 19-year-old pipeline operator-in-training drives to a wellhead. Combine inexperience with a strike of a match to light a cigarette, and Jacob meets with a tragic demise.
 

Tags: greenhouse gas emissions, GHG, burner management systems (BMS)

The decision to use insulating flange kits or monolithic isolation joints just got easier as one United States manufacturer is offering attractive alternatives to the notorious long lead times from importing.

Tags: Monolithic isolation joints, corrosion control, pipeline corrosion, insulating joints

In “Natural gas leak detection and what to do,” I discussed methods of detecting, isolating and what to do in the event of a gas leak. I noted that the true first alert for detecting natural gas is the nose thanks to the smell, which raises the question – what is natural gas odorization?

Tags: new london school explosion, damage prevention, odorization of natural gas, natural gas odorizer, odorizer, Natural gas detection, smell natural gas

August 11 is National 811 Day. Help spread the word about this free service to identify utility lines before digging, to avert the disruption of service, the threat of litigation and the loss of life or limb.

Tags: 811, one-call, call before you dig, 811 pipeline damage prevention

Tracer wire manufacturers routinely strive for advancements to prevent situations where tracer wire fails. Recently Copperhead Industries introduced a new product, corrosion proof tracer wire connectors which minimize connection failure while backfilling, provide corrosion protection and save time and money.

In an earlier blog post “What makes utilities and pipelines locatable?” I mentioned that without a carbon or low allow-steel pipeline, utility workers have come to rely on tracer wire to locate utilities and pipelines.

In this case, the underground tracer wire is installed next to a pipeline and made accessible at various access points like manholes, valve boxes, vaults, or other enclosed access devices. When the tracer wire is charged at an access point a magnetic field will provide a signal the locator can use with ground penetrating radar (GPR) or electromagnetic pipe detection (EPD) equipment. The locating wire makes non-locatable lines (made of polyethylene, plastic, fiberglass or concrete) locatable when they remain intact.

Unfortunately tracer wire or direct burial wire is not flawless and there are a few common reasons wire typically fails:

• The common material used in tracer wire is copper. Unfortunately, copper is expensive which has made tracer wire prone to theft and you can’t trace a line if it’s not there!
• Copper wire is inflexible and can break during installation and a broken line won’t carry the current.
• Many tracer wires have vinyl or nylon coatings which fail prematurely when the line is exposed to moisture.

To address these common weaknesses, manufacturers like Copperhead Industries have introduced tracer wire breakthroughs which include: corrosion resistance, stronger and more durable tracer wire (Copperhead steel clad) and less expensive alternatives to copper.

Recently, Copperhead Industries, a leading tracer wire manufacturer has introduced SnakeBite tracer wire connectors demonstrating another step forward. The new connectors require no wire stripping. By inserting the wires into the SnakeBite openings and simply turning 90 degrees the tracer wire connector is locked shut, giving the installer peace of mind that the connectors won’t unlock while backfilling the line. With no reason to strip wire, installers require fewer tools and save time. What makes this new connector even more unique is the dielectric water proof and corrosion proof sealant inside the SnakeBite connector. The connectors are color-coded by industry with 3 APWA colors: yellow-natural gas, blue-water, orange-telecom.

More information on Copperhead Industries and the new corrosion proof connectors can be found onour  Pipeline Excavation Products page.

 

Tags: natural gas inustry, ground penetrating radar, GPR, tracer wire, locating utilities, electromagnetic pipe detection, EPD, gas distribution lines, corrosion control

Valve maintenance is critical to any damage prevention program as it ensures the proper functioning of a pipeline. After all, if your valves do not turn freely and seal properly, you have little or no control of your crude oil or natural gas pipeline. The following are tips provided by Mr. Ron Meade. Ron is the Sales & Marketing Manager of DUALCO, the manufacturer of grease guns, valve lubricants, sealants and valve maintenance training. He is also an instructor, a troubleshooter and considered a valve maintenance expert.

Complying with these suggestions ensure safety, make the pipeline workers’ jobs easier and more efficient thus reducing pipeline operating expenses.

Tip #1 – Create a system map
Create a system map showing the location of all your valves. Number the valves on the map, and then create a manual showing size, type, location description and applicable notes. Some companies already have this requirement, but verify what you have and add any unlisted valves. In the event of an emergency – it may save a life.

Tip #2 – Have the right fittings on hand
Different valve styles often require different lubrication fittings. For example a plug valve may require a Lube Stick Injection Fitting or “tall” giant buttonhead fitting. These are sometimes referred to as “lube screws” and have either an NPSM thread down or a coarse bolt thread down. They have either a single or a double built-in internal check valve.

Most gate valves and ball valves normally use the shorter, stubbier lubrication fittings with an NPT thread down. Giant Buttonhead fittings with either single or double check valves are used. Vent cap fittings with or without Giant Buttonheads are also used.

A good maintenance practice is to have available spare fittings of each type in your tool box.

Tip #3 – Lubricating the plug of older plug valves
The primary seal in older lubricated plug valves is metal-to-metal between the plug and valve body. As pressure is applied to the valve through the lubrication fitting it builds up in the lube sealant reservoir under the plug, eventually “lifting” the plug and forcing it away from the metal-to-metal seal. At this point the lube sealant moves up and around the plug, lubricating it and forming an internal seal between the plug and the valve body.

Tip #4 – Vent Cap lubrication fittings
Vent Cap type lubrication fittings come in a variety of configurations and sizes. Cap sizes vary from ¾”–16 UNF and 7/8”–14 UNF to the more common 1”–14 UNS. These fittings have a pair of vent holes in the caps which must be checked and cleared before removing them. This allows trapped pressure (if any) to vent before the cap is removed. For a short time, Grove had a solid cap fitting with flats cut on the fitting threads, allowing pressure to escape. In all cases the fitting is also known by the NPT male thread down. The most common are ¼”, 3/8”, ½”, and the occasional larger sizes.

Tip #5 Common safety breach – substandard hoses
The most common hand-operated valve lubrication gun is the 10,000 psi hydraulic gun with a 15,000 psi cushioned gauge, 10,000 psi working pressure hose (12” or 18”), a 10,000 psi machined gauge tee and a Giant Buttonhead Coupler.

Be aware of manufacturers or vendors outfitting lubrication guns with inferior hoses or cast tees with working pressures of 6500 PSI. While this may appear to be a great way to save money it’s a safety breach and potentially dangerous. If you are shopping for a grease gun ask the manufacturer the pressure class of these components.
To help determine if your unit has the wrong pressure hose, the units in question may have a short (11 or 12 inch) solid black hose with little or no information on it, and the tee may have a casting outside the United States. If you’re not sure of the pressure rating on your hose call the manufacturer or 877-5DUALCO, as substandard hose assemblies are dangerous though they can be easily corrected.

Tip #6 – Valve cleaners
Valve cleaners are manufactured to safely clean valves without damaging the valve or the seals. There are three basic types of valve cleaners:

Type 1 - Hydrating Agent
A common valve cleaner is an amber-colored hydrating agent and often consists of a vegetable oil, usually castor oil. It penetrates and softens materials such as old, hardened lubricants and sealants within the valve. The cleaner should be left in the valve between four and twelve hours or more to work effectively. Alternately, a channel can be forced in as little as 30 minutes but this is a temporary fix. These softened materials along with loose sand, rust and other trash can then be pushed from the valve by pumping in a good grade of fresh lube sealant.

Type 2 – Heavy-Duty Cleaner
Often a heavy-duty valve cleaner is needed. This type of valve cleaner is often used by operating companies because it will clean rust deposits, cut old heavy waxes, remove varnish, sand, dust, rust, old hardened lubricants and sealants and thoroughly clean valves. This cleanser should be used for at least four hours or more to do a thorough job. It must then be purged from the valve with fresh lube sealant.

Type 3 – Dispersing Valve Cleaner
A revolutionary new product which cleans the interior of the valve thoroughly, works in about the same amount of time as the others, is replaced by fresh lube sealant, and then disperses when it is pushed into the product stream is the dispersing valve cleaner. Dispersing valve cleaner as it is known has the advantage of not fouling such items as meters, orifice plates and so forth. If any of this material does reach them it can be cleaned with water instead of solvent.

Tip #7
To do their job properly, valve lubricants must function as valve sealants, and sealants must also function as lubricants. Because of their dual purposes we commonly refer to them as lube sealants. To determine the best lube sealant for your application you should consider the following:

1. What temperature range (high and low) will the material be subjected to?
2. What pressures will we be dealing with?
3. Is there any CO2 or H2S present? If so, in what concentrations?
4. Is there water present? If so, how much?
5. Are there any other contaminants which should cause concern?
6. Are there injected chemicals which control paraffin or other unwanted materials present?
7. Are there any problems that we are unaware of?
8. Do I want a lube sealant with a vegetable oil or a synthetic oil base?

Many castor oil based products have the advantages of synthetic oils; however they are less stable and subject to chemical reactions. Additionally, synthetic oil base has superior stability, longevity and is less expensive than vegetable oil based sealants. For these reasons we recommend using synthetic oil based lubricants.

"SAE AMS-G-6032 “Grease, Plug Valve, Gasoline and Oil Resistant” provides an excellent guide to valve lube sealant.

 

These tips are provided courtesy of DUALCO - the manufacturer of grease guns, valve lubricants, sealants and valve maintenance training.

Tags: natural gas pipeline, valve maintenance, damage prevention

In a down economy, manufacturers are becoming more creative by suggesting the reuse, recycle, repair or even exchange of their existing equipment rather than investing in new products. I’m seeing more and more manufacturers offering renovation or exchange programs such as DUALCO, the manufacturer of hydraulic grease guns for valve maintenance.

If you have a DUALCO hydraulic grease gun (models: 11035 and 11000R) that is in need of repair or service, rather than spending nearly $700 on new equipment consider having your existing grease gun refurbished or exchanged for a fraction of the cost. If your equipment is not corroded or abused and all its components are fully assembled, it is a prime candidate for this program.

For those owning competitive lubricant guns, DUALCO can rebuild or repair most hydraulic guns as the parts are usually interchangeable.

After the equipment is received by DUALCO it is inspected. While most hydraulic guns can be repaired, if DUALCO cannot rebuild or repair it, the customer is contacted to discuss options. As part of the program the units are: disassembled, major parts are re-plated (for model 11035), the rebuilt gun is assembled, new fluid is added, it’s inspected, tested and repacked. Included in the parts which are replaced are all “O” rings, leather cups, fluid bag/bleeder assembly, plunger and check valve ball, spring, washer and filter.

There are some components not included in this program. However they can be replaced if missing or damaged at an additional cost. Those components are: body, fulcrum assembly, grease barrel, grease barrel cap, fluid bag barrel or the fluid bag barrel cap.

DUALCO warrants the work up to 90 days. The cost of the rebuilding or exchange program is $289 which offers 60% savings over the cost of acquiring new equipment. Should a customer require exchanging the gauge and hose that cost is $199. If both programs are exercised (standard plus gauge and hose), the savings is 30% versus the cost of new equipment.

While these programs appear to be hardly a windfall, they show how manufacturers like DUALCO are stepping up and offering creative solutions when budgets are tight. To learn more about this program, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 

Tags: damage prevention, pipeline safety, valve maintenance

With the recent rash of natural gas pipeline explosions, many caused by pipeline corrosion, there is a watchful eye on how owners are handling the maintenance and repair of their pipelines. To some companies the problems may seem bigger than life as there are millions of miles of aging natural gas pipelines in the United States alone. Pipeline owners are being forced to take a proactive stance to this problem by identifying areas of their lines which are in need of repair, remediation or restoration.

A product called A+ Wrap manufactured by Pipe Wrap LLC has been identified as an effective method to extend the life of high pressure natural gas pipelines. The product has been tested, approved and meets D.O.T. requirements as a permanent pipeline repair. The repair solution is a strong composite sleeving system which permanently repairs gouges, cracks, dents as well as external defects associated with pipe that has been compromised as much as 80 %. The A+ Wrap system is composed of a two-part putty which is activated when mixed together, along with a composite wrap; it is pliable, water activated and restores pipe to its full-strength condition.

A+ Wrap repairs defects near welded areas (up to 50% wall loss) or along any shapes or configurations including reducers, bends, tees, manifolds or elbows. However, it does not repair cracks, gouges or dents in longitudinal or girth welds.

A+ Wrap requires no special tools for installation and can be installed on wet or dry surfaces or even submerged in water. The product however, can only be installed by trained personnel with factory or representative certification. The manufacturer also requires the installer be recertified annually. In Colorado and the Rocky Mountain States, Linc Energy Systems is a certified trainer.

As with other water-activated composite sleeving systems, A+ Wrap has a smart pig detect-ability element without the drawback of creating cathodic reactions.

Pipe Wrap's A+ Wrap has been identified as an effective alternative to sleeves, welding or complete pipe replacement. With the ever increasing amount of deteriorating pipeline in the United States, I’m sure we’ll hear more about the use of Pipe Wrap to repair or restore our aging pipelines.

For other helpful ideas on this issue, visit Effective corrosion prevention methods for pipelines. 

Tags: pipeline restoration, pipe remediation, pipe repair, pipeline corrosion, gas explosion, corrosion control, gas pipline explosion, damage prevention, corrosion prevention

On a recent blog post by the US Department of Transportation, we’re reminded that April is National Safe Digging Month. According to their blog, digging is still the leading cause of pipeline damage. Last year there were 53 accidents involving excavations which led to five fatalities.

“Failure to call before digging can result in property damage, tragic accidents and even fatalities. While these types of incidents have declined over the last ten years, one out of every three pipeline accidents involve people who did not call 811 first,” said PHSMA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman.

The DOT reminds us that calling 811 is not a recommendation, it’s the law. It not only applies to contractors – it means homeowners too! As homeowners are tempted this spring to garden, dig for a fence, or any other excavation, remember to call 811 before any work commences to assure that underground utilities don’t need to be located. If they do to be identified, utility locators will locate the lines and the service is free.

Help spread awareness to call 811 before you dig.
 

Reference:

• http://fastlane.dot.gov/2011/03/as-april-arrives-so-does-national-safe-digging-month-please-call-811-before-you-dig.html
• http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/phmsa0511.html

Tags: 811, one-call, call before you dig, 811 pipeline damage prevention

It is no secret that the effectiveness of your cathodic protection system depends on the experience of the installer and the quality of raw materials put into the pipeline. Many CP professionals often wonder about the pros and cons of using insulating flange kits over monolithic isolation joints.

The monolithic insulating joint was developed as an alternative to insulating flange kits. It has been widely used in Middle Eastern and European countries in the Oil & Gas Industry. While they have been used in the United States, their benefits have been overshadowed by long lead times from European manufacturers.

Now with the expansion of a United States insulating joint manufacturer, I wonder if the use of insulating joints will give insulating flange kits a run for its money.

What are the pros and cons of using monolithic insulating joints versus insulating flange kits?
 

Disadvantages of insultating joints

The primary disadvantage of using monolithic insulating joints in U.S. pipelines has been the long lead times from European manufacturers. While some U.S. distributors have tried to appease the availability issue it has become a challenge for contractors to work with staggering lead times when inventory has been depleted.

The often perceived secondary disadvantage is the upfront expense of an insulating joint which can be twice the cost of an insulating flange kit.

Advantages of Monollithic Isolation

Barlow Insulating Joints  ~ Now offering stock availability in most sizes

Insulating joints come preassembled and pretested versus the traditional insulating flange kit, which requires a skilled technician to assemble it on site. By using the Insulating joint the company saves on site labor. The joints are also less likely to fail from improper installation which could render a CP system ineffective and likely result in both internal and external corrosion.

With an insulating joint, serviceability and maintenance is simplified. Whereas, when using an insulating flange kit the system may become shorted when buried (from settling, thermal expansion or over-tightening). In this case, the cost to repair a damaged or leaking system significantly exceeds the initial investment of an insulating joint. It is also more likely that the pipeline would have to be shut down if maintenance or replacement is required.

When evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of using insulated flange kits versus monolithic insulating joints it would seem that when life cycle costs are considered, the use of monolithic insulting joints is advantageous over the flange kits.

New U.S. Insulating Joint Manufacturer

With the recent rash of gas pipeline explosions, of which many believe are corrosion-related, the spotlight is on gas pipelines to increase safety and quality of pipeline materials and testing. The expansion of Barlow Insulating Joints, a U.S. manufacturer seems timely. Barlow apparently is not new to the industry, and has manufactured insulating joints for over 50 years serving the east coast. The company was acquired by IMAC Systems a couple years back who has decided to expand the Barlow line to the west coast.

Perhaps the availability of U.S. monolithic insulating joints will impact the way U.S. pipelines choose their insulating methods.
 

Tags: CP, corrosion control, gas explosion, monolithic, insulating joints, isolation, cathodic protection

In a recent report by Fox News, a member of the Pipeline Safety Trust referred to our natural gas pipelines as a “ticking time bomb.” It would seem an alarming safety issue appears to threaten the mainland US. According to Fox News, the National Transportation Safety Board is holding hearings this week to gather supplementary information regarding the San Bruno natural gas explosion. Apparently, they’re seeking information that could help avert future accidents.

In the report, "Aging Natural Gas Pipelines Are Ticking Time Bombs, Say Watchdogs" it was noted:

• Fourteen people have been killed in gas pipeline explosions in six months
• Since 1990 there have been “2800 significant gas pipeline accidents”
• Over 900 incidents have led to significant injuries or death
• There are 210 natural gas pipeline systems
• 21,000 miles of lines running through populated areas

Rick Kessler of Pipeline Safety Trust says, "Cast iron pipe will fail and the law always envisioned that these things would be replaced over time. Well, here we are more than a century later and we still have these things in the ground… they are kind of a ticking time bomb."

By law, pipelines are required to conduct leak surveys which are one of the most effective ways to monitor pipeline integrity. Which pipelines are surveyed and when depends on many factors, like the age of the pipeline, its composition, the condition, the geography, the road, and of course population. Gas leak surveys are conducted by trained technicians using gas leak detection equipment.

With the Obama administration new regulations are on the horizon, which will increase the number of pipeline inspectors and provide more stringent leak detection measures. New regulations and proactive meetings can influence change to increase the safety of our gas lines. These are certainly moves in the right direction.

In the interim, as more incidents emerge, people are rightfully on edge. It is noted in the news report if you have questions or concerns about gas lines in your neighborhood call the pipeline. In an earlier entry, “Natural gas leak detection and what to do” I discuss what to do if you smell natural gas.

 

Photo Credit: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39089768

Tags: gas explosion, gas pipline explosion, damage prevention, gas leak surveys

Over the years I’ve been amused with the variety of responses I’ve received when I’ve asked, “What is cathodic protection?” If I’m talking to a corrosion engineer I get one answer, if I’m conversing with an operations person I get something different. I thought, ‘Here’s a challenge - let’s describe cathodic protection in a way a layperson would understand.’

Cathodic protection (CP) is a technique used to control the corrosion of a metal substance in various applications. Some common areas which apply this science are: fuel tanks, pier pilings, ships, offshore oil platforms and casings, metal reinforcement bars for concrete structures, as well as pipelines.

To simplify cathodic protection – assume you have a metal pipeline and you need to protect it against corrosion. Pipelines are generally supplemented with CP after being protected with an anticorrosion system (coating or wrap) as the primary form of corrosion protection. Otherwise the cathodic protection required to combat corrosion for an uncoated pipeline is excessive.

The first step in cathodic protection is to take the metal you are trying to protect (pipeline) and turn it into a cathode. A pipeline is normally anodic, it contains positively charged electrons. By supplying an electric current the pipeline becomes passive or cathodic. The science reveals that as long as the electron current is arriving at the cathode (pipeline) faster than oxygen is, then corrosion will be prevented or significantly slowed.

Pipelines commonly use Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) which uses a rectifier along with anodes buried in the ground. The rectifier (a DC power source) supplies electrons to the system stopping corrosion of the pipeline and since the anodes don’t surrender many electrons they don’t corrode much either.

Sometimes it’s more economical to use a galvanic anode system in which the anodes (Magnesium, Zinc or Aluminum) are the electron source and are sacrificed and corrode over the steel pipeline.

The video below offers a simple representation of ICCP.  

I hope you enjoyed this back to basics session on “What is cathodic protection?”
 

Photo: http://140.194.76.129/publications/eng-manuals/em1110-1-4008/c-12.pdf

 

Tags: CP, ICCP, damage prevention, cathodic protection, corrosion control