Linc Energy Blog

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. 

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

The latest natural gas explosion in Philadelphia sounds the alarm for immediate action in improving the safety of natural gas pipelines. Tuesday night's explosion resulted in the death of one Philadelphia Gas Works employee and has left five others wounded including a local fireman. Eyewitnesses saw a 50 foot fireball erupting into the air over a northeast Philly neighborhood resulting in the evacuation of nearby residents and businesses.

• Enhance pipeline safety
• PG&E spiked 11 lines to legal limits since 2003