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November 28, 2018
Major Changes to the Regulations Governing Natural Gas Distribution Issued
On November 20, PHMSA offered revisions to 49 CFR 192 in several major ways changing regulations on the use of plastic piping systems in the distribution of natural gas. These amendments are intended "to enhance pipeline safety, adopt innovative technologies and best practices, and respond to petitions from stakeholders". The scope of changes are sweeping but address many topics the plastic pipe industry has been requesting for several years. The changes include an increase in the maximum pressure and diameter for Polyamide-11 pipe while also allowing the use of Polyamide-12 pipe thereby creating a framework for competition in polyamide gas distribution systems. The changes also require that "heat fusion joints . . . comply with ASTM F2620-12". Additionally, the changes included the addition of a reference to ASTM F2620–12 in the joiner qualification section 192.285(b)(i) requirements ias an option for Polyethylene pipe. Several other changes were also proposed.
For more information, please refer to the summary provided in the Federal Register.
For more information on PE gas pipe, click here.
Looking for instruction on ASTM F2620 heat fusion joining and operator qualification? We can help. Click for more Information.
For more information, please refer to the summary provided in the Federal Register.
For more information on PE gas pipe, click here.
Looking for instruction on ASTM F2620 heat fusion joining and operator qualification? We can help. Click for more Information.
December 1st, 2018
TurkStream Gas Line Section That Connects Russia and Turkey Across Black Sea is Nearly Complete
A large off shore gas pipe line known as TurkStream has been in progress since October 10, 2016 and is nearing completion. This gas line extends across the black sea and connects Russia and Turkey. The offshore section is currently ahead of schedule and will become operational at the end of 2019. Allseas, the contracting company hired to complete this project, appears to be doing a great job of the underwater construction of this gas pipe line. The largest construction vessel The Pioneering Spirit is also being employed on this project measuring an astounding 477 m long and 124 m wide.
You can read more about the TurkStream's progress here
You can read more about the TurkStream's progress here
December 1st, 2018
Berryville Residents Report Pink Water From Faucets
Residents in Berryville, VA reported a very slight pink tinge in their tap water on Oct 24th. Reports have now found that a chlorine clog in the town's water supply had caused this color. The pink water could be seen coming out of faucets - especially if it was on white porcelain. According to the original article "Hypochlorite chemical compounds changed the pH of the carrier water used to convey the disinfectant to the treatment process and caused naturally occurring calcium in the water to build up inside the carrier pipes. To clear the existing line, a temporary line feeding straight hypochlorite was run to the treatment system, according to the report. It showed that further steps have since been taken to prevent calcium buildup in lines."
Prior to this, a leak occurred in a 10-inch water pipe that a public works crew repaired and replaced with PVC and two couplings. This repair allowed for a faster and more efficient response to the pink water issue which was a positive coincidence.
Prior to this, a leak occurred in a 10-inch water pipe that a public works crew repaired and replaced with PVC and two couplings. This repair allowed for a faster and more efficient response to the pink water issue which was a positive coincidence.
December 2, 2018
Benk Creates Two New PVC Pipe Extrusion Machines
Benk, a leading plastic extrusion equipment manufacturer made two new 12-63mm pipe extrusion machines. Both will manufacture PVC pipes of similar dimensions, but the extruder and vacuum tank have different specifications. A Siemens touch screen and PLC device has been adapted and fixed onto the machine in order to control the conical twin screw extruder. Benk is currently testing these machines to make sure they are working and able to satisfy client demands.
You can read more about the specifications of the two new PVC pipe extrusion machines here
You can read more about the specifications of the two new PVC pipe extrusion machines here
December 2, 2018
JM Eagle PVC Pipe Whistleblower Case Ends in Mistrial
A 12 year old whistleblower case against JM Eagle ended in a mistrial over questionable PVC pipe materials. A fired product assurance engineer stated that JM Eagle had cut corners on the PVC manufacturing process which made him concerned over their lifespan and quality. He also believes that this happened because JM Eagle was attempting to keep up with production quotas. JM Eagle still stands by its quality products and holds firm that their products are completely safe. The first five plaintiffs (Reno, Nevada, and Norfolk, Va., and the water utilities of Palmdale, Calleguas and South Tahoe, Calif. ) were wanting to swap out old pipes with new ones - costing JM Eagle $58 million. The first jury ruled that JM Eagle had violated the federal False Claims Act. The second jury was meant to discover if any damages had been caused by these pipes, however this eventually led to a mistrial where the jury could not come to a consensus.
You can read more about this long running PVC pipe case here.
You can read more about this long running PVC pipe case here.
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