Part 255 Transmission and Distribution of Gas

Each pipeline under cathodic protection required by this Part must have sufficient test stations or other contact points for electrical measurement to determine the adequacy of cathodic protection.

(a) Each test lead wire must be connected to the pipeline so as to remain mechanically secure and electrically conductive. (b) Each test lead wire must be attached to the pipeline so as to minimize stress concentration on the pipe. (c) Each bared test lead wire and bared metallic…

(a) Each operator whose pipeline system is subjected to stray currents shall have in effect a continuing program to minimize the detrimental effects of such currents. (b) Each impressed current type cathodic protection system or galvanic anode system must be designed and installe…

(a) Corrosive gas may not be transported by pipeline, unless the corrosive effect of the gas on the pipeline has been investigated and steps have been taken to minimize internal corrosion. (b) Whenever any pipe is removed from a pipeline for any reason, the internal surface must …

Except as provided in subdivision (b) of this section, each new transmission line and each replacement of line pipe, valve, fitting, or other line component in a transmission line must have features incorporated into its design and construction to reduce the risk of internal corr…

If corrosive gas is being transported, coupons or other suitable means must be used to determine the effectiveness of the steps taken to minimize internal corrosion. Each coupon or other means of monitoring internal corrosion must be checked two times each calendar year, but at i…

(a) Each operator must clean and coat each pipeline or portion of pipeline that is exposed to the atmosphere, except pipelines under subdivision (c) of this section. (b) Coating material must be suitable for the prevention of atmospheric corrosion. (c) Except portions of pipeline…

(a) Each operator must inspect each pipeline or portion of pipeline that is exposed to the atmosphere for evidence of atmospheric corrosion, as follows: (b) During inspections the operator must give particular attention to pipe at soil-to-air interfaces, under thermal insulation,…

(a) Each segment of metallic pipe that replaces pipe removed from a buried or submerged pipeline because of external corrosion must have a properly prepared surface and must be provided with an external protective coating that meets the requirements of section 255.461 of this Par…

(a) Each segment of transmission line with general corrosion and with a remaining wall thickness less than that required for the maximum allowable operating pressure of the pipeline must be replaced or the operating pressure reduced commensurate with the strength of the pipe base…

(a) Except for cast iron or ductile iron pipe, each segment of generally corroded distribution line pipe with a remaining wall thickness less than that required for the maximum allowable operating pressure of the pipeline, or a remaining wall thickness less than 30 percent of the…

(a) Each segment of cast iron or ductile iron pipe on which general graphitization is found to a degree where a fracture or any leakage might result, must be replaced. (b) Each segment of cast iron or ductile iron pipe on which localized graphitization is found to a degree where …

Each operator that uses direct assessment as defined in section 255.903 of this Part on an onshore transmission line made primarily of steel or iron to evaluate the effects of a threat in the first column must carry out the direct assessment according to the standard listed in th…

(a) Each operator shall maintain records or maps to show the location of cathodically protected piping, cathodic protection facilities, other than unrecorded galvanic anodes installed before August 1, 1971, and the neighboring structures bonded to the cathodic protection system. …

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (d)(2) and (e)(2) of this section, the class location is determined by the number of buildings intended for human occupancy in the class location unit. The class location unit is an area that extends 220 yards (201.17 meters) on either side of…

Sections 255.503 through 255.517 of this Part prescribe minimum leak-test and strength-test requirements for pipelines.

(a) No person may operate a new segment of pipeline, or return to service a segment of pipeline that has been reconstructed, relocated, replaced, or reactivated until it has been tested in accordance with this Part to substantiate the proposed maximum allowable operating pressure…

(a) Each segment of a steel pipeline that is to operate at a pressure of 125 psig (862 kPa) or more must be strength tested in accordance with this section to substantiate the proposed maximum allowable operating pressure. (b) The test pressure shall be at least equal to 90 perce…

(a) Except for service lines, each segment of a pipeline that is to be operated at less than 125 psig (862 kPa) must be tested in accordance with this section. (b) The test pressure shall be 90 psig (621 kPa) or 1.5 times the maximum operating pressure whichever is greater; howev…

Sections 255.53 through 255.65 of this Part prescribe the minimum requirements for the selection and qualification of pipe and components for use in pipe-lines.

(a) Except for steel service lines greater than two inches (51 millimeters) in nominal diameter that are to operate at 125 psig (862 kPa) or more, each segment of a service line must be leak tested in accordance with this section before being placed into service. (b) Steel servic…

(a) In conducting tests under this Part, each operator shall ensure that every reasonable precaution is taken to protect its employees and the general public during the testing. The operator shall take all practicable steps to keep persons not working on the testing operation out…

(a) Each operator shall make, and retain for the useful life of the pipeline, a record of each test performed under sections 255.505 and 255.507 of this Part. The record must contain at least the following information: (1) the operator's name, the name of the operator's employee …

Materials for pipe and components must be: (a) able to maintain the structural integrity of the pipeline under temperature and other environmental conditions that may be anticipated; (b) chemically compatible with any gas that they transport and with any other material in the pip…

(a) New steel pipe is qualified for use under this Part if: (1) it was manufactured in accordance with a listed specification; (2) it meets the requirements of section II or III of Appendix 14-B of this Title; or (3) it is used in accordance with subdivision (c) of this section. …

Sections 255.552 through 255.557 of this Part prescribe minimum requirements for qualifying a pipeline for an increased maximum allowable operating pressure.

(a) The maximum allowable operating pressure of any transmission line, or main operating at a pressure of 125 psig (862 kPa) or above, shall not be raised or lowered without submitting a letter of intent at least 60 days prior to any proposed change of said certified operating pr…

(a) The pressure must be increased gradually, at a rate that can be controlled. (b) Prior to the first pressure increase and at the end of each incremental increase, the pressure must be held constant while the entire segment of the pipeline that is affected is leakage surveyed. …

(a) Unless the requirements of this section have been met, no person may subject any segment of a steel pipeline to a pressure that is 125 psig (862 kPa) or more and that is above the established maximum allowable operating pressure. (b) Before increasing the operating pressure a…

(a) Unless the requirements of this section have been met, no person may subject a segment of steel or plastic pipeline to a higher maximum allowable operating pressure that is less than 125 psig (862 kPa). (b) Increasing the maximum allowable operating pressure for cast iron, du…

Cast and ductile iron pipe is prohibited from use in new or replacement installations.

(a) New plastic pipe is qualified for use under this Part if: (1) when the pipe is manufactured, it is manufactured in accordance with the latest listed edition of a listed specification; and (2) it is resistant to chemicals with which contact may be anticipated. (b) Acrylonitril…

Sections 255.603 through 255.629 of this Part prescribe minimum requirements for the operation of pipeline facilities.

(a) No person may operate a segment of pipeline unless it is operated in accordance with this Part. (b) Each operator shall prepare and file a detailed written operating and maintenance plan for complying with all the provisions of this Part before operations of a pipeline system…

This section prescribes the minimum requirements for operator qualification and requalification of operator employees and contractor workers who perform covered tasks on a pipeline facility. (a) Each operator shall have and follow a written qualification program. The program shal…

Each operator shall include, as a minimum, the following in its operating and maintenance plan as applicable: (a) detailed instructions for employees covering operating and maintenance procedures during normal operations and repairs; (b) procedures required to be included by the …

At least once every five years or whenever an increase in population density indicates either a change in class location for a segment of an existing steel pipeline operating at a hoop stress that is more than 40 percent of SMYS, or that the hoop stress corresponding to the estab…

(a) Within 60 days after the required study is completed, the operator shall submit a program for redesigning and/or testing the respective pipeline segments, or appropriate reduction of the maximum certified operating pressures thereof, to conform to the respective then current …

(a) Each operator shall have a procedure for continuing surveillance of its facilities to determine and take appropriate action concerning changes in class location, failures, leakage history, corrosion, substantial changes in cathodic protection requirements, and other unusual o…