OISD STANDARD-226

FIRST EDITION
AUGUST 2007
FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION ONLY
No..

NATURAL GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINES

AND
CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

OISD STANDARD 226

OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE

Government of India
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

OISD-STD--226
FIRST EDITION
August2007
FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION ONLY
No..

NATURAL GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINES

AND
CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS
Prepared by :
COMMITTEE ON NATURAL GAS PIPELINES

OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE

7th Floor, New Delhi House
27, Barakhamba Road
New Delhi-110 001
ii

NOTE

Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) publications are prepared for use in the oil and gas
industry under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt. of India. These are the property of
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and shall not be reproduced or copied and loaned or
exhibited to others without written consent from OISD.
Though every effort has been made to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in
these documents, OISD hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or
damage resulting from their use.
These documents are intended only to supplement and not to replace the prevailing statutory
requirements.

iii

FOREWORD
Oil Industry in India is more than 100 years old. Over years, a variety of practices have been in
vogue because of collaboration / association with different foreign companies and governments.
Standardisation in design, operating and maintenance practices was hardly in existence at a
national level. This lack of uniformity, coupled with feed back from some serious accidents that
occurred in the recent past in India and abroad, emphasised the need for the industry to review
the existing state of art in designing, operating and maintaining oil and gas installations.
With this in view, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in 1986 constituted a Safety Council
assisted by the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) staffed from within the industry in
formulating and implementing a series of self regulatory measures aimed at removing
obsolescence, standardizing and upgrading the existing standards to ensure safer operations.
Accordingly, OISD constituted a number of functional committees comprising of experts
nominated from the industry to draw up standards and guidelines on various subjects.
The present document on Cross-country Natural Gas Pipelines and City Gas pipeline were
prepared by the Functional Committee on Natural Gas Pipelines. This document is based on
the accumulated knowledge and experience of functional committee members and various
national and international codes and best practices. This document is meant to be used as
supplement and not as a replacement for existing codes and practices.
This standard in no way supersedes the statutory requirements of bodies like IBR, CCE, Factory
Inspectorate or any other Government Body which must be followed as applicable.
This document will be reviewed periodically for improvements based on the new experiences and
better understanding. Suggestions may be addressed to:
The Co-ordinator
Committee on Cross-country LPG Pipelines,
Oil Industry Safety Directorate
7th Floor, New Delhi House
27, Barakhamba Road
New Delhi-110 001

iv

FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NAME
ORGANISATION
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LEADERS
Transmission Pipelines
Sh. Ashwani Soni
Engineers India Limited, New Delhi
City Gas Networks
Sh. Sadhan Banerjee

Gujarat Gas Company Limited, Ahmedabad

MEMBERS
Sh. V. K. Khanna

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Mumbai

Sh. J. P. Ojha

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Noida

Sh. Sanjeev Lowe

BP India Services Private Ltd, New Delhi

Sh. Joe Mcgowan

Gujarat Gas Company Limited, Ahmedabad

Sh. Abhirup Bhattacharya

Gujarat Gas Company Limited, Ahmedabad

Sh. Man Mohan Ahuja

Petronet LNG Limited, New Delhi

Sh. S. Sreenivasalu

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Mumbai

Sh. R.S. Sanyal

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Mumbai

Sh. Manoj Jain

Gail India Limited, New Delhi

Sh. A.K. Gumber

Gail India Limited, New Delhi

Sh. M.K. Malhotra

Engineers India Ltd., New Delhi

Sh. S. P. Singh

Reliance Industries Limited, Navi Mumbai

Sh. Sandeep Vyas

Reliance Industries Limited, Navi Mumbai

Sh. .C. M. Sharma

Oil Industry Safety Directorate, New Delhi

Sh. S.C. Gupta

Oil Industry Safety Directorate, New Delhi

MEMBER CO-ORDINATOR
SH. S. K. NANDY

Oil Industry Safety Directorate, New Delhi

In addition to the above, several other experts from the industry contributed in the preparation,
review and finalization of this document.
v

PART-1
STANDARD ON NATURAL GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINES
CONTENTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTER DESCRIPTION
PAGE NO.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

INTRODUCTION

SCOPE

DEFINITIONS

STATUTORY ACTS AND REGULATIONS

DESIGN

PIPELINE SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS

10

SAFETY DEVICES & FEATURES

15

8.

MATERIALS

17

CORROSION CONTROL

18

10

CONSTRUCTION

20

11

TESTING AND COMMISSIONING

25

12

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

28

13

SAFETY & FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

31

14

PIPELINE INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT

36

15

ABANDONMENT OF PIPELINE

36

16

MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE

37

17

DEFECT ASSESSMENT

37

18

REPAIR OF PIPELINE

37

19

REFERENCES

38-39

20.

ANNEXURES

40-43
vi

PART -II

CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

CONTENTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.NO.
DESCRIPTION
PAGE NO.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1.0

INTRODUCTION

45

2.0

SCOPE

45

3.0

DEFINITIONS

45

4.0

STATUTORY REGULATINS

46

5.0

LAYOUT & FACILITIES

47

6.0

LAYING OF PIPELINE

51

7.0

TESTING & COMMISSIONING

53

8.0

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

54

9.0

EMERGENCY PLAN AND PROCEDURE

57

10.0

TRAINING

58

11.0

RECORDS

58

12.0

REFERENCES

59

ANNEXURES
I

TYPICAL PIPED NATURAL GAS (PNG) DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

II

TYPICAL LAYOUT OF CITY GATE STATION (CGS)

III
IV.

60
61

TYPICAL LAYOUT OF PRESSURE REGULATION INSTALLATION 62

(PRI)
RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATION FOR DOMESTIC GAS PIPING
63-66

V.

DETAILS OF HOT TAPPING PROCEDURE

67

VI.

DETAILS OF ELECTRO FUSION JOINTING

68

vii

PART-I
NATURAL GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINES

1.0

INTRODUCTION

natural gas. Pipeline transporting

liquid petroleum is covered under
OISD-STD-141
and
Liquid
petroleum natural gas is covered
under OISD-STD-214.

There is an imminent need to

transport huge quantity of gas from
source to consumption centre
economically and this can be possible
only through building pipeline
infrastructure in the country with a
view to facilitating the evolvement of
nation-wide gas grid and the growth
of city or local gas distribution newt
works. Considering the importance of
use of natural gas in various industrial
and automotive sectors, major
developments in transportation &
distribution of natural gas through
pipeline systems are in vogue.

3.0

Authorized person
A person or representative of the
company trained and assigned to
carry out a specific job.
Cross country pipeline
Cross country pipeline means all
pipelines (including pipelines after
separator and / or processing plant
beyond isolation valves) and
facilities which are used for
transportation of Natural Gas from
one point to another except plant
piping within the limit of isolation
valves of the plant.

The primary purpose of this standard

is
to
establish
minimum
comprehensive norms for design,
materials, construction, inspection,
testing, commissioning operation and
maintenance, corrosion protection,
modifications, abandonment, safety
of transmission pipelines and city gas
pipelines and also for protection of
employees, public and facilities
against the hazard associated with
transportation and distribution of gas
through pipeline system.
2.0

DEFINITIONS

Consumer
The organization or individual to
whom Natural Gas is delivered
through the cross country pipeline.
Cold Work
It is an activity which does not
produce sufficient heat to ignite a
flammable mixture (mixture of
flammable gas with an oxidizing
agent ) or a flammable substance.

SCOPE
This standard outlines the minimum
requirement for safety in design,
construction, inspection, testing,
commissioning,
operation,
maintenance,
modifications,
abandonment, corrosion protection,
safety of onshore natural gas cross
country
pipelines
including
associated facilities and installations
as outlined in Annexure-I.

Chief Controller
Means Chief
Explosives.

Controller

of

Competent Authority
Any person authorized by Central
Government , by notification in the
official Gazette, to perform the
functions
of
the
competent
authority under the PMP Act1962.

This code does not apply to pipelines

transporting
liquid petroleum,
liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied

Competent Person :
A person recognized by the
concerned statutory authority for the
purpose in respect of which the
competency is required.

is any installation having compressor

between originating compressor
station and terminal / final / last
delivery station on the pipeline for
boosting the pressure of the gas so
that it reaches to next station.

Custody transfer meter

A gas measuring device which
measures the quantity and / or
energy of gas delivered from one
agency to another agency for
transfer of custody.

Intermediate Pigging Station (IPS)

An intermediate pigging station is an
installation having facility for
receiving and launching of pigs for
pipeline pigging operations .

Design Factor
It is percentage factor of Specified
minimum strength of the material
considered for determining wall
thickness based on location class of
the pipeline.

Maximum Allowable Operating

Pressure ( MAOP)
The maximum pressure at which the
pipeline is allowed to operate .
MAOP may be equal to the design
pressure.
Natural Gas : Means gas obtained
from bore holes and consisting
primarily of hydrocarbons
and
includes(i) gas in liquid state, namely
liquefied
natural gas and
regasified liquefied natural gas,
(ii) Compressed natural gas
(iii) Gas
imported
through
transnational
pipelines
including CNG or liquefied
natural gas
(iv) Gas recovered from gas
hydrates as natural gas
(v) Methane obtained from coal
seams namely coal bed
methane but does not include
helium occurring in association
with such hydrocarbons.

Design Pressure
The maximum internal pressure
which the pipeline can be subjected
to as determined by design
procedure applicable to materials
and locations involved.
Delivery Station
Delivery station is the station on the
pipeline used for receipt of natural
gas and delivery to consumer(s) /
city gate station.
Hot work
It is an activity which involves
welding, burning, soldering, brazing,
sand blasting, chipping by spark
producing tools, use of power driven
tools, non flame proof electrical
work including other work which
can produce sufficient energy to
cause ignition where potential
flammable mixture (mixture of
flammable gas with an oxidizing
agent ) or a flammable substance
exists.

Nominal Pipe Size

It indicates the standard pipe size
when followed by a number.
Nominal wall thickness
It is the thickness of the pipe used
in design calculation.

Intermediate Compressor Station

An intermediate compressor station

Onshore
Areas other than Offshore as defined

below, forming the scope of this

standard. Feeder lines from Jetty or
other storage point and spur lines
will form part of onshore pipeline.

Regassified Liquid Natural Gas

The natural gas obtained after
gasification of liquid natural gas.
Spur /Branch Pipeline
Those pipelines which emanate from
cross country pipeline for dedicated
industry and customer(s).

Offshore
Areas beyond the line of high water
along that portion of the coast that is
in direct contact with the open sea
and beyond the line marking the
seaward limit of inland coastal
waters.

Sectionalizing Valve (SV)

Valve used in the cross-country
pipeline system for isolation of a
particular pipeline section whenever
required.

Operating Company
The
organization owning and
operating Natural Gas cross country
pipeline system
for delivering
natural gas to various Consumer(s).

Specified Minimum Yield Strength

(SMYS)
It is the minimum yield strength
specified by specification or
standard under which material is
purchased from the manufacturer.

Originating Compressor Station

An originating compressor station is
the first installation having mainline
compressor for boosting the pressure
of the gas to be transported so that it
reaches to next station.

Shall
The word shall is used to indicate
that the provision is mandatory.
Should
The word should is used to indicate
that
the
provision
is
recommendatory as per sound
engineering practice.

Operating Pressure
It is the pressure corresponding to a
particular flow rate at which pipeline
is operated. Operating pressure is
less than or equal to MAOP.
Purging
It is the process of replacing the
atmospheric air within a container
(pipeline, vessels, filters etc) by an
inert substance in such a manner so
as to prevent the formation of
explosive mixture.

Terminal Station / Final Station

Terminal Station is the last station on
the pipeline used for receipt of
natural gas and
delivery
to
consumer(s) / city gate station.
4.0

Right of Use / Right of Way

The area or portion of land within
which the pipeline operator or owner
or company has acquired the right
through PMP Act1962
or in
accordance with the agreement with
the land owner or agency to lay and
operate the pipeline.

STATUTORY
ACTS
AND
REGULATIONS
Natural Gas pipeline and its
associated facilities are covered
under various regulations and
require specific approval from
concerned
authorities.
Various
regulations, interalia applicable are
as under:
i.
Petroleum and Natural Gas
Regulatory
Board

(PNGRB) Act2006.
ii. Policy for development of
Natural Gas Pipelines and
City or Local Natural gas
Distribution Netwroks.
iii. Guidelines
for
Environmental clearance of
new projects 1981
iv. The
Environment
(Protection ) Act -1986
v. Water ( Prevention &
Control of Pollution) Act
1974
vi. Air ( Prevention & Control
of Pollution) Act 1981
vii. The Petroleum and Mineral
Pipelines (Acquisition of
Right of Users in Land)
Act, 1962.
viii. Manufacture ,Storage &
Iimport
of
Hazardous
chemical Rules-1989
ix. National Highway Act,
1956
x. Railway Act , 1989
In addition all other statutory
approvals required for laying of
the pipelines across rail, road
and water body (canals/rivers
etc.) crossings and other utility
crossings as notified by local
authorities / State etc shall be
applicable.
5.0

operation, a programme of
condition
monitoring
and
maintenance
should
be
undertaken to ensure integrity is
maintained.
The selection of design for
pipeline system shall be based
on the following evaluation of
the properties and required flow
rate of the fluid to be
transported, together with the
environment in which the
pipeline is to be installed.
a) Gas composition including
hydrogen sulphide , oxygen
and water vapour content
b) Sweet or sour natural gas,
single or multiphase flow
conditions.
c) Operating pressures and
temperatures.
d) Type of Pipeline System
(Gathering/Transmission/Di
stribution/Service lines).
e) Location class through
which pipeline shall pass.

DESIGN
The pipelines shall be designed
in a manner that ensures
adequate public safety under all
conditions
likely
to
be
encountered during operating
conditions. All materials and
equipment shall be selected to
ensure safety and suitability for
the condition of use.
The initial integrity of the
pipeline is established through
proper design, material selection
and
sound
construction
practices. After the pipeline has
been commissioned and is in

5.1

Pipeline Design
Design of Natural Gas pipeline
shall be in accordance with
ASME B31.8

5.1.1

A design Life of pipeline shall

be considered by the owner for
designing various system and
facilities beyond which pipeline
system can be considered for
abandonment. The life of
pipeline can be extended
beyond the design life subject to
satisfying the comprehensive
pipeline integrity test.

5.1.2

All necessary calculations shall

be carried out to verify structural
integrity and stability of the
pipeline for the combined effect
of
pressure,
temperature,
bending, soil/pipe interaction,
external
loads
and
other

environmental parameters as
applicable, during all phases of
work from installation to
operation. Such calculations
shall include but not limited to
the following:

installations. Pipelines and its

associated facilities shall be
designed
to
meet
the
requirements of Location Class.
The design of the pipeline is
related to the Location class by
an appropriate design factor as
per para 5.2.1. Determination of
location class shall be done in
accordance with Annexure- II.

a) Buoyancy
control
and
stability analysis for pipeline
section to be installed in
areas
subjected
to
flooding/submergence,
b) Crossing analysis of rivers by
trenchless
techniques,
wherever soil data is
favorable for such operation,
c) Evaluation of potential for
earthquake occurrence along
pipeline route and carrying
out requisite seismic analysis
to ensure safety and integrity
of the pipeline system.
5.1.3

5.1.4

A significant factor contributing

to the failure of a pipeline is the
damage caused to the pipeline by
activities along the route of the
pipeline associated with human
dwellings
and
commercial/industrial

Design Temperature
Pipelines shall be designed for
the following temperature limits
(i) Above ground - Maximum :
65o C ; Minimum: (-) 29o C
(ii) Below ground- Maximum :
60o C ; Minimum: (-) 29o C
Design shall also consider the
temperature of natural gas
proposed to be transported
through the pipeline. When the
maximum design temperature
exceeds 120o C ( 250o F),
particular attention shall be given
to tensile properties of the
material to ensure that the
derating factor for temperature is
adequate as per Table-1 below.

Table -1
Gas Temperature in degree Celsius Temperature derating factor (T)
(Fahrenheit)
Less than 120 o C ( 250 o F)
1.000
120 o C ( 250 o F) to 149 o C ( 300 o F)
0.967
o
o
o
o
149 C ( 300 F) to177 C ( 350 F)
0.933
177 o C ( 350 o F) to 204 o C ( 400 o F)
0.900
o
o
o
o
204 C ( 400 F) to 230 C ( 450 F)
0.867
For intermediate gas temperatures, the derating factor is determined by interpolation.

5.2

Design of Components

D = Specified outside diameter of the

pipe, in mm;
S= Specified minimum yield strength
(SMYS) in N/mm2 of pipe
material;
F=Design factor obtained from Table 2;
E= Longitudinal joint factor, which for
electric resistance welded (ERW),
longitudinal seam submerged arc
welded (LSAW), helical seam
submerged arc welded (HSAW)
and seamless types of pipes,
manufactured in accordance with
API5L and considered as 1;
T = Temperature derating factor to be
used in design formula is
determined from Table- 1 above;

5.2.1 Steel Pipe

The least nominal wall thickness t
for the steel pipe, shall be calculated
in accordance with ASME B 31.8.
The internal design pressure shall be
determined by the following formula
t

P x D
2xSxFxExT

Where
t = Nominal wall thickness, in mm;
P= Internal design pressure, in N/mm2.
Table -2

DESIGN FACTORS FOR STEEL PIPE CONSTRUCTION

Facility
Location Class
1
2
3
Pipelines, mains, and service lines
0.72
0.60
0.50
Crossings of roads, without casing:
(a)
Unimproved public roads
0.60
0.60
0.50
(b)
Roads, highways, or public
streets, with hard surface
0.50
0.50
0.50
Crossings of roads, with casing:
(a) Unimproved public roads
0.72
0.60
0.50
(b) Roads, highways, or public
streets, with hard surface
0.60
0.50
0.50
(c)
Railway crossings
0.50
0.50
0.50
Pipelines on bridges
0.50
0.50
0.50
Parallel Encroachment of pipeline mains
0.60
0.60
0.50
River Crossing- open cut
0.60
0.50
0.50
Horizontal direction Drilling (HDD)
0.50
0.50
0.50
Compressor station piping & other
0.50
0.50
0.50
intermediate stations including SVs
Near concentration of people in Location
0.50
0.50
0.50
Classes 1 and 2 *

4
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.40
0.40

In setting the values of the design factor, F, due consideration has been given and allowance
has been made for the various under thickness tolerances provided for in the pipe
specifications listed and approved for usage in this Code.
The pipe wall thickness less than 6.4 mm should not be used for cross country pipelines.
Pipe diameter 4 and above shall be used in cross country pipelines.
- Near concentration in Class 1 and 2 means places of public assembly (school, temple,
7

 church, hospital, club etc) used by 20 or more people frequently.

5.2.2 Pipe Wall Thickness
Pipe wall thickness calculations
shall be carried out as per clause
5.2.1 and a corrosion allowance as
per the requirements of the owner
of the pipeline may be added to the
calculated
thickness.
Pipe
thickness shall be checked and
revised as required to minimize the
number of field hydrostatic testing
sections, considering combined
testing of pipes in different class
locations. In addition the selected
thickness shall also be checked to
ensure that the diameter to
thickness (D/t) ratio does not
exceed 96 in order to avoid
damage to pipe during handling
and transportation, unless the pipes
are
loaded/transported
in
accordance with API 5L1 or API
5LW.
5.2.4

5.2.5.2 Anti-buoyancy Measure

For water crossings and marshy
areas, suitable anti-buoyancy
measures such as concrete
weight coating shall be provided.
The specific gravity of the same
shall be minimum 1.2.
5.2.6

Additional Protective measures

5.2.5.1 While designing the pipeline

system, the design engineer shall
provide reasonable protection to
prevent damage to the pipeline
from unusual external conditions.
Some of the protective measures

Corrosion
All underground and above ground
pipes and its components shall be
protected against corrosion inline
with para 9.0 of this standard.

Stresses & Analysis

The hoop, longitudinal, shear,
bending, torsional and other stresses
shall be calculated taking into
account all relevant loads. The
stress analysis shall be carried out
in accordance with the appropriate
provisions
of ASME B 31.8.
Wherever required, the adequacy of
flexibility provided in the pipeline
shall be established through
appropriate design calculations as
specified
in
flexibility
requirements.

5.2.5

which the design engineer may

provide are encasing the carrier
pipe with steel casing pipe of
larger diameter; adding concrete
protective coating; increasing the
wall thickness of the pipe;
lowering the pipeline to a greater
depth and/or indicating the
presence of the pipeline with
additional warning signs/markers.

5.3

Installation Layout

5.3.1 Location
The information on following
aspects are required to be
considered for finalising location
of pipeline compressor station, tapoff station , Intermediate pigging
station and SV stations.
(i) Location of tap-off facilities
with the pipeline system
compatible with zoning, land
use and land development.
(ii)

Environmental consideration
based on Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA)
and Risk Analysis (RA)
study for the pipeline and
stations.

(iii) The hazop and risk analysis

and mitigation measures
thereof.
(iv)

The availability of space for

future
augmentation
of
facilities.

(v)

Approachability, water table

and storm water arrangement

(vi)

Availability of electrical
power

movement
equipment.

ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.

5.3.3

Location of compressor station

The compressor station should be
located at such clear distances
from adjacent property not under
control of the company as to
minimize
the
hazard
of
communication of fire to the
compressor station from structures
on adjacent property. Sufficient
open space should be provided
around
the
Compressor
shed/building to permit the free

fighting

Separation Distances
Inter-distances for various station
facilities and utilities shall be as
per ANNEXURE - III.

5.3.5

Piping layout
Wherever possible, piping shall be
located above the ground. Piping
shall be designed considering skin
temperature of piping material
under empty conditions as 65 C or
the design temperature of pipeline,
whichever is higher. Buried piping
inside the terminal area shall have a
minimum depth of cover of 1.2 m.
Where buried pipes come out of the
ground, the underground coating on
the pipe will continue for a length
of at least 300 mm above ground.
Platforms and crossovers shall be
provided for ease of operation and
maintenance.

5.4

Protection of Facilities

5.4.1

Properly laid out roads around

various facilities shall be provided
within the installation area for
smooth access of fire tenders etc in
case of emergency.

5.4.2

Proper industry type boundary wall

at least 3 M high with 0.6 M barbed
wire on top shall be provided all
around the installation i.e dispatch
station, compressor station, tap-off
points and sectionalizing valve
stations in line with MHA
( Ministry of Home Affairs)
guidelines.

5.4.3

Emergency exit with proper gate

shall be provided in the earmarked
zone wherever required.

5.4.4

Natural Gas pipeline system should

be equipped with following:

The following aspects shall be

considered while establishing station
layout
Station equipment and their
specification.
P&I diagram for the station.
Utility requirement.
Flaring / Venting wherever
required.
Operation & maintenance
philosophy
of
station
equipment.
Fire station & allied facility
wherever required.
Over head power lines shall
not pass over license area.
HT
Pole
structure,
Transformers, Breaker and
MCC room etc to be located
in non hazardous area.

fire

5.3.4

5.3.2 Layout

i.

of

a)
(1) Supervisory Control And Data
Acquisition (SCADA) System.
(2) Leak detection system with
provision for identification /
location of leak and isolation
of affected section.
(3) Facilities for controlled flaring.
(4) Accessories & kit for arresting
leak
5.5

SCADA REQUIREMENTS

5.5.1 The pipeline should be monitored and

controlled from SCADA system to
ensure effective and reliable control,
management and supervision of the
pipeline.
5.5.2 All remote SV stations, IPS, dispatch
& receiving stations will have
suitable field signals connectivity
with SCADA.
5.5.3 Application software modules/
functions shall be based on the
requirement of pipeline operating
company.
6.0

PIPELINE
SYSTEM
COMPONENTS

6.1

Isolation Valves
Isolation valve shall be provided for
isolating sections of pipeline in order
to:

Location Class
1
2
3
4

&

b)

Limit the hazard and damage

from accidental discharge from
pipeline system;
Facilitate maintenance of
pipeline system.

6.1.1 Station Block valves

Block valves with remote shut off
provision from the control room
shall be provided at the boundary of
station pipeline inlet and outlet
locations to isolate the station
facility.
6.1.2

Mainline
Block
Valves
/
Sectionalizing Valves
Sectionalizing valves shall be
installed
where
required
for
operation and maintenance and
control of emergencies. Factors such
as topography of the location, ease
of operation and maintenance
including requirements for pressure
relief, security, proximity to
occupied buildings shall be taken
into consideration in deciding the
location of the valves. The
maximum distance between the
location of any two section isolation
valve stations shall be as given in
Table -3 below, based on the location
class and taking into consideration
factors like the terrain features,
requirement of safety and operation,
etc.

Table - 3
Maximum Distance in km
32
24
16
8

Note : Based on the above location class no. of Block / Sectionalizing valves
to be installed shall be worked out. Valve spacing adjustments should not
exceed 10% of the applicable distances listed above (due to non availability of
land). However, the total number of valves as per the design requirement shall
remain same.

6.1.3 Sectionalizing valves shall be

installed on upstream and down
stream of perennial river crossings
and public water supply reservoirs.
6.1.4

6.1.5

The valve stations shall be located at

a readily accessible location such as
near roads and shall be provided
with an access road from the nearest
all weather metalled road. The
facilities within valve station shall
be secured by providing a suitable
boundary
wall
around
the
installation with a gate.. The location
of valve station shall be clear of
overhead power lines. Pipeline to be
located within the section isolation
valve station limits shall be of wall
thickness appropriate for the
applicable Location Class, but in no
case shall be less than that applicable
for Location Class 3. The provisions
of remote operated feature shall be
as per the operation and control
philosophy to be adopted for the
pipeline. At locations where valve
stations
are
combined
with
compressor/repeater stations, the
requirements of safe distance and
statutory clearance, as applicable,
shall be followed.
Valve shall be installed buried and
provided with a stem extension in
such a way that the center of
actuator is at approximately 1.0 m
above the finished ground level
considering ease of operation.
Sectionalizing valve on the main
pipeline shall preferably be ball
valves of full bore type conforming
to the minimum requirements of API
6D / ISO-14313.

6.1.6 Pipeline sectionalizing valve may be

either
gas
actuated
or
manually/electrically/pneumatically/h
ydraulically operated. In order to
minimize potential leak sources,

valves used in mainline shall be with

butt-weld ends. Flanges may be used
where frequent access or removal of
equipment is required. Valves used in
buried portion shall be with butt weld
joints only, except at the locations
where hot tapping operation is to be
carried out for which, buried flanged
end valve may be provided. Valve
surface shall be provided with
corrosion protection coating.
6.1.7

Sectionalizing
Valve(s) shall be
provided with blow down or vent
line
connection to isolate the
pipeline section and evacuate the
pipeline section in case of an
emergency and repair. The size and
capacity of the connections for
blowing down the line shall be such
that under emergency condition the
section of line can be vented as
rapidly as practicable.

6.1.8 All joints between the mainline pipe

and the first valve, including the
inlet to first valve , should be welded
in order to restrict possible future
leakage which can not be isolated by
the closure of the valve.
6.2
6.2.1

Pigging Facilities
The pipelines shall be designed to
meet the requirements for pigging
considering the following:
a) location of the permanent pig
traps
or
connections
for
temporary pig traps;
b) access to the pig traps;
c) handling facilities;
d) isolation requirements necessary
for pig launching and receiving;
e) venting
and
draining
requirements
for
precommissioning and operation;
f) direction of pigging including bidirectional pigging;

g) minimum permissible bend

radius and the distances between
bends/fittings;
h) maximum permissible changes
in diameter and tapering
requirements at internal diameter
changes;
j) fittings/branch connections and
compatibility of line pipe
material;
k) internal coatings; and
m) pig signallers.

and receiving barrels and its closures

shall be designed in accordance with
ASME or equivalent standard.
Arrangements
for
launching,
retraction, handling and lifting of
pigs, cleaning and instrumented pigs
shall be provided at the scraper
station. These stations shall be
provided with access road from the
nearest metal road.
6.2.3

Barrel for the launcher shall be at

least 2 sizes higher than main pipe
size and receiver barrel shall be at
least 3 sizes higher. Centerline
elevation of scraper trap shall be at
least 1 mtr higher from grade level.

6.2.4

Pigging stations shall be provided at

intervals as required for the
techniques being used for internal
inspection. However, in no case the
distance between two pigging station
shall be more than 200 kms.

6.3

Bends
The minimum radius of Cold Field
Bend shall be as per Table -4 below:

The safety of access routes and

adjacent
facilities
shall
be
considered when determining the
orientation of pig traps.
6.2.2 Scraper Traps/Scraper Barrels
The scraper traps shall be capable of
handling intelligent pigs and other
cleaning pigs. In case of feeder
pipelines , spur lines and branch
pipelines lines more than 10 kms
shall be provided with pigging
facility. All anticipated pigging
operations,
including
possible
internal
inspection
shall
be
considered when determining the
dimensions of traps. The launching

Table 4
Minimum Radius of Cold Field Bends
Nominal Pipe Size (inch)

Minimum Radius of Bend in Pipe Diameter

NPS 12 and below

NPS 16 and smaller
NPS 18 and larger

21D
30 D
40 D

Use of Mitre bends shall not be permitted.

6.4

Insulating Joints
Insulating joints shall be provided to
electrically isolate the buried
pipeline from the above ground
pipeline. Insulating joints shall be

monolithic type and shall allow

smooth passage of pigs. Insulating
joints shall be installed in above
ground
portion
of
pipeline,
immediately after the buried /above
ground transition point.

6.5

6.6

6.7

6.8

Check valves
Check Valves shall be installed to
provide automatic blockage of
reverse flow in the piping system,
within
the
station, wherever
required.
Flow/Pressure Control Valve
Design of control valves shall meet
the requirement of part I of API
550 / API-RP-553 , ISA ( Instrument
Society of America) S- 75.01 -75.03,
IEC -79 and IEC-529.
Branch Connections
Minimum size of any tapping from
the underground pipeline shall be of
50 mm nominal bore and shall be
provided with an isolation ball valve
located at a minimum distance of 50
mm from the pipeline. All branch
connections or side tap on the
piggable lines having branch line
diameter equal to or exceeding 40
percent of the main pipe diameter,
shall be provided with flow tees/bar
tees in order to enable smooth
passage of cleaning, gauging,
instrumented and other pigs. All
flow tees/bar tees shall comply with
the requirements of ASME B 16.9,
MSS-SP-75 or equivalent.

reinforced gaskets shall not be used.

6.8.4 Steel butt welding fittings shall
comply with ANSI 16.9 / MSS-SP75 or equivalent. Steel socket
welding fittings shall comply with
ANSI B 16.11.
6.9

Metering facilities
Positive displacement meters ,
turbine meters or equivalent
measuring device and their proving
facilities shall be designed and
installed at all stations except
sectionalizing valve stations. Dry
gas filters shall be installed at the
upstream of the meters.

6.10

Supports and Anchors

Supports and anchors shall be
fabricated
from
durable
incombustible
materials.
Each
support on the above ground piping
system shall comply with the
following:
(i)

(ii)

Flanged or threaded joints, Bolts,

Nuts , Gasket and other fittings

6.8.1 Threaded joints shall not be used in

cross country pipelines, spur lines
and branch lines. The number of
flanged or threaded joints for station
piping shall be to the extent
minimum. The threaded joints, after
tightening, may be seal welded.
Flanges shall conform to ANSI 16.5
or ASME B 16.47 or MSS-SP 44 or
equivalent.
6.8.3 The flange joint shall have either
spiral wound metallic gaskets or ring
joints. Plain asbestos sheet /

6.11

If the pipe is designed to

operate at a hoop stress of less
than 50% of SMYS, supports
or anchors shall be directly
welded to the pipe.
If the pipe is designed to
operate at a hoop stress level of
50% or more of SMYS,
Structural support shall not be
welded directly to the pipe.
Support shall be provided by a
member that encircles the pipe
and encircling member shall be
welded
to
the
pipe
continuously and cover the
entire circumference.

Electrical Installations of Pipeline

Station

6.11.1 Area Classification of Pipeline

Installation, as basis for Selection
of Electrical Equipment for Natural
Gas Pipeline Station shall follow

IS-5572 and OISD STD-113

standards . The specification of
Electrical equipments shall be in
line with IS : 5571, Guide for
selection of Electrical Equipment
for Hazardous Area. Safety in
electrical system to be designed as
per OISD-RP-149. Fire protection
in Electrical installations shall be
designed as per OISD-STD-173.
6.11.2 All electrical equipment, systems,
structures and fencing shall be
suitable earthed conforming to IS
3043. The earthing system shall
have an earthing network grid with
required number of electrodes. All
Electrical equipment operating
above 250 volts shall have two
separate and distinct connections to
earth grids. Separate earthing grid
shall be provided for instrument and
electrical power.
Lightning
protection shall be provided as per
the requirements of IS:2309. Self
conducting structures having metal
thickness of more than 4.8 mm
may not require lightning protection
with aerial rod and down
conductors. They shall, however,
be connected to the earthing
system, at least, at two points at the
base in line with OISD-STD-173.
6.12

6.13

Instrument and Control System

Instrumentation and control system
for the Pipeline system in totality
shall meet the requirement as per
API Standard API-RP-551 to APIRP-556 "Manual on Installation of
Refinery Instruments and Control
Systems.
Communications
A
reliable
and
dedicated
communications system to interact
between all stations including
sectionalizing valve station across
the entire pipe line shall be

designed
and
installed
and
maintained
to
ensure
safe
operations under both normal and
emergency situations.
6.14

COMPRESSOR STATION

6.14.1

Compressor Design
The compressor station shall be
designed in accordance with the
requirements of ASME B 31.8.
Centrifugal type process gas
compressors shall be designed in
accordance
with
API-617.
Reciprocating Compressors shall
be designed in accordance with
API-618 and other compressors
shall be designed in accordance
with API-11P.
Compressor station shall consist of
following:

6.14.1.1 Compressor Piping

The gas piping for compressor
station shall be designed in
accordance with Para 5.2 of this
standard.
The
piping
for
auxiliary
components
including
air,
lubricating oil & hydraulic power
piping etc. shall be designed in
accordance with ASME B 31.3,
API 614 and other applicable
codes.
6.14.1.2 Feed Gas Compression System
Facilities shall be provided for
compressing the feed gas using
centrifugal
compressors
upto
required pressure level. Coolers
shall be installed to bring down the
feed gas temperature to desired
level before it is introduced in the
down stream pipeline.

6.14.1.3 Fuel Gas Treatment System

The fuel gas treatment system
shall meet fuel gas quality
requirements of gas turbines. The
various facilities shall include
filter separator unit, condensate
handling system & fuel gas
conditioning system etc. including
gas measurement system, gas
heating system ( if required for
gas engines) & pressure control
system. The fuel gas conditioning
system shall also meet the
requirements specified by OEM
(Original
Equipment
Manufacturer) before its use in
gas turbines for generation of
power.
6.14.1.4

ASME
Section VIII of the
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
6.14.1.6

Condensate handling system:

Facilities shall be provided for
removal of condensate received
in the form of liquid as impurity
in the filter separator. Liquid
accumulated in separator shall
be sent to blow down drum
when required

6.14.2

Building / Shed Requirements

The compressor station should
have have following main
buildings/sheds, in general:(i)

Power Generation System

(ii)
The compressor station shall
have its own gas based power
generation system or an alternate
power supply system. In
addition, minimum one diesel
generator shall be provided to
meet the emergency power
requirement in case of failure of
normal power supply system.

6.14.1.5

Instrument
System

and

Plant

(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)

All compressor station buildings

which house gas piping in sizes
larger than NPS-2 or gas
handling equipment shall be
constructed in accordance with
OISD-STD-163.

Air

The compressor station shall

have an instrument air supply
system
for
instrumentation
system, control valves and seal
air system etc. and plant air
system. For SV stations and IP
stations gas at instrument air
pressure can be used. Electrical
motor driven or diesel driven air
compressors shall be used. Air
receivers, air storage bottles and
instrument air dryer units shall
be provided. Air receivers or air
storage shall be designed and
installed in accordance with

A
compressor
building/shed to house the
compressors.
Switchgear building for
electric power.
Power
generator
building/shed.
Workshop building.
Warehouse store.
Office building.
Control room building.

6.14.3 Typical layout of compressors

stations
is
enclosed
at
Annexure- IV
7.0

SAFETY
DEVICES
&
FEATURES
The safety system for compression
facilities and gas transportation
system shall consist of following:

7.1

Emergency Shutdown Facilities for

compressors

7.1.1. Compressor station shall be provided

with an emergency shutdown system
by means of which the gas can be
vented out of the system. Operation
of the emergency shutdown system
shall also shutdown all gas
compressing equipments, all gas
fired equipment, gas delivery system
and shall de-energize the electrical
facilities located in the vicinity of
gas headers and in the compressor
shed, except those that provide
emergency lighting and those that
are necessary for protection of the
equipment.
7.1.2 Emergency shutdown system shall be
operable from at least 2 locations
away from the gas area of the station
out of which one should be located
in the field out side the compressor
building.
7.2

Pressure limiting devices

7.2.1

Over pressure shut off valves shall

be provided upstream and down
stream of controlling regulators
along with alarm provision incase of
failure of the regulator.

7.2.2

Pipe size shall be such that gas

velocities in the piping shall not be
more than 20 mtr / sec for unfiltered
gas and 40 mtr/ sec for filtered gas at
peak condition. Sound pressure level
shall
be the maximum limit
prescribed by environment dept.

7.2.3

Any equipment or section of the

pipeline containing Natural Gas in
the form of trapped volume shall be
protected against excessive pressure
developed due to rise in surrounding
temperature by installing Thermal
Relief Valves (TRVs). The discharge
of TRVs shall be connected to vent
line system . All TRVs shall have
lock open type isolation valves on
both sides of safety valve.

7.2 4

Pressure safety valves or other

devices of sufficient capacity and
sensitivity shall be installed to
ensure that the normal operating
pressure of the system does not
exceeded by more than 10%, or the
maximum
allowable
operating
pressure by more than 2 kg / Cm2.

7.3

Vent Lines

7.3.1

Vent line shall be designed and

installed to exhaust the gas from
relief valves to atmosphere in
accordance with OISD-STD-106 .
Blow down piping connected to vent
line shall extend to location where
the discharge of gas shall not create
a hazard to the compressor station or
the surrounding area.

7.3.2 The discharge from safety valve shall

be vented vertically upwards to
atmosphere at an elevation of 3
meter (minimum) above grade or the
tallest structure within a radius of 15
metre which ever is higher for
effective dispersion of hydrocarbons.
In this case, isolation valves on
down stream of PSVs are not
required.
7.4
7.4.1

7.4.2

Fuel gas control

An automatic device designed to
shut off the fuel gas when the gas
engine/turbine
stops shall be
provided
on
each
gas
Engine/turbine
operating
with
pressure gas injection. The engine
distribution manifold shall be
automatically
vented
simultaneously.
All fuel gas lines within a
compressor station shall be
provided with master shutoff valve
located outside of the building. An
automatic device designed to shut

off the fuel gas when the engine

stops shall be provided on each gas
engine operating with pressure gas
injection.
7.5

Station bye pass

Compressor station bye pass system
shall be provided to facilitate flow of
gas in the pipeline without entering
the compressor station.

7.6

All gas compressor units shall be

equipped with shutdown or alarm
devices to operate in the event of
inadequate cooling or lubrication of
the units.

7.7

All compressor buildings or

Compressors skids shall have fixed
gas detectors to detect leakage of gas
inside the unit and generate alarm
and trip signals for the unit in case
the gas concentration in air is more
than 20% of lower explosive limit.

7.8 Ultra Violet & Heat detectors shall be

installed in the compressor buildings
or compressors skids to initiate shut
down of the unit, isolation of the
compartment and release of clean
agent inside the unit in the event of
occurrence of fire.

7.10
.
7.11

8.0

Conventional break glass type fire

alarm system shall be installed at all
strategic locations of the stations.
Fire water network with fire
hydrants, long range monitors and
fire water storage shall be provided
inline with clause 13.0.
MATERIALS

8.1

General
Materials for use in the pipeline
system shall comply with the design
requirements and be suitable for the
intended fabrication and / or
construction methods.

8.2

Steel Pipe
Line Pipe for use in Natural Gas
Pipeline System shall be Seamless,
Electric
Welded
(EW)
or
Longitudinal/Helical Submerged Arc
Welded (LSAW/HSAW) conforming
to Line Pipe Specification API 5L
(PSL-2) or equivalent.

8.3 Carbon Equivalent

7.9 Smoke detectors shall be installed in the

control room of compressor station
building, cable trenches in electrical
sub station to initiate alarm in case
of detection of smoke.

Maximum
limits
on
Carbon
Equivalent for Steel line pipes shall be
as follows:
CE(Pcm) :
0.20
CE (IIW) :
0.40
Carbon Equivalent shall be calculated
based on the formula given below:

For Carbon content less than or equal to 0.12%,

CE (Pcm) =

C + Si + Mn + Cu + Ni + Cr + Mo + V + 5B
30
20
20
60
20
15
10
If heat analysis indicate that boron content is less than 0.01%, then product analysis need
not include boron.
For Carbon content more than 0.12%,
CE = C +

Mn + (Cr + Mo +V) + Ni + Cu

15

8.4 Mill Hydrotest

Mill Hydrostatic Testing of line pipe is
recommended as 95% of SMYS
irrespective of grade of pipe material.
The pressure hold period shall be
minimum for 15 sec.
8.5

Notch Toughness Requirements

For steel pipes and associated steel
components of size 2" NPS and larger,
Notch toughness values shall be
determined to provide protection
against
fracture
initiation
and
propagation. Notch toughness values
(minimum absorbed energy values)
shall be specified based on the design
operating stress and the minimum
design temperature.
For steel pipes smaller than 2" NPS
and steel valves, fittings and flanges
smaller than 2" NPS, proven notch
toughness
properties
are
not
mandatory.

8.6 Fracture Toughness

Fracture toughness requirements shall
be met in the material being used in the
pipeline and by selecting appropriate
materials that satisfy the requirements
of fatigue toughness stipulated in
ASME B 31.8.
8.7
8.7.1

Requirements for Sour Gas Service

Gaseous hydrocarbon shall be
considered as sour inline with NACE
Standard MR-01-75. At lower
concentrations of H2S, as the
presence of other constituents in the
gas e.g. CO2 and salts in water etc.
can
also cause stress corrosion,
hence the concentration of such
constituents shall also be evaluated in
gaseous hydrocarbon.

8.7.2 All materials, used in sour gas service,

shall conform to the material

requirements specified in NACE

Standard MR-01-75. Depending upon
service and materials involved,
additional tests for Sulphide Stress
Corrosion Cracking (SSCC) and
Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC),
as specified in NACE Standards MR01-75 and TM-02-84 respectively,
should also be conducted for long &
short term behavior of material under
corrosive environments.
8.7.3 Line pipes made of Cast iron are not
permitted
to
be
used
for
transportation of sour gas.
9.0

CORROSION CONTROL

9.1

General
All above ground and buried
pipelines
shall
be adequately
protected against corrosion.
(a) Above ground pipes shall be
protected from atmospheric
corrosion by suitable coating or
paint. Above ground sections of
pipelines shall be electrically
isolated from the buried
pipeline sections. This will
however be, not applicable at
over ground pipe section in
suspension crossings and bridge
crossings along the mainline,
where the pipeline shall be
electrically continoius.
(b) Buried pipes likely to be
affected by external corrosion
should
be
protected
by
combination of anticorrosion
coatings
and
cathodic
protection.
For plant piping, depending upon the
requirement underground piping
should be protected by anti-

corrosion coating and / or cathodic

protection system.
9.2

External Corrosion

9.2.1 External coating for underground

pipeline
Anticorrosion coating shall be
selected reflecting the varying ground
conditions
found
during
soil
resistivity survey carried out along
the pipeline route. Coating shall be
selected based on following criteria:
(i)

Electrically isolate the external

surface of the pipeline system
from the environment.
(ii) Sufficient
adhesion
to
effectively resist underfilm
migration of moisture.
(iii) Sufficient ductility to prevent
cracking.
(iv) Strength to resist damage due to
handling & soil stress.
(v) Be compatible with Cathodic
Protection System.
9.2.2 All coatings shall cover the
following requirements:
a) type of the coating;
b) thickness of the individual layers
of coating and its total thickness;
c) composition of the coating/base
material;
d) mechanical properties;
e) temperature limitations in use;
f) surface preparation
requirements;
g) adhesion
requirements for
materials, application
and
curing,
including
possible
requirements for health, safety
and environmental aspects and
requirements for testing and
inspection, and repair procedures
where relevant.
9.2.3

Field joint coating

The field joints shall be protected with

a coating material that is compatible
with the line pipe coating material.
The coating shall be such that it can be
easily applied in field conditions. The
coating shall be carried out with heat
shrink wrap around sleeves or cold
tape or any other suitable type of
coating .
9.2.5 Cathodic Protection System:
In addition to protective coating,
buried pipelines shall also be
provided with cathodic protection
system. CP system shall be designed
in accordance with NACE-RP-0169.
a) During
construction
period
pipeline shall be protected by
temporary sacrificial anode
based
cathodic
protection
system.
This may not be
provided in case Permanent
Cathodic Protection system is
provided within 6 months of start
of pipeline construction.
b) Permanent Cathodic protection
system i.e. Sacrificial anode or
impressed current shall be
brought into operation as soon as
possible
following
pipeline
construction.
c) For Impressed Current Cathodic
Protection System, it shall be
ensured that continuous power
supply is maintained in cathodic
protection system.
d) Test leads points (TLPs) shall be
installed at 1 km interval and at
all crossings on pipeline for
taking electrical measurements
to indicate adequacy of the CP
system.
e) Test lead points shall not be
attached to the pipe by brazing.
Thermit welding or other
suitable methods shall be used.

Cathodic protection shall be

such that it does not damage the
protective coating, pipe or
components.
9.2.6

level, unless construction above

ground is found to be desirable for
exceptional technical, economic or
topographical reasons. Construction
plan shall be prepared before
commencement of construction to
assist in control of the work. The plan
shall contain a description of the
construction; the health, safety and
environment plan; and the quality
requirements,
personnel
and
equipments
required
for
the
construction and working procedures.
All facilities, which include existing
roads and railways, rivers/canals,
footpaths, pipelines, cables and
buildings and are affected by the
construction of the pipelines shall be
identified prior to the beginning of
the work. Temporary provisions and
safety measures necessary to protect
the identified facilities during
construction should be established.
All safety precautions during
construction shall be followed as
specified in OISD-GDN-192, OISDSTD-147 .

Electric Interference
a)

b)

c)

d)

The anode beds shall be

located such that there is
minimum interference to the
existing underground metallic
structures.
The pipeline shall be protected
against stray DC or AC current
induced corrosion by providing
metallic
bonds,
increased
cathodic
protection,
supplementary
protective
coatings, insulating flanges or
galvanic anodes or such other
methods
as
technically
required.
Protective devices shall be
provided to protect against
lighting, induced voltage at
HT pipeline crossings and stray
current
interference
from
foreign objects.
Pipelines laid or proposed to be
laid parallel to an AC
transmission supply line / DC
traction, shall have suitable
protective devices installed to
reduce induced potential to
acceptable
level.
During
construction special protection
shall be taken to minimise
possible effects of alternating
current potentials.

9.2.7 Safety devices in line with NACERP-01-77 shall be installed for

preventing the damage to the CP
system of pipeline due to lightning or
fault currents when the pipeline is
installed near electric transmission
tower footings, ground cables etc.
10.0 CONSTRUCTION
10.1 Pipelines shall be buried below ground

10.2

Excavation
In cultivable land and other areas
specifically designated, the top soil
on the pipeline trench top width shall
be excavated and stored separately.
This top soil shall be replaced in
original position after backfilling and
compacting the rest of the trench. The
width of trench shall be such that a
minimum clear distance of 200mm
for trench in normal soil and 300mm
for trench in rock is maintained
between edge of pipe and the trench
wall at the bottom of trench.

10.3 Minimum Cover For Buried

Pipelines
All buried pipelines shall be installed
below the ground level in line with
the Minimum Cover for Buried
Pipelines, as specified in Table 5

below:
Table 5
Minimum Cover Requirements for Pipelines
Sl No.

Locations

Minimum Cover
In Mtr

ii)

Areas of agricultural, hoticultural activity,

limited or no human activity, Industrial,
commercial and residential area
Rocky terrain

iii)

Drainage, ditches at roads/railway crossing

1.2

iv)

Minor river crossings/canal /drain/nala/ditches

1.5

v)

Major river crossings (below scour level)

2.5

vi)

River with rocky bed (below scour level)

1.5

vii)

Area under influence of tides

1.5

viii)

Cased/Uncased road crossing

1.2

ix)

Cased railway crossing

1.7

i)

1.0
1.0

NOTES:

(i) The depth of cover shall be measured from the top of the pipe coating to the top of the
undisturbed surface of soil or the top of graded working strip, whichever is lower. The fill
material in the working strip shall not be considered in the depth of cover;
(ii) The cover shall be measured from the top of road or top of rail, as the case may be;
(iii) For river/watercourses that are prone to scour and erosion, adequate safe cover shall be
provided below the predicted scour profile expected during the life time of the pipeline;
(iv) When scour level is not known, an additional cover of at least 1 m shall be provided from
the existing bed of the river/water course except in case of rocky river bed;
(v) The minimum cover requirements shall be applicable for all Location Classes;
(vi) Whenever the above provisions of cover cannot be provided due to site constraints,
additional protection in form of casings, bridging, etc shall be provided.
(vii) Soft soil/sand padding of minimum 150 mm thickness to be provided around the pipe where
gravel or hard soil is encountered. In case of rocky areas rock-shield along with 150 mm of
soft soil / sand padding around the pipe should be provided.
In case the pipeline is to be laid through populated area (which otherwise could not be
avoided), additional protective measures to be provided be by way of providing higher wall
thickness pipe or laying at a greater depth or by providing casing pipe.
10.4 Crossing of Utilities
any existing underground pipeline,
cable, drain or other services, the
10.4.1 When a buried pipeline has to cross
pipeline shall be laid at least 300

mm below such services in a manner

that will not obstruct access to such
services for inspection, repair, or
maintenance. Where it is not
practicable to obtain the above
mentioned clearance, special design
and construction shall be used.
10.4.2 When laid parallel to, along or near
underground
power
and
/or
communication cables, conductors
or conduit, underground pipes shall
maintain a vertical clearance of at
least 300 mm and horizontal
clearance of 500 mm. Where these
clearances cannot be maintained,
extra precaution shall be taken to
ensure the maximum possible
clearance and to prevent future
contact. In laying parallel pipelines
in the same trench, a minimum clear
distances between the pipelines shall
be 500mm.
10.4.3 A clearance sufficiently large to avoid
electrical fault current interference
shall be maintained between the
pipeline and the grounding facilities
of electrical transmission lines.
10.4.4 A minimum separation of 3.0 metre
should be maintained between
pipeline and transmission tower
footings.
10.5

Location

10.5.1 The location of a new underground

pipeline, when running parallel to an
existing
underground
pipeline,
should be at a minimum clear
distance of 5.0 metres from the
existing underground pipeline when
heavy conventional construction
equipment is expected to be utilized.
This distance may be reduced after
careful assessment of construction
methodologies so that it does not
result in unsafe conditions during
construction. In any case the

minimum clear distance shall not be

less than 3.0 metres. These areas
shall be distinctly identified on
ground during construction. All
caution sign shall be in bi lingual
(local language and Hindi / English)
10.5.2 No pipeline should be located within
15.0 metres of any private dwelling
or any industrial building or place of
public assembly in which persons
work, congregate or assemble,
unless it is provided with at least 300
mm of cover in addition to that
provided in para 10.3 above.
10.6

Cold field bends

10.6.1 The radius of cold field bends shall

be as specified in clause 6.3. Pipes
with measured wall thickness
greater than the nominal wall
thickness (with positive tolerance)
shall normally be used for making
cold field bends.
10.6.2 The ends of each bend length shall
be straight and not involved anyway
in the bending. In no event shall the
end of the bend be closer than 0.5 m
from the end of a pipe or within one
meter of a girth weld. The ovality in
each pipe due to bending shall be
less than 2.5 percent of the nominal
diameter, at any point. A check shall
be performed on all bends by
passing a gauge consisting of two
discs with a diameter equal to 95
percent of the nominal internal
diameter of the pipe connected
rigidly together at a distance equal
to 300 mm.
10.6.3 Pipes with longitudinal welds shall
be bend in such a way that weld lies
in the plane passing through neutral
axis of the bend which shall be
installed
positioning
the
longitudinal weld in the upper
quadrants.

10.6.5

10.7

Cold bend pipes on site shall have

the corrosion coating carefully
checked with the aid of a holiday
detector for cracks in the coating
down to the pipe wall. Any defects
or disbonding of the coating caused
during bending (including forced
ridges in the coating) shall be
repaired.
CROSSINGS
As far as possible, crossings shall be
made at right angles. Turning Points
(TPs) provided near crossings shall
be located at least 50 m from the
boundary of the crossings, on stable
and firm ground except for the
stretches which runs parallel to road.

10.7.2 Water Crossings

Crossings shall be located in a
comparatively straight reach of the
river, where the banks are stable,
minimum evidence of erosion of
bed, sufficient area for construction
is available. Angle of crossing shall
be as close to 90 as possible. For
canals/drainage/ditch / nala /stream
and other water courses, the angle of
crossing shall be in no case less than
60 to the centre-line of the
canal/drainage ditch.
Special considerations shall be
required for submerged crossings
which are characterized by their
perennial nature, meandering course,
steep and potentially erodable banks,
potentially scouring bed, large
erodable flood plain and wide water
course (high water mark to high water
mark) both during the design and
installation of such crossings. For
river
crossings
the
following
additional requirements shall be
considered.

10.7.1 Rail and Road Crossings

Installation of carrier pipe at rail /
road crossings with casing shall be
in accordance with API RP-1102.
Carrier pipe shall be independently
supported outside each end of the
casing section and casing ends shall
be sealed using durable, electrically
non conductive materials. Insulators
of appropriate size and numbers
shall be fitted between carrier pipe
and casing pipe. The angles for all
railway crossings shall be as close to
90 as possible, but in no case less
than 85 to the centre-line of the
railway. The angle of crossings for
national and state highways shall be
as close to 90 degrees as possible,
but in no case less than 80 to the
center-line of the road. The angles of
crossing for other roads (like
seasonal roads, unpaved village
roads, cart-tracks, etc) shall be as
close to 90 as possible, but in no
case less than 45 to the centre-line
of the roads. Additional protection
shall be provided in case the angle of
the crossing is less than 45 .

a) To ensure the stability of the

underwater pipeline, it may be
necessary to add weight to sink
and hold the pipeline in position.
b) A detailed stress analysis for the
pipe section for river crossings
should be carried out, taking into
consideration the effect of all
loads during laying and it shall
be ensured that the stresses
remain within permissible limits
in accordance with ASME B
31.8.
10.8

Welding
and
Acceptance Criteria

Inspection

10.8.1 Welding procedures or welders shall

be qualified inline with API 1104, or
section IX of the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code. Requirements

in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel

Code, Section IIC and section V or
API 1104 shall apply for filler
materials and
non-destructive
examination of welds. Welder requalification shall be required if the
welder has not performed any
welding for the welding process
qualified for the past 6 months .
10.8.2 The open ends of welded sections of
pipeline shall be closed by use of
suitable night caps to prevent the
ingress of foreign bodies and water.
10.8.3 The weld joints shall be numbered
and marked along with the welder
identification , adjacent to the weld
joint on the progressive direction of
main line .
10.8.3

Welding Inspection

10.8.3.1 No cut piece of mainline pipe of

length less than two (2) meter shall
be used in the pipeline and it shall
be ensured that there shall not be
more than three (3) circumferential
welds in eight meters. Cut pipes
shall have details of pipe reference
numbers painted to the inside of
each pipe end. All NDT (non
destructive
testing)
including
Radiographic examination and
destructive method of examination
shall be performed in accordance
with the requirements of API 1104.
10.8.3.2 The quality of each weld shall be
examined by visual inspection.
The
following
minimum
percentage of each days field
girth weld joints shall be
nondestructively tested over their
entire
circumference
by
radiographic
examination,
ultrasonic
testing,
magnetic
particle testing or other equivalent
comparable method.

(i) 100% of welds in location

class 1, 2, 3 & 4.
(ii) 100% of welds in
compressor station,
crossings and tie-in joints.
10.8.3.3 Weld repair areas shall
be
subjected to radiography testing .
If required, ultrasonic testing or
magnetic particle testing shall be
required to confirm/clarify the
defects indicated in radiographic
examination. Repair welders shall
be qualified inline with clause
10.8.1.
10.9

Dents

10.9.1 All dents that affect the curvature

of the pipeline at the longitudinal
weld or circumferential weld shall
be removed. The depth of dent
shall be measured as the gap
between the lowest point of the
dent and the original contour of the
pipe. The maximum permissible
depth of dents in pipes up to and
including 12.75 inch (324 mm)
nominal outside diameter shall be
5 mm. For pipes over 12.75 inch
(324 mm) nominal outside
diameter, the permissible depth of
dent shall be 2 percent of the
nominal pipe diameter. Length of
the dent in any direction shall not
be more than one-fourth of
nominal diameter of the pipe.
Dents shall be removed by cutting
out the damaged portion of the
pipe as cylinder and replacing with
a pre tested pipe.
10.9.2 All dents as mentioned in para
10.9.1 and a dent containing a
stress concentrator, such as a
scratch, gouge, groove, or arc
burn, shall be removed by cutting
out the damaged portion of the
pipeline as a cylinder and

replacing with a pre tested pipe

section. Buckled pipe shall also be
replaced as a cylinder.
10.9.3 Notches or laminations on pipe
ends shall not be repaired. The
damage portion shall be removed
as a cylinder and re-beveled to the
pipe properly
10.10 LOWERING
10.10.1 Before lowering operations are
commenced, particular attention
shall be paid to the suitability of the
trench to allow the pipeline to be
lowered without the coating being
damaged and to give a reasonably
even support to the pipeline.
10.10.2 Before lowering in, a complete
check by a full circle holiday
detector set at an appropriate
voltage to provide sufficient arc
length for the thickness and nature
of coating for whole of
pipe
coating and for field joint coating
shall be carried out. All coating
defects and damages identified by
holiday detection shall be repaired.
All points on the pipeline where the
coating has been in contact with
either the skids or with the lifting
equipment during the laying
operation, shall be carefully
inspected for damages, dents or
other defects and shall be
completely repaired..
Short
completed sections of the pipeline
shall be cleaned with compressed
air in order to remove dirt from the
inside of pipe sections.
10.11 BACKFILLING
10.11.1 Backfilling shall be carried out
immediately after the pipeline has
been laid in the trench. Top soil
from the Right-of-Use be used for
this purpose, should be restored.
The backfill material shall contain

no extraneous material and/or hard

lumps of soil, which could damage
the pipe and/or coating or leave
voids in the backfilled trench.
10.11.2 Breakers shall be installed in
trenches in steep areas (slope of
generally 10 percent and more) for
the purpose of preventing erosion of
the back fill. When backfilling the
trenches in sloping terrains or steep
areas, wherein the chances of wash
out of backfill exist, sheet piling or
other effective water breakers
across the trench shall be provided.
10.12 Markers
Pipeline markers shall be provided
on each side of road, railway
crossing, water crossings and at a
maximum spacing of 1 km along
the right of way of the remainder of
the buried pipeline along the right
of way.
At the entrance to all pipeline
stations, all road and railway
crossing locations, caution signs to
be displayed indicating hazardous
area, name of the operating
company emergency telephone
contact nos. etc.
11.0 TESTING & COMMISSIONING
11.1

Hydrotesting of Pipeline
a)

All Pipelines shall be tested inplace after construction except

for pre-tested pipes used in tiein spools.

b)

Cased crossings (rail/road) and

river crossing sections shall be
hydrotested before and after
installation at least for 4 hours
at 1.25 (for Class 1 & Class 2)
OR 1.4 times (for Class 3 &
Class 4), the design pressure.

c)

All
sections
including
previously hydrostatically tested
one vis--vis road/rail and river
crossings shall be retested along
with
completed
mainline
sections.

d) A gauging pig shall be passed

through the pipeline to prove
the internal diameter of the
entire pipeline. The gauging
plate shall have a diameter of
95% of the internal diameter of
the pipeline. The gauging plate
thickness shall be mimimum10
mm.
e)

All electrical connection and

monitoring points on the
pipelines have been completed.

f) Water used for the test medium

shall be inhibited water i.e
water to which suitable doses of
corrosion inhibitors and oxygen
scavenger are added depending
upon quality of the water.

11.2

g)

API-1110 shall be used for

guidance for the hydrostatic
test.

h)

Pipe used for making repairs

shall be pre-tested to a pressure
equal to or greater than the
original pipeline strength test
pressure.

Test Pressure and Test DurationMainline

The minimum hydrostatic pressure in
any section shall be as given in Table
6. The maximum hydrostatic pressure
shall not however exceed the pressure
required to produce a hoop stress
equal to 95 percent of SMYS of the
pipe material based on minimum wall
thickness in the test section. The test
duration shall be a minimum 24
hours or as specified by respective
code to which pipeline is designed
and accepted by statutory authority.
Mainline valves shall be installed
after successful completion of
hydrostatic pressure testing.

Table 6 : Test Pressure Requirements

Location Class

Pressure Requirement

1.25 x Design Pressure

1.25 x Design Pressure

1.40 x Design Pressure

1.40 x Design Pressure

11.3 Test Pressure and Test DurationStations

Hydrostatic pressure testing of
terminals shall be carried out

separately. Dispatch / Receipt

terminals
as
well
as
other
intermediate facilities shall be tested
at minimum test pressure of 1.4 times

the design pressure. The hydrostatic

pressure test duration shall be for a
minimum period of 4 hrs.

and profile map of the pipeline,

pipeline alignment, crossings,
P&IDs, Layouts , Isometric,
Earthing grid, Single line
diagrams etc.
Equipment supplier Manuals.
Complete Asset of each location
with identification.
Radiographs of weld joints
Calliper survey reports and
repairs, if any, carried out.

11.4 Acceptance Criteria

Pressure variations during testing
shall be acceptable, if caused by
factors other than leakage, like
temperature variations. Pipelines not
meeting the requirements shall be
repaired and retested in accordance
with the requirements of this
standard.

11.8

Commissioning

11.5 Geometric Survey

11.8.1

A proper commissioning
procedure shall be prepared for
removal of air from the system and
to prevent intermixing of air and the
hydrocarbons.

The Calliper Survey shall be

conducted after completion and
acceptance of all the following
mainline activities:
(i) Gauge plate run
(ii) Hydrostatic Testing
(iii) Cleaning and swabbing of
pipeline
(iv) Mainline Valve installation
(v) Test section tie-ins
(vi) After tie-in of HDD crossings /
other submerged crossings.
(vii) Installation of launching and
receiving barrels
11.6 Preservation of Pipeline
If the pipeline is to be preserved for
more than 6 months before it can be
commissioned, the pipeline shall be
preserved either with inhibited water
or with a non-flammable, non-toxic
gas and at a suitable pressure.

11.7

Documentation
Following records should be made:
(i)A complete pipe book including
hydrotesting data and location
of leaks or failures and
description of repair action
taken.
(ii) As built drawings like Route

(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)

11.8.2 Before starting commissioning

activities, following shall be
ensured:
a) Hydrotesting is completed for
entire pipeline and associated
station piping and records
checked and documented.
b) Swabbing of the pipeline has
been completed for removal of
water from the pipeline.
c) Low pressure leak check (with
air) for the above ground section
of the pipelines;
d) Ensure complete removal of
ferrous materials / debris from the
pipeline preferably by brush /
magnetic pigging.
e) All sectionalizing valves are
installed as per requirement.
f) All golden joints are inspected
and accepted.
g) Calliper pigging of the entire
pipeline section completed and a
base line data has been obtained.
h) Coating survey has been carried
out either by Pearson , Direct
current voltage Gradient (DCVG)
, Close interval potential logging
survey (CIPS) or
Current
Attenuation Test (CAT).

i) Temporary
modifications
required at the stations for
commissioning
have
been
completed in all respect.
j) Commissioning
check
list
prepared and ensured availability
of all materials tools , tackles and
consumable.
k) Fire fighting facilities shall be
kept ready.
l) Caution boards shall be displayed
while venting in progress.
m) Complete removal of moisture
shall be ensured.
n) Trained and experience personnel
are deployed to carry out
commissioning.
11.8.3

Low Pressure Leak Check for

Above Ground Piping
The above the ground piping shall
be checked for leaks at flange
points of piping and equipment,
instrument impulse tubing points,
etc. by pressurizing the piping
system / equipment with dry
compressed air or gas at a pressure
of 7.0 kg/cm2 and testing by means
of soap solution/suitable digital
gauge for leaks.

supervised
by
authorized
personnel.
(iv) Venting shall be controlled at
the pig-receiving end so that
proper
backpressure
is
maintained to control pig train
speed of 3 to 4 km /hr. The
desired portion of the pipeline
shall be commissioned in this
manner. The pipeline system
shall subsequently be slowly
pressurized up to its operating
conditions.
12.0

OPERATION
&
MAINTENANCE
A
detailed
operation
and
maintenance procedure for control
system and safety interlocks shall be
developed .

12.1

Operating Procedures
A comprehensive operating manual
shall be developed which shall
interalia include following:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)

System Description
Operation set points
Initial start up
Normal operations
Normal shut down procedure
Temporary operations
Execution of emergency shut
down in a safe & timely
manner
(viii) Emergency shut down
(ix) Conditions
under
which
emergency
shutdown
is
required
(x) Emergency operations

11.8.4 Nitrogen Filling / Gas Charging

The inertisation of the entire pipeline
system
including
underground
pipeline and the above ground
piping at dispatch and receipt
stations,
intermediate
pigging
stations and hook-up/tap-off points
shall be carried out using nitrogen
gas. Inertisation shall be accepted
when the residual oxygen content in
the piping is below 1 percent (vol /
vol).
(i)

Nitrogen plug shall proceed

before charging of natural gas.
(ii) Natural gas shall not be
directly used for displacement
of air in pipeline / vessels.
(iii) The commissioning operation
shall be controlled and

12.2

Display of Operating Instructions

The gist of operating instructions,
emergency shut down (ESD), Trip
set pressures shall be displayed in
the control room and near all
important operating equipments

12.3

Maintenance Procedure
A detailed maintenance procedure
shall be developed for entire pipeline
system
considering
the
recommendations given by the
original equipment manufacturer
keeping in mind the local conditions.
To facilitate the maintenance
services to be rendered in a planned
manner, a preventive maintenance
schedule covering necessary work to
be done, mentioning the periodicity
i.e daily, weekly, monthly, half
yearly and yearly schedule shall be
worked out and adhered to. This
should also include procedures for
repair by clamping, removal and
replacement of pipe / hot tapping
and stoppling etc. Adherence to
work permit system inline with
OISD-STD-105 shall be followed.

12.3.1 Right of Way, crossing Inspection

& Maintenance
There shall be proper maintenance
of Right Of Way to have reasonable
access to maintenance crews. Valve
location access shall be properly
maintained. Road and highways
crossings shall be inspected once in
3 months. Water course crossings
shall be inspected twice in a year i.e
prior and after monsoon or flash
flood for sufficiency of cover,
accumulation of debris, or for any
other condition affecting the safety
and security of the crossings.
12.3.2 Patrolling
(a) Ground Patrolling of ROW
shall be carried out once in 15
days for location class 3 and 4
and once in 30 days for
location class 1 and 2 to
observe surface conditions,
leakage, construction activity,
encroachments, soil washouts
and any other factors affecting
the safety and operation of the

pipeline.
(b) Line Walk by the official of the
company at least twice in a
year shall be carried out before
and after the monsoon.
(c) The operating company shall
analyze the existing pipeline
for new anticipated external
loads, when the pipeline is to
be crossed by a new road or
railroad.
The
operating
company
shall
install
mechanical
reinforcement,
structural
protection,
or
suitable pipe, in case the
design parameters considered
are exceeding in order to
ensure redistribution of the
external loads acting on the
pipeline.
(d) Villagres / public along the
right of away shall be
adequately made aware of the
possible consequence of gas
leaks and this shall be included
as a part of regular audit.
12.3.3 Pigging
Pigging operation shall be carried
out for all pigable pipelines at least
once in a year for we gas and once
in 3 years for dry gas. Records of
quantity and quality of deposits (pig
residue) collected after pigging
shall be chemically examined.
Depending upon the out come of
the chemical analysis and review
pigging
frequency
shall
be
increased.

12.3.4

Intelligent Pigging
Intelligent pigging survey ( IPS)
shall be carried out once in 10 years
and this data shall be compared
with the data collected during
electronic geometric piging / caliper
pigging before commissioning to
asses the health of the pipeline. In

case IPS is carried out once in 5

years then pigging operation as
sated in clause 12.3.3 for dry gas
may not be required.
12.3.5 Inspection of Cathodic Protection
System
A. Pipe to Soil Potential (PSP)
Readings shall be taken as
follows:
i) PSP readings at feeding
points shall be monitored
fortnightly.
ii) The PSP reading ( ON
potential) at the test lead
points for entire pipeline
shall be taken once in a
quarter. The PSP survey
results shall be plotted
graphically to identify and
locate cathodic holidays.
The Criteria of protection
shall be as under
(a)

(b)

(c)

Pipe to soil potential of

at least ( - ) 0.85 volts
with
respect
to
copper/copper sulphate
half cell. In areas where
anaerobic bacteria are
active, minimum PSP
shall be more negative
than - 0.95 volts instead
of - 0.85 volts.
A minimum of 100 mV
of cathodic polarization
between the structure
surface and a stable
reference
electrode
containing
the
electrolyte.
The
formation of decay of
polarization can be
measured to satisfy this
condition..
Over protection of
coated pipelines shall
be avoided by ensuring

that
polarisation
potential is not more
negative than (-) 1.2
volts with respect to
copper/copper sulphate
half cells..
iii) Instant pipe to soil OFF
potential readings at test lead
points of entire pipeline shall
be taken once in a year. For
the purpose of logging the
instant OFF PSP, care shall
be taken to minimize the
effect of polarization decay.,
by logging the reading within
the first 1 or 2 seconds of
simultaneous switching of all
Cathodic protection station
affecting that section of the
pipeline. The PSP survey
results shall be plotted
graphically to identify and
locate cathodic holidays.
iv) Current consumption data
should be taken at the test
stations
where
current
measurement facility exist.
B) Cathodic protection rectifiers shall
be inspected once in two months.
C) All protective devices shall be
inspected once in two months.
D) Interference bonds shall be
inspected once a year.
12.3.6 Coating Survey
Pearson Survey / Direct Current
Voltage gradient (DCVG) /
Continuous Potential Logging
(CPL) survey / Current Attenuation
Test ( CAT) shall be carried out
once in 5 years. Insulating joints
and couplings shall be inspected
once in a year.
12.3. 7 Internal Corrosion Monitoring
Following monitoring techniques
should be used in the pipelines for
internal
corrosion monitoring.
a) Corrosion coupons

b) Corrosion
monitoring
equipment based on Electric
resistance
(ER)
technique,
electrochemical noise (ECN)
technique, & Linear polarisation
(LPR) technique
c) Iron count analyses
d) chemical analysis of pig residue
for other parameters
e) UT measurement at critical
locations
f) Intelligent pigging of pipeline in
line with para 12.3.4 above.
12.3.8

Inspection of Pipes , Valves and

fittings
Inspection of pipes, valves and
fittings shall be carried out as per
OISD-STD-130.

12.3.9

Inspection
of
Pumps,
Compressors,
Control
and
Protective Equipment
Periodic inspection and maintenance
shall be carried out for control and
protective equipment including
pressure limiting devices, regulators,
controllers, relief valves and other
safety devices in accordance with
OEM and following OISD standards
Pumps
:
OISD-STD-119,
Compressors : OISD-STD-120,
Pressure Limiting Devices: OISDSTD-132.

v. CP monitoring report, test and

survey reports.
vi. Leak burst & repair records
vii. Records
pertaining
to
inspections, such as external or
internal line conditions
viii. Pipeline repair records
ix. History cards of equipment
x. Near miss, minor and major
incidents.
13.0

SAFETY & FIRE PROTECTION

SYSTEM

13.1

Fire Fighting Facilities

Facilities shall be designed on the
basis that city fire water supply is
not available close to the
installation.
All installation except Intermediate
pigging station and sectionalizing
valve stations shall have fire
prevention and protection system as
under.

13.1.1 Fire Water System

The Fire water system shall consist
of:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

12.4

Documentation for Operation and

Maintenance
The following records shall be
maintained for operation and
maintenance purposes:
i. All records as per para 11.7 of this
document.
ii. Necessary operation data
iii. Pipeline patrolling records
iv. Records and maps showing the
location of CP facilities and
piping.

Fire water Pumps ( Main and

Jockey)
Fire water storage
Fire hydrant / Monitor
distribution piping network
Water sprinkler / Deluge
system

13.1.2 Design flow rate

The
fire
water
pumping
requirement for medium velocity
spray shall be calculated based on
the following cooling rate or
minimum for 288 cubic mtr /hr i.e
flow through 2 nos. of fire water
monitors which ever is higher.
Entire compressor area, Pig
launching and receiving area, filter
area, metering area, condensate
collection area shall be covered

with medium velocity water spray

system.
(i) Compressor area : 20.4 lpm /
sq. mtr considering area based
on outer foundation column
measurements
(length
x
breadth)
(ii) Scraper area / Metering area /
filter area : 10.2 lpm/ sq mtr of
surface area.
(iii) Other area : 3 lpm / sq. mtr of
surface area

(ii) Storage tank/reservoir shall be

in
two
interconnected
compartments to facilitate
cleaning and repairs. In case of
steel tanks there shall be a
minimum of two tanks.
13.1.5

Fire Water Pumps

(i)

13.1.3 Fire Water System Design

(i)

(ii)

The Fire water pressure system

shall be designed for a
minimum residual pressure of
7.0 Kg/cm2.
A fire water ring main shall be
provided all around perimeter
of the plant facilities with
hydrants/monitors . There shall
be minimum 2 nos. of monitors
to be located in such a way that
it covers the compressors area,
scrapper area and filter area.
Fire hydrant network shall be
in closed loops to ensure
multidirectional flow in the
system. Isolation valves shall
be provided where the length
of the pipe section is more than
300 mtr.

13.1.4 Fire Water Storage

(i) Water requirement for fire
fighting shall be met through
water storage tanks of steel or
concrete or masonry. The
effective capacity of the tanks
above the level of suction point
shall be minimum 4 hrs
aggregate capacity of the
pumps. Where make up water
supply system is 50% or more
this storage capacity may be
reduced to 3 hrs of aggregate
capacity of pumps.

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

Centrifugal
fire water
pumps shall be installed to
meet the designed fire
water flow rate and head.
Pump shall have flooded
suction.
Motor driven Jockey pump
(not more than 10 M3 / Hr
of water flow) shall be
installed to maintain the
fire network pressure at 7.0
Kg/Cm2 at farthest end of
the network.
The fire water pumps
including the stand by
pumps shall preferably be
diesel
driven.
Where
electric supply is reliable
50% of the pumps may be
motor driven.
A minimum of 50% stand
by pump(s) (minimum one
no) of the same type,
capacity and head as the
main pumps shall be
provided.
The fire water pumps shall
be provided with automatic
starting facilities.

13.1.6 Fire Hydrant Network

(i)

Fire water ring main shall

be sized for 120% of the
design water flow rate.
Velocity of the water shall
not exceed more than 5 m/s
in the fire water ring main.
In case of sea water
service, the fire water main
pipes shall be concrete /

mortar lined internally.

(ii) Fire water steel pipe ring
main shall be laid above
ground at a height of 300
mm to 400 mm above
finished ground level.
Pipes made of composite
material shall be laid
underground.
(iii) The mains shall be
supported
at
regular
intervals not exceeding 6
mtrs. For pipeline size less
than 150mm diameter,
support interval shall not
be more than 3 m.
(iv) The steel pipe ring main
shall be laid underground at
the following places:
(a) Road crossings
(b) Where above ground
piping is likely to cause
obstruction
to
operation,
vehicle
movement and likely to
get mechanical damage.
(v) Under ground fire water
mains shall have at least 1
mtr earth cushion in open
ground and 1.5 mtrs under
roads with concrete / steel
encashment.
(vi) The underground fire water
steel pipe network shall be
provided with suitable
coating / wrapping or
concrete / masonry.
(vii) Double headed hydrants
with two separate landing
valves on 3 / 4 standpost
shall be used. All hydrant
outlets shall be 1.2 mtr
above ground level.
(viii)Fire water monitors shall
be
provided
with
independent
isolation
valves.
(ix) Hose Box with 2 Nos. of
hoses and a nozzle shall be
provided at each hydrant

points.
(x) The deluge valve shall be
located at 15 mtrs. from the
risk being protected. A fire
wall shall be provided for
the protection of the deluge
valve and for operating
personnel.
(xi) Fire Hydrants/ monitors
shall be located at a
minimum distance of 15
mtrs from the hazardous
facility / equipment. Case
of buildings this distance
shall not be less than 2 mtr
and not more than 15 mtr
from the face of building.
Provisions of hydrants
within the building shall be
provided in accordance
with IS:3844.
(xii) At least one hydrant post
shall be provided for every
30 mtr of external wall
measurement or perimeter
of the battery limit.
Monitors shall be placed at
45 mtr interval.
13.1.7

Medium
System

Velocity

Sprinkler

The medium velocity spray

system provided at all critical
areas shall have spray nozzles
directed radially to the facilities
intended for cooling at a
distance of 0.6 mtr from the
surface of the equipment /
facility. Only one type of spray
nozzles shall be provided in a
particular facility. All spray
nozzles shall be inspected for
proper positioning, corrosion
and cleaned if necessary at an
interval of not more than 12
months or earlier based on the
experience.

13.2

13.3

Gas Monitoring System

A gas detection system equipped
with sound and visual alarm
shall be installed in the control
room to indicate that one-fifth of
lower flammable limit is
reached.
(i) The Gas Monitoring system
shall be located close to the
potential source of leakage.
(ii) Detectors shall be placed in
the compressor and near
scraper/filter
&
other
hazardous areas.

coated or made of pipe material

suitable for the quality of water .
Alternatively, pipes made of
composite materials shall be used.
Cast lron pipes shall not be used
for fire water services.
b) Isolation valve , Deluge Valve, Gate / butterfly type isolation
valve with open / close indication
made of cast steel. Other material
such as cupro-nickel for saline /
brackish water may be used.
c) Hydrant Stand post, Monitors
Carbon Steel / Gunmetal
d) Outlet valves/ landing valvesGunmetal / Aluminum/ Stainless
steel / Aluminium-Zink alloy
e) Fire Hose- Reinforced rubber
lined hoses (63 mm), 15 mtr std
length conforming to IS: 636
(type A ) / Non percolating
synthetic hose (Type B) / UL or
equivalent standard.
f) The above ground fire water
main, hydrant post shall be
painted with corrosion resistant
fire Red paint as per IS: 5
g) Water monitors, hydrant point
and hose box shall be painted
Luminous Yellow as per IS: 5

Fire Alarm System

(i)

Manual call points shall be

installed
at
strategic
operating locations.
(ii) Electric operated fire sirens
with audible range of 1 km
shall be installed. Provision
shall
be
made
for
continuous availability of
power during emergency
shut down.
(iii) Manual operated fire sirens
shall be provided at
strategic places.
(iv) Smoke detectors shall be
provided in control room,
MCC, utility room with
provision of
indication,
alarm & annunciation.
13.4

MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS
All material used in fire water system
using fresh water shall be of the type
indicated below
a) Pipes
- Carbon Steel (CS) IS:
3589 / IS :1239 / IS : 1978 or
Composite materials as per API
15 LR / API 15 HR or its
equivalent shall be used.
In case saline / brackish water /
treated effluent water is used , the
fire water main of steel pipes
shall be, internally cement mortar
lined or glass reinforced epoxy

13.5

FIRST AID FIRE FIGHTING

EXTINGUISHERS
The fire extinguishers shall be
provided at various location as under.
(i) Compressor area - 1x 10Kg DCP
and 1 x 6.8 Kg CO2 extinguishers
per two compressors and 1 mobile
75 kg DCP.
(ii) Scraper Barrel - 1x 10Kg DCP ,
Metering area / filter area -1x
10Kg DCP
(iii) Air compressors - 1 x 2 Kg CO 2
extinguishers and 1x 5 Kg DCP
(iv) Office/ Canteen/Stores- 2x 10Kg
DCP in each building.
(v) MCC/DG Room/HT room- 2 x 4.5
Kg CO2 in each room or per 100

m2 floor area. 4 sand buckets &

stand shall be provided near to
DG room
(vi) Repeater / CP stations - 1x 10Kg
DCP , 1 x 2 kg CO2 extinguisher.
(vii) 100% spare for CO2 cartridges
and 50% DCP cartridges shall be
stored.
(viii) A trolley containing first aid fire
protective accessories shall also
be provided
All fire extinguishers shall bear ISI or
equivalent mark.
13.6

HOSES,
NOZZLES
AND
ACCESSORIES .
(i) Minimum 2 Nos. or 25% spare
hoses shall be stored.
(ii) In addition to the nozzles
provided in the hose boxes there
shall be 1 set of spare nozzles
for each category viz- Jet
Nozzle with branch pipes, Fog
Nozzle, Universal Nozzle, water
curtain Nozzle and spray
Nozzle.
(iii) The following accessories /
first aid items shall be provided
in
each
compressor,
intermediate
and
terminal
delivery stations.
(a) Fire hoses 2nos / per
hose box / per hydrant
point- Minimum 10 nos.
(b) Safety helmets-1 no./person
(min 10 nos.).
(c) Stretcher with blanket- 2
Nos.
(d) First aid box- 1 nos.
(e) Rubber hand gloves for
electrical purpose- 2 nos.
(f) Low temperature rubber
hand gloves - 4 pairs.
(g) Fire proximity suit- 1 no.
(h) Resuciator - 1 No.
(i) Red / green flags 2 nos. in
each colour
(j) Self contained breathing
apparatus with one spare
cylinder (cap 30 min) 1 set

13.7

with spare cylinder.

(k) Water jel blanket- 1 nos.
(l) Portable Gas detectors 2
nos.
(m)Explosive meter 1 No.
Inspection of fire fighting equipment
and system shall be carried out inline
with OISD STD-142.
Windsock
Windsock shall be provided on an
appropriately elevated structure like
the control room / fire-water pump
house in such a manner so as to
avoid blind areas.

13.8

Emergency Power supply

Emergency lighting shall be
provided for operating areas and
control room.

13.9

Communication System
(i) Communication system like
telephone / PA or paging,
walkie-talkie, optical fibre cable
based communication system
shall be provided.
(ii) All intermediate stations
including IP stations / Repeater
station shall be provided with
proven communication system.
Security at unmanned station
shall be trained to deal with
communication and emergency
handling.

13.10

Emergency Plan
A mutual aid scheme for the fire
fighting and emergency rescue
operation shall be
made
involving local industries , local
govt. agencies. Mock drill
involving all mutual partners
shall be conducted at least once
in a year. The emergency plan
shall be prepared based on the
following:
a)

Risk Analysis & Hazop

Study

b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

Risk scenarios
Flow balance
Organisation structure
Emergency Trainings
Responsibility

14.0

PIPELINE INTEGRITY
MANAGEMENT (PIM)

14.1

A
comprehensive
manual
containing program & practices
shall be developed for existing
pipeline / after construction of
the new pipeline to manage
pipeline integrity taking into
consideration
consequence
classification / category
of
pipeline, and risk involved in
each segment of the pipeline.

14.5

The integrity assessment during the

lifetime shall consist of an initial
(base line) & continual assessment.

14.6

The factors to be considered for risk

are:
a)

14.2

The
integrity
management
program framework shall take
into consideration continual /
periodic assessment & an
evaluation process as to its
effectiveness of the current
health of the pipeline & to
prevent any failure in future.

14.3

To maintain safe operating

conditions in case of an adverse
condition detected, pipeline
should be shut down until the
required repairs are completed
and clearance for operation is
given.

14.4

The methods selected to assess the

integrity of the pipeline initially
shall be one and / or combination of
the followings:
(a) Internal inspection tool or tools
capable of detecting corrosion
and deformation anomalies
including
dents,
gouges,
grooves eg Geometric Survey.
(b) Hydrostatic Pressure test in
accordance with clause 11.2 of
this standard.

(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

Results of previous integrity

assessment,
Coating type and condition
leak history
Repair history
Cathodic protection history

14.7

System should be available for

detecting leaks of pipeline system.
The capability of the leak detection
system shall be evaluated and
modified if necessary.

15.0
15.1

ABANDONMENT OF PIPELINE
A pipeline system that is no longer
required for transportation of gas
shall be taken out of service with all
hazardous fluids removed from the
system.
In
case a operating
company decides to abandon full or
part of the pipeline system
permanently or temporarily after
obtaining necessary approval from
the statutory authority (if required),
it shall prepare a detailed plan
considering the following. Large
scale venting of natural gas shall be
avoided. It shall be ensured that
most of the natural gas contained in
the system shall be utilized by
consumer.
(i) Pipeline section and facilities
shall be disconnected from all
source of supply of gas.
(ii) Pipeline system and facilities
to be abandoned shall be
purged with nitrogen gas or
inert materials and ends hall be
sealed. If the facilities are
purged with air, it shall be
ensured
that
combustible
mixture is not present in the

system
15.2

Decommissioning
Plans and procedures shall be
developed for safe decommissioning ,
dismantling, demolition, and disposal
of the pipeline and shall include the
following.
(i) Maintenance of the facility shall
continue till full dismantling of
facilities have been completed.
(ii) Cathodic protection system shall
be maintained with periodic
inspection.
(iii)
Environmental
impact
assessment.

16.0 MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE /

SAFE
CONTROL
OF
OPERATIONS (SCO)
For Safe Control of Operations
(SCO) , a systematic Management of
Change process shall be developed
inline with OISD-GDN-178 to
identify and consider the impact of
changes to pipeline systems and their
integrity. Management of Change
shall address technical, physical,
procedural
and
organizational
changes of the system, whether
permanent or temporary.
17.0 DEFECT ASSESSMENT
Effective defect detecting systems
like, walk surveys, surveillance,
patrolling, leak detection tests, internal
audits, external audits shall be put in
place for detection of defects and
damages of pipe work. Defective or
Damaged pipelines shall be identified
and restored to safe operating
conditions by the use of appropriate
repair methods. The selection of the
most appropriate repair method,
consistent with safe operation, shall be
based on assessment of the defect and
categorizing
the
damage
like,
Superficial
Damage,
Moderate

Damage, Severe Damage, Extreme

Damage.
18.0 Pipeline Repair
18.1 In case of corrosion on the pipe due to
which thickness of the pipe is reduced
to the extent that maximum allowable
operating pressure is reduced
corresponding to original design, then
either the pipe section shall be
repaired or replaced or the pipeline
shall be derated commensurate with
remaining strength of the pipe.
18.2

All dents as per para 10.9 of this

standard and all pipes containing
leak shall be removed or repaired.

18.3

Pipeline shall be repaired by any one

of the following:
(i) By cutting out cylindrical piece of
pipe containing the defect and
replacing the same with a pre
tested pipe of minimum 2 meter
length of meeting the required
pipe specification.
(iii) By installing full encirclement
welded split sleeves to contain
internal pressure and shall have a
design pressure of not less than
the
maximum
allowable
operating pressure. This shall be
fully
welded
both
circumferentially
and
longitudinally. Length of full
encirclement split sleeves shall
not be less than 100mm.
(iv) All repairs performed as per (i)
and (ii) above shall be testes by
radiography examination.
(iv) In case of repair of coated pipe,
all damaged coating shall be
removed and new coating shall
be applied to replacement pieces
of pipe, welded patches and full
encirclement
welded
split

sleeves used in making repairs.

19.0

REFERENCES
This standard shall be read in conjunction with the following standards, codes and
publications:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

ASME B31.8
API -617
API- 618
API- 11P
API 1102

(vi)
(vii)

API 1104
API 1107

(viii) API 1109

(ix)

API 1110

(x)

API 500C

(xi)
API- 5L
(xii) API- 6D
(xiii) ASME Section VIII
(xiv)
(xv)

ASME Section IX
MSS-SP-50

(xvi)

MSS-SP-69

(xvii) NACE-RP-01-69
(xviii) NACE-RP-01-75
(xix) ISA S-75.01
(xx) ISA S-75.02
(xxi) IEC 79
(xxii) IEC 529
(xxiii) OISD-STD-105
(xxiv) OISD-STD-118
(xxv) OISD-STD-120
(xxvi) OISD-STD-128
(xxvii) OISD-STD-130
(xxviii) OISD-STD-132
(xxix) OISD-STD-137
(xxx) OISD-STD-141

Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems.

Centrifugal Gas Compressors
Reciprocating Gas compressors
Other small gas compressors
Recommended Practice for Steel Pipelines Crossing
Railroads and Highways.
Standard for Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities.
Recommended Pipeline Maintenance Welding
Practices.
Recommended Practice for Marking Liquid
Petroleum Pipeline Facilities.
Recommended Practice for Pressure Testing of
Liquid Petroleum Pipelines.
Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations
at Pipeline Transportation Facilities.
Specification for Line pipes
Pipeline Valves
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Division 1
Pressure Vessels
Division 2
Alternate Rules for Pressure Vessels
Welding Qualifications
Pipe Hangers and Supports Materials, Design and
Manufacture.
Pipe Hangers and Supports - Selection and
Application.
Recommended Practice Control of External
Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic
Piping Systems.
Recommended Practice - Control of Internal
Corrosion in Steel Pipelines Systems.
Flow evaluation for sizing control valve
Control valve test procedure
Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmosphere
Degree of protection Provided by Enclosures.
Work Permit System
Lay out of Oil and Gas Installation
Inspection of Compressors
Inspection of Pressure Vessels.
Inspection of Pipes, Valves and Fittings.
Inspection of Pressure Relieving Devices.
Inspection of Electrical Equipment.
Design and Construction requirements for cross
country hydrocarbon pipelines.

(xxxi) OISD-STD-142
(xxxii) OISD-RP-149
(xxxiii) OISD-STD-153
(xxxiv) OISD-GDN-178
(xxxv) OISD-STD-195

Inspection of Fire Fighting Equipment.

Design aspect for safety in Electrical system
Maintenance
and
Inspection
of
Safety
Instrumentation.
Guidelines on Management of Change
Safety in design , operation, Inspection and
Maintenance of Hydrocarbon Gas Compressors
stations and Terminals.

Annexure -1

FACILITIES AND PIPEING INDICATED BY SOILD LINES ARE IN THE

SCOPE OF THIS STANDARD
SV SECTIONALISING VALVE,
CS- COMPRESSOR STATION ,
RGP- REGASIFYING PLANT,
WELL WITHOUT SEPARATOR,
WELL WITH SEPARATOR ,
MRS METERING STATION

IP- INTERMEDIATE PIGGING STATION

PL /R PIG LAUNCHER / RECEIVER
GGS- GAS GATHERING STATION
SP- SEPARATION / PROCESSING PLANT

ANNEXURE -II
DETERMINATION OF LOCATION CLASS

C-1 Population density index along the pipeline route shall be determined as follows:
As zone, 400 m wide, shall be considered along the pipeline route with the pipeline in the
centre-line of this zone. Then the entire route of the pipeline shall be divided into lengths of
1600 m such that the individual lengths will include the maximum number of dwellings intended
for human occupancy. The number of such dwellings which are intended of human occupancy
within each 1600 m zone shall be counted and reported along with other survey data.
C-2 Areas shall be classified based on guidelines as given below:
a) Class 1 Location A class 1 location is any 1 600 m section that has 10 or
fewer dwellings intended for human occupancy;
b) Class 2 Location A class 2 Location is any 1 600 m section that has more
than 10 but less than 46 dwellings intended for human occupancy;
c) Class 3 Location A class 3 Location is any 1 600 m section that has 46 or
more dwellings intended for human occupancy except when a Class 4 Location
prevails; and
d) Class 4 Location A class 4 Location include areas where multi-storey
buildings are prevalent, and where traffic is heavy or dense and where there may be
numerous other utilities underground. Multi-storey means four or more floors above
ground, including the ground floor and irrespective of depth of basement or number of
floors of basement.
C-3 In addition to the criteria contained in C-2 a) to d), while classifying areas, additional
consideration must be given to possibilities of increase in concentration of population along the
pipeline route such as may be caused by the presence of schools, hospitals, recreational areas of
an organized character, places of assembly, places of worship, etc. If one or more of these
facilities are present, the area shall be classified as a Class 3 location.
C-4 Notwithstanding the above, while determining class location of an area due consideration
shall be given to the possibility of future development of the area during the design life of the
pipeline. If it appears likely that future development may cause a change in the location class,
this shall be taken into consideration while determining its class location.
C-5 : When cluster of building intended for human occupancy indicates that a basic 1.6 km
should be identified as a location class 2 or 3, the location class 2 or location class 3 may be
terminated at 220 mtr from the nearest building in the cluster.

ANNEXURE- III

MINIMUM INTER DISTANCES FOR VARIOUS STATION FACILITIES

S.No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

From / To
Small Compressor /
Pump
House
Main Compressor House
Scraper Launcher
Scraper Receiver
Control Room / Office building
/ Store
Fire Pump House / Fire water
storage tanks
Water Spray Deluge Valve
Cold Flare
Compound wall
Elect Sub station,

1
-

2
15

3
15

4
15

5
16

6
60

7
15

8
15

9
30

10
15

15
15
15
16

15
15
16

15
x
16

15
x
16

16
16
16
-

60
30
30
30

15
15
15
15

15
15
15
30

30
15
15
30

30
30
30
-

60

60

30

30

30

60

12

15
15
30
15

15
15
30
30

15
15
15
30

15
15
15
30

15
30
30
-

60
12
-

15
15

15
15
30

15
15

15
30
15
-

x- Any distance suitable for constructional and operation convenience.

1. All distances are in metres. All distances shall be measured between the nearest points on the perimeter of each facility
2. Hot elevated flare shall be located 90 mtr away and ground flare shall be located 150 mrt away
3. For other station facilities not covered in the above shall be governed by OISD- STD- 118.

ANNEXURE IV.

TO CONSUMERS/
DOWNSTREAM P/L
GAS FROM PRODUCER/
UPSTREAM PIPELINE

STATION BY PASS VALVE

FILTER
SEPARATOR

TO DISPOSAL

CONDENSATE TANK

STARTING GAS
CONDITIONING
UNIT

FUEL GAS
CONDITIONING
UNIT (GTG)

FUEL GAS
CONDITIONING
UNIT (GTG)

FUEL GAS

METERING
SYSTEM

GT GENERATOR
GT
POWER

TREATED & COMPRESSED

GAS TO CONSUMEJRS
EXHAUST TO
SAFE LOCATION

COMPRESSOR
EXHAUST

AFTER COOLER

SCHEMATIC OF A COMPRESSOR STATION

PART -II
CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

1.0

INTRODUCTION
a. Consumer
Meter
(CM)
for
Commercial & Industrial Consumers

The use of piped natural gas (PNG)

for domestic, commercial and
industrial purpose in cities is gaining
increased
importance
as
an
alternative fuel. PNG is being used
internationally with proven success.

b. First isolation valve down stream of

Consumer Meter for Domestic
Consumers.
c. Piping and facilities upto the burner
of gas Oven and /or any Gas
Appliances for domestic consumer.

PNG is a mixture of hydrocarbon

gases and vapours consisting of
principally Methane in gaseous
form. The PNG network consists of
receiving natural gas from suppliers
at City Gate Stations (CGS), Steel
Mains,
Pressure
Regulating
Installations (PRI), Poly Ethylene
(PE) Mains and Supply System to
end users. A typical system of piped
natural gas distribution is given at
Annexure-I.

The facilities up-stream of CGS Inlet

Valve are covered under Part-1 of
this standard.
d. CNG Dispensing facilities
covered on OISD-STD-179
3.0

Safety in PNG distribution is

important in view of the highly
inflammable nature of the gas and
densely populated areas in which the
network is installed.

DEFINITIONS
a. Authorised Person: A person
trained and assigned to carry out a
specific job by the owner or PNG
Distribution Company.
b. Active Regulator: Regulator in PRI
that normally controls the outlet
pressure

This standard aims to ensure safe

design, construction, operation &
maintenance of PNG distribution to
various customers viz. Domestic,
Commercial and Industrial so as to
provide a level of safety and
protection of life and property.

c. City Gate Station (CGS): An

installation where PNG operator
receives the natural gas from the
supplier. The first stage pressure
regulation and odorization of natural
gas takes place in CGS. A typical
schematic layout of facilities/
equipment installed at CGS is given
at Annexure-II

This standard has been prepared for

supply of Piped Natural Gas to
domestic, commercial and industrial
users
2.0

are

d. Competent Person: A person

recognized by the concerned
Statutory Authority for the purpose
in respect of which the competency
is required.

SCOPE
This standard lays down the
minimum safety requirements for
PNG Distribution in cities/towns. It
covers the equipment, pipelines,
accessories etc. installed between
Up-Stream Inlet Isolation Valve of
City Gate Station (CGS) and;

e. Consumer Meter (CM): A meter

that measures gas delivered to a
customer for consumption on the
customers premises.
45

(Monitor) to assume control in the

event of failure of the active device
to the open position.

f. Creep Relief Valve: A relief valve

having maximum 1 % flow capacity
and is installed to prevent over
pressurization of the downstream
system.

n. PNG Distribution System: A

natural gas distribution system &
facilities in which the piped natural
gas (PNG) is distributed to
residential, commercial & industrial
customers.

g. Emergency Shut Off Valve: A

quick action shut off valve, which
operates from full open to full closed
condition in less than one complete
turn.

o. Pressure Regulating Installation

(PRI):
PRI is an installation in the PNG
network where second stage pressure
regulation of natural gas takes place
after CGS. A typical schematic
layout of facilities/ equipment
installed at PRI is given at
Annexure-III.

h. Electro Fusion Joint: A joint made

in thermo plastic piping by heating
the parts sufficiently to permit fusion
of the materials using electrical coil
or otherwise when the parts are
pressed together.
i. Hazard:
A
substance
or
circumstance which may cause
injury or damage due to being
explosive, flammable, poisonous,
corrosive, oxidizing, or otherwise
harmful.

p. Shall
:
Indicates
requirement.

mandatory

q. Should: Indicates recommendation

or that which is advised but not
mandatory.

j. Insulation Joint: A fitting having

high electric resistance, which can
be fitted in a pipeline to insulate one
section of pipe from another
electrically.

r. Service Line: A pipe connecting a

gas
main up to and including a
meter control valve. A service line
may supply more than one meter in a
particular building or in two adjacent
buildings.

k. Mains: A pipe, other than an

installation or service pipe, used for
conveying gas in a distribution
system.

s. Service
Regulator:
Regulator
installed on a gas service line to
control the pressure of the gas
delivered to customer.

l. Maximum Incidental Pressure

(MIP): Max. Pressure, which a
system is designed to experience
under fault condition and is less than
or equal to the design pressure.

4.0

STATUTORY REGULATIONS
It is necessary to comply with
statutory regulations such as State
Pollution Board, Factories Act,
Indian Explosives Act, IE Rules,
Municipal Authorities etc as
applicable and requisite approvals
shall be obtained from the relevant
competent authorities for the PNG

m. Monitor/ Active (Regulator): An

arrangement of two regulating
devices in series whose pressure
settings are stepped so as to allow
one (Active) normally to control the
outlet pressure and the other

46

distribution system.
5.0

LAYOUT & FACILITIES

5.1

PRESSURE
REGULATING
STATIONS (CGS & PRI)

5.1.1

The facilities at the pressure

regulating station shall be located in
a manner to facilitate operation and
ease of maintenance & inspection.
The typical schematic layout of
facilities/ equipment installed at
CGS and PRI are given at Annexure
II & III respectively. Additionally,
the facilities at CGS and PRI shall
conform to the following:

f. PNG shall be supplied after adequate

filtration to prevent erosion and
damage to equipment/ instrument
i. s. The steel mains shall not be pigable.
g. Minimum 3 numbers gas leak
detectors shall be installed at the
strategic locations in the CGS to
cover entire facility.
h. CGS shall be installed outside the
city limit.
5.1.2 VENT LINE
The relief valve vent line shall be
terminated at a minimum height of 3
meters above the equipment for over
ground installations and 3 meters
above the ground level for under
ground installations.

a. For CGS, the minimum separation

distance between the nearest
equipment and the boundary wall
shall be 6 meters.

Vent line shall extend to location

where the discharge of gas shall not
create a hazard to the compressor
station or the surrounding area.

b. The PRI shall be inside an enclosure

with sufficient ventilation. For above
ground PRI, the separation distance
between enclosure and the boundary
wall of nearest building/ structure
shall not be less than 2 meters.

5.1.3

ISOLATION OF CGS
Quick acting isolation valves shall
be provided at CGS for emergency
isolation purpose.

c. There shall be minimum two safety

devices and at least one shall be a
slam-shut valve operating on over
pressure for installations operating at
inlet pressure more than 4.0 barg.

5.2

PIPING AND VALVES

5.2.1

STEEL PIPING

All rigid piping, tubing, fittings and

other piping components shall
conform to the requirements clause
5.2 of part-1 of this standard. Pipe
having D/t ratio greater than 96 shall
not be used.
b. The steel piping shall be designed
for maximum operating pressure of
19.0 barg. at temperature ranging
between (-) 29 Deg. C to (+) 65
Deg. C.
c. For
underground steel piping
network,
suitable
corrosion
protection like cathodic protection,
wrapping/ coating etc shall be
a.

d. The environmental effect and

associated hazards of fire and
explosion due to the release of large
volumes of gas to atmosphere shall
be considered in case a relief valve is
installed as a pressure control
device. Creep relief valve can be
used to prevent over pressurization
of the downstream system.
e. In case, a monitor regulator is used,
it shall be the first acting device in
the pressure safety system.
47

applied. Provisions of clause 9.0 of

Part -1 of this standard shall be
applicable.
d.

The above ground mains shall be

painted yellow for identification.

e.

The cast iron pipes shall not be used

in the PNG network as a carrier of
natural gas.

5.2.2

5.2.3

Such valves shall be installed to

facilitate maintenance of system and
to allow for speedy isolation in the
event of damage. The location of the
strategic valves shall be decided
based on the risk associated with
maintaining the gas supply and to
facilitate
maintenance,
repair,
modification,
testing
and
commissioning etc. In no case,
distance between two strategic
valves shall exceed;-

POLY ETHYLENE (PE) PIPING

The PE piping, tubing, fitting and
other components shall conform to
requirement of ASME B 31.8 or
equivalent as approved by statutory
authority. The PE piping shall be
designed for maximum operating
pressure of 4.0 barg. at temperature
ranging between (-) 29 Deg. C to
(+) 65 Deg. C. PE piping shall not
be used in water / rail crossing. The
value of pipe thickness t shall not
be less than the following table

Nominal
outside
dia, mm
Dn
16
20
25
32
40
50
63
75
90
110
125
140
160
180
200

a. 3 KM for steel pipelines.

b. 1KM for PE Pipelines
diameter 63 mm and above.

SDR
13.6
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
3.0
3.7
4.7
5.5
6.6
8.1
9.2
10.3
11.8
13.3
14.7

SDR
11
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.7
4.6
5.8
6.8
8.2
10
11.4
12.7
14.6
16.4
18.2

of

For PE Pipelines less than 63 mm

diameter, the distance between
strategic valves shall be based upon
risk analysis.
Such valves of appropriate materials
shall also be provided on each riser,
upstream of each meter and at both
ends of river & railway crossing..

Minimum wall thickness, mm

SDR
17.6
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.9
3.6
4.3
5.2
6.3
7.1
8.0
9.1
10.3
11.4

STRATEGIC VALVES

SDR
9
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.6
4.5
5.6
7.1
8.4
10.1
12.3
14
15.7
17.9
20.1
22.4

5.3

CONSUMER INSTALLATIONS

5.3.1 Gas received through PE Pipeline

undergoes
further
pressure
regulation at domestic/ commercial/
Industrial consumer end. The
pressure regulator shall be capable
of shutting down the downstream
gas supply in case of low or high
pressure in the system. These
installations include isolation valve,
pressure regulator and meter etc. The
isolation valve down stream of
consumer meter shall be easily
accessible. Meters duly certified by
competent authority shall be used.
The pressure ranges for different
consumers should be as under:

48

(a) Domestic Consumer : 19mbar 28 mbar

(b) Industrial / Commercial
Consumer: As per consumer
requirement.
5.3.2

5.5

Recommended specification for

domestic customers for above
ground GI pipes before and after
consumer meter to isolation valves ,
copper pipes used inside residence,
rubber hoses connecting the Gas
stove and domestic gas burner is
enclosed at Annexure IV.

5.4

High stray direct current, typically

near DC traction systems.

iii.

Long runs parallel to high voltage

overhead conductors.
PIPELINE MARKERS
Route markers shall be placed on the
entire pipeline at a distance not
exceeding 50 meter and also at
bends in the city.
Additional sign/ markers shall be
installed to indicate the presence of a
pipeline at road, highway, railroad,
stream crossings and locations where
there is a probability of damage or
interference. Further, warning signs
shall be displayed on the service line
to consumer premises.

ROUTE OF PNG PIPELINE

5.4.1 The PNG pipeline route should

avoid;
a. Areas
congested
with
other
underground utilities like power,
water, telephone etc.

A marker shall be marked in easily

readable local language with at least
the following :

b. Close
proximity
to
unstable
structures or where construction
could lead to damage to pipeline.

a) Name of
company

c. Close proximity to highly populated

buildings such as schools, public
places etc.

PNG

distribution

b) Contact telephone number(s) in

emergency.
c) Location code

d. Ground areas of running sand, gravel

or flood risk, water bodies.

d) Warning- High Pressure Gas

Line and Other Utilities to take
permission
from
PNG
distribution company before
digging etc.

e. Heavily traffic-loaded routes where

the road has not been constructed to
suitable standards.
5.6

f. Areas of known or suspected

aggressive soil conditions.

PROXIMITY TO PROPERTIES
The minimum distance between steel
pipelines, having operating pressure
of 4 barg or more and the normally
occupied buildings shall be 2 meters.

g. Landfill sites.
h. Steel piping should avoid;
i.

ii.

5.7

Close proximity to existing CP

systems, particularly groundbed
locations.

PNG ODOURISATION

a. Natural gas supplied through PNG

distribution shall have a distinct
49

odour, strong enough to detect its

presence. In case ethyl mercapton is
used as odorant, the concentration
range shall be 7 to 12.5 PPM.

a. The entire gas handling equipment/

facilities installed in CGS shall be
covered with water sprinklers.

b. The odourisation and filtration

system shall be located in a separate
working area, but within the same
fencing. There should be a clear
safety distance of 1.5 M around the
odourisation and filtration system to
facilitate easy maintenance and
personnel movement.

b. The firewater storage shall be

calculated based on following
cooling rates for minimum 4 hours.

c. Risk Assessment of odourant

installation site shall be carried out.
The storage of odorant should be
minimum enough to prevent a major
risk. The unloading of odorant
should be automated.

c. Adequate fire fighting access, means

of escape in case of fire and
segregation of facilities should be
provided so that the adjacent
facilities are not endangered during a
fire.
d. Fire water storage and pump house
shall be located at a safe place from
the gas handling equipment /
facilities. However, such separation
distance shall not be less than 15 mtr
in any case.

Scrappers/Filters:10 lpm/ sq. m of

surface.
Other areas
: 3 lpm/ sq. m of
surface

d. Precautions for handling odorant

shall be prominently displayed.
e. Odourant absorber like activated
carbon saw dust, dry sand and
odorant neutralizer like sodium
hypochlorite for spillage handling of
odourant shall be provided.

e.

e. Provision shall be made for eye wash,

emergency shower near odorant
handling and injection systems, in
case ethyl mercapton is used as
odourant. Use of personal protective
equipment like face shield, mask,
rubber hand gloves, gumboot, safety
goggles etc. for handling of odourant
spillage shall be ensured.

i. Four numbers 10

FIRE PROTECTION
FACILITIES

DCP

ii.Two numbers 22.5 kg

DCP

iii. One number 10

Foam

kg

CO2

MCC / ELECTRIC
INSTALLATION
Following fire extinguishers shall be
provided:

Each installation shall be equipped

with the following facilities for fire
protection.
5.8.1

kg

iv. Two numbers 4.5 kg

5.8.2

5.8

Additionally, following fire

extinguishers shall be provided at
the city gate station:

a. One no. 10

kg DCP

b. One no.. 4.5 kg CO2

CITY GATE STATION (CGS)

50

c. Sand Buckets
5.9

6.0

FOOTPATH
ROAD

All electrical equipment/ installations

shall conform to OISD Standards 110,
113, 149 and 173 as applicable.
ELEC
(LV)

LAYING OF PIPELINE

TELECOM

ELEC
(HV)

Safety provisions under OISDGDN-192 (Safety Practices During

Construction) shall be complied. PE
pipe shall not be installed above
ground provided it is encased in
metal pipe protected against
atmospheric corrosion or other
appropriate RCC protection.
6.1

CABLE

PNG
WATER

e. Where open cut techniques are used,

a warning tape of Yellow colour
shall be laid above the pipe, the
difference in elevation of the pipe
and warning tape shall be minimum
of 200 mm.

Following shall also be complied;

a. Road signs, warning lamps and
barrier systems shall be provided on
highway or other work locations
which are accessed by pedestrians or
vehicles.

f. As built drawing and pipe book shall

be maintained.
g. Trench width shall be al least 300
MM. The bed of the trench shall be
free of sharp objects, stones etc. The
trench should be padded with soft
soil / sand to minimum of 100 mm
below the pipe.
h. A layer of brick/ concrete shall be
laid or Impact resistant tape shall be
laid over the
on the pipeline
covering its entire length.

b. Underground utilities shall not be

disturbed or altered without the prior
consent and approval of the owner or
authority concerned.
c. Electricity cables shall be treated as
"Live, unless the owner certifies
them as "Dead".' The dead cable
shall also be checked for any
residual voltage.
d. Where it is necessary to cross or run
close to any other utility, a minimum
of 250 mm clearance shall be
maintained. In case the clearance is
less, appropriate protection measures
shall be taken. The relative position
of PNG pipeline with respect to
other underground utilities shall be
as given below:

i. At identified locations pipelines

shall be provided with impact
protection
from
excavating
machinery as indicated in the fig
1(a) where h shall not be less than
500 MM. & 1(b) where h shall not
be less than 250 mm.

51

250 mm=

500 mm=

500 mm=

Rocky Areas

1. 0

Road Crossings

1. 2

Railroad Crossings

1. 7

Inside the building /

society premises

1. 0

NOTE :
(i)

Wherever the minimum depth of

cover as above is not possible, a
risk analysis shall be carried out
to determine the additional
protection requirements.

(ii)

The depth of cover shall be

measured from the top of the
pipe coating to the top of the
undisturbed surface of soil or the
top of graded working strip,
whichever is lower.;
The cover shall be measured
from the top of road or top of
rail, as the case may be;
For river/watercourses that are
prone to scour and erosion,
adequate safe cover shall be
provided below the predicted
scour profile expected during the
life time of the pipeline;

Figure 1 (a) Concrete Slab

250 mm =

(iii)
(iv)

Figure 1 (b) Slab with support for Impact

protection of pipelines
6.2

500 mm=

6.3 JOINT REQUIREMENT FOR PE

PIPE

DEPTH OF COVER
Minimum depths of cover for buried
pipelines shall be as per the table
given below;
Location

Industrial, Commercial
and Residential Areas

(a) Pipe or tubing shall not be

threaded.
(b) Joint procedure (mechanical,
adhesive
or
heat
fusion)
qualification shall be done and
proven by test.
(c) Flanges or special joints shall be
used provided they are properly
qualified .
(d) Coiled pipe, not exceeding 32 mm
outside diameter, may be used for
external risers and laterals. For
larger diameter ( and not
exceeding 63 mm), only straight
length shall be used. However,
these pipes shall only be used for

Min.
Cover in
meter
1. 0

Stream, Canal and other

minor water crossings
(below bed level)

1. 5

Drainage ditches at
roadways and railroads

1. 0

52

a maximum pressure of 100 mbar.

(e) An external PE risers and laterals
system, not exceeding 63mm
outside diameter, should be joined
using wall mounted crimped or
compression fittings.
(f)
All external PE pipe work
should be completely sleeved with
half an hour fire resistant glss
reinforced plastic and secured at a
minimum of 2 m intervals with
wall mounted retaining clips.
6.4

LAYING OF PE PIPE
During installation of PE piping,
care shall be taken to prevent
damage to piping and components.
Gouge , cuts, scratches, kinks /
buckle or other form of damage shall
be removed by cutting out and
replacing the damage portion as a
cylinder.

6.5

BACK FILLING
Back filling shall be performed in a
manner to provide firm support
around the pipe. Material used for
back filling shall be free from rock,
pieces of pavement, stones or any
other material which can damage the
pipeline.

6.6

6.7

fittings shall be laid underground

and shall not be exposed. The
service lines, where coming above
ground, shall be only made of
GI/Carbon Steel piping, with
adequate anti corrosive coating.
d. Wherever the riser is to be laid
through confined spaces like
basements, only welded risers shall
be used. Riser shall be installe d with
a minimum gap of 25 mm to wall
and supported at every 2 m.
Ventilators shall be provided in
confined space.
e.
f.
e. Interface joint shall be provided over
ground . In case interface joint is
provided underground , it shall be
protected against corrosion etc.
7.0
7.1

TESTING & COMMISSIONING

Following shall be complied before
commencing
the
testing
&
commissioning activities :
a. Issue of Work Permit as per OISDSTD 105.
b. Availability
equipment

of

fire

fighting

Provision shall be made for locating

the buried PE pipe by installation of
electrical conductive trace wire or
plastic coated metallic tape or any
alternate proven locating method.

c. Availability
facilities

of

communication

SERVICE LINE

e. Warning Signs

The following shall be complied:

f. Cordoning of the test area

d. Availability
of
inspected
&
calibrated testing equipment /
instruments

a. A service line shall not be laid under

the foundations of any building.

g. Emergency contact nos. of various

agencies as per Emergency
Response Plan

b. Service lines shall not be laid in

unventilated enclosures.

7.2

c. All Poly Ethylene (PE) pipe and

53

TESTING OF INSTALLATIONS

7.2.1

Pressure Regulating Installations

shall be subjected to hydrostatic or
pneumatic strength test as given
below:
Design Pr.
(DP)
(bar)
Up to 0.1
From 0.1 to
1.0
From 1.0 to
2.0
From 2.0 to
7.0
From 7.0 to
100.0

Strengt
h Test
Pr.
(bar)
0.3

i.

For services operating at

pressure not exceeding 75 mbar,
an air/ inert gas test at a
minimum of 100 mbar shall be
applied.

ii.

For Services operating at

pressure in excess of 75 mbar the
test pressure shall be 1.5 times
the maximum operating pressure.

iii.

The pipeline operated above 2

bars shall be tested at 1.5 times
the max. operating pressure.

iv.

Where a service supplies a multistorey building, the risers and

laterals shall be tested at a
pressure of 350 mbar or 1.5
times the maximum operating
pressure which ever is higher.

Duration
Hydro.(H)/
Pneu. (P)

2.0

P
30 min
P
30 min

3.0

1.5 DP

H (4hrs)
H
4hrs
H
4 hrs

Duration of test shall be after

stabilization of pressure and shall be
acceptable when no pressure loss is
detected over the required period.
Tightness test shall be carried at
operating pressure for a duration not
less than 30 minutes.

b. TEST DURATION
The duration of pneumatic testing of
service line and internal installation
shall not be less than 30 minutes.

7.2.2 HYDROSTATIC TESTING

7.3 COMMISSIONING OF FACILITIES

a. Steel Pipelines and mains shall be

tested hydrostatically to a pressure
not less than 1.5 times the Maximum
Operating Pressure. Suitable relief
valve set at 5% over the test
pressure, shall be fitted to avoid over
pressurization.

All fire protection and detection

facilities shall be in place before
commissioning.
All facilities i.e. CGS, PRI, Pipelines
etc.
shall be purged and
commissioned as per approved
procedure after due checks and
certification by the authorised
personnel.

b. The duration of hydrostatic test for

steel pipeline shall not be less than
24 hrs or as specified by respective
code to which the pipeline is
designed and accepted by statutory
authority.
7.2.3

8.0
8.1

PNEUMATIC TESTING

a. Pneumatic testing of PE PIPELINE

shall comply with the following:
54

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

Operating procedures, with suitable
operational controls based on formal
hazard
identification
&
risk
assessment, shall include following
safety aspects:-

a. Adherence to work permit system in

line with OISD-STD-105

f. Important operational activities shall

be logged and records of such
activities shall be maintained.

b. Management of change in line with

OISD-GDN-178,

g. All PNG operations shall be carried

out under the supervision of
authorised person(s).

c. Selection of electrical equipment as

per hazard area classification &
maintenance in line with established
O & M practices/ statutes,

h. Limits of operating parameters

including level, pressure and any
other condition as set for sound and
safe operations shall not be
exceeded. In case any abnormal
operating
conditions
are
encountered, the causes shall be
investigated and corrective actions
taken.

d. Provision of Personal Protective

Equipment (PPE),
e. Regular Preventive Maintenance
f. Availability of Documented Isolation
Philosophy etc. shall be in place.

i. The operating staff shall maintain

vigilance for detection and control of
any leakage.
8.2

Following shall be complied:

j. Explosimeter, duly calibrated, shall
be available at CGS to monitor the
leakage at flanges and instrument
tapings.

a. Adequate training shall be imparted

to the operators, service engineers
etc. and records thereof shall be
maintained.

k. A well-designed system of periodic

inspection for all facilities of PNG
shall be formulated to maintain it in
safe operable condition all the time.

b. Operating personnel shall possess

adequate knowledge and experience
to ensure functioning of the PNG
distribution system in a safe and
efficient manner.

l. Safety audit of the PNG distribution

system shall be undertaken &
certificate of fitness, declaring
integrity with respect to equipment,
facilities, operations & safety
procedures, shall be accordingly
issued.

c. Dos and Donts shall be displayed

at scrapper/ filter, pressure regulator
area and odourizing facility.
d. System of periodic inspection and
maintenance of PNG facilities shall
be established as an integral part of
operations.

m. The safety inspections / audit of

PNG systems shall be carried out as
given below:

e. Action in the event of emergency

shall be clearly established and
understood by all concerned and
displayed prominently.

55

Type
General
Inspection

Freq.
Daily
Once a
month

Safety
Audit

Once a
year

Electrical
Audit

Once a
year

Agency
Operating
personnel
Engineering
in-charge of
PNG mktg.
Company
Authorised
Person (s) /
Agency
Licensed
Electrical
Agency

s. Calibration of meters/ gauges etc.

shall be carried out, documented and
records kept.
t. The Functional Test of Active/
Monitor Regulator, Slam Shut Valve
and Pressure Relief Valve for their
proper operation shall be carried out
once in a year.
u. No Mobile phone, No smoking
sign, No lighter / matches shall
be displayed at CGS operational
area.

n. All recommendations of the safety

audit/ inspections shall be complied
in a time bound manner and records
maintained thereof.

v. Dos and Donts , safety precautions,

emergency telephone nos. shall be
displayed at the consumer point.

o. Disassembly or removal of the

facilities and components of
equipment whilst any part of the
system is under pressure is
hazardous and shall not be
undertaken unless the system is depressurised, gas freed and certified.

8.3

The following safety precautions shall

be ensured during emergency
repairs/ breakdown maintenance of
pipelines:
a. Warning/ cordoning off work area.
b. All naked flames, sources of ignition
and mobile phones shall not be
allowed in the immediate work area.

p. The system of permit to work shall

be established for non-routine works
in line with OISD-STD-105 and
such works shall be undertaken with
full knowledge and approval by
authorised person.

c. Gas level should be monitored

during the repair work with gas
detectors.
d. Adequate fire fighting equipment
shall be deployed during such repair.

q. Equipment
appurtenances,
protection devices associated with
the PNG system as incorporated in
the design shall be tested,
maintained, repaired and replaced as
recommended by the manufacturer.

e. Close Coordination among utility

companies shall be carried out to
avoid damages to the utilities.
8.4

r. Preventive maintenance schedules

shall be drawn for all equipment in
accordance with manufacturers
recommendations and established
mandatory
/
recommendatory
standards. Records of all preventive
maintenance undertaken shall be
maintained and updated from timeto-time.

MODIFICATIONS
PIPELINES

TO

LIVE

All modifications i.e. additions/

alternations shall be carried out in
accordance with applicable code of
practice/
approved
procedure.
Provisions
of
OISD-GDN-178
(Guidelines on Management of
Change) shall be complied.
56

8.4.1

PRESSURE CONNECTIONS

a. Metallic Pipelines:
Connection should be made to live
metallic pipeline by direct drilling
and tapping using proprietary fittings
and no gas to atmosphere drilling
equipment (hot tapping). Hot
tapping
procedures
for
steel
pipelines At annexure V.
Only fused connections shall be
made to PE mains using compatible
polymeric material and as per
applicable code.

EMERGENCY PLAN AND

PROCEDURE
a. Provision shall be made for emergency
isolation valve outside factory
premises to cut off gas supply in
case of fire/ emergency in plant.

Loss of or interruption to the gas

supplies due to leaks or failure of
pipeline.
of

v.

Any other risk arising from the

existence or operation of the PNG
system.

e. The control room shall be equipped

with Emergency vehicle having
communication system, first aid fire
extinguishers, leak detection and
repair tools & tackles etc. All
necessary maps and plans &
P&ID`s, Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS), etc. shall be available.

b. The Operating Company having

control over the PNG distribution
shall draw an operational emergency
plan keeping in view the following:

Major failure
fittings

Civil emergencies

d. Provision of round the clock

emergency control room equipped
with
effective
communication
system shall be made. Emergency
Contact telephone numbers of
emergency response team members,
emergency services, mutual aid
industries,
district
authorities,
enforcing agencies, contractors/
vendors, fire brigade, civic agencies
etc shall be available.

Procedure for online Electro

Fusion jointing for PE pipelines is
enclosed at Annexure-VI.

ii.

iv.

c. The in-charge of the PNG

distribution shall maintain close
liaison with Fire Service, Police,
District Authorities and the Gas
Supplying Organization.

Subsequent to any alteration/

modification, the complete system
shall meet the existing testing &
commissioning requirements of the
system as per clause 7.0 and shall be
tested & certified prior to taking in
service.

i.

Accidents or other emergencies,

which can affect the PNG supplies.

The above emergency plan shall be

disseminated amongst all personnel
involved and ensured that they
understand
their
roles
and
responsibilities in the event of an
emergency.

b. PE Mains:

9.0

iii.

f. Operating Company shall participate

in local Disaster Management Drill.
g. Utility Co-ordination:

equipment/

Effective co-ordination amongst

utilities is required to reduce the
damages to utilities and consequent
57

loss of life/ properties etc. In order

to reduce damages to gas pipeline,
following measures shall be ensured
by utility companies:-

a.
PNG.

A person should be designated by

company for utility co-ordination.

i.

A utility co-ordination team should

be
formed
consisting
of
representatives from all utility
companies as well as Municipal
Corporation.

ii.

Formats should be designed for

taking clearance from PNG
distribution company prior to
taking up any excavation / digging
activity within the city limits by
other utilities.

iii.

b.

Familiarization
with
operational procedures & practices.

c.

Commissioning
of
facilities and equipment..

d.

Hands on experience
operation of equipment..

on

e.

Routine
checks
maintenance activities of
facilities.

and
the

f.

Knowledge of emergency
and manual shut down systems.

g.

Immediate and effective

isolation of any PNG leak.

new

iv.

Prompt reporting of gas leak/

damages shall be done.

h.

Safety
regulations
accident prevention.

v.

Use of designated utility corridor

provided by local administration
shall be made.

i.

Fire fighting facilities, its

upkeep and operation.

10.0 TRAINING
10.1

Hazardous characteristics of

The objective of training is to

provide good understanding of all
the facets of PNG distribution
activities
including
operations,
procedures,
maintenance
and
hazards and the risks associated with
its handling. Training shall ensure
that the jobs are performed in
accordance with the laid down
procedures and practices.

j.

Housekeeping

k.

First aid.

l.

Emergency plan/drills

and

10.2 Proper records for the training and

refresher courses shall be maintained.
10.3 Training for employees & contractors
of other utility companies should
be done to make them aware about
hazards associated with leak/
damages and required actions.

Training shall be imparted to the

staff attached with the PNG
distribution at the time of induction,
which is to be followed up by
periodic refresher courses.
The
training programme shall inter alia
cover following aspects:

11.0

RECORDS
The PNG distribution company shall
maintain
following
records/
documents:

a. Design/ specification documents

58

k. Strength, tightness and leak test

reports
l. Commissioning reports
m. Non-conformance/ deviation reports
n. Calibration records of Inspection,
Measuring & Metering and Test
equipment
o. Audit compliance reports
p. Statutory clearances
q. Approved drawings/documents
r. International practices
s. HAZOP/ Risk assessment studies/
compliance to recommendations
t. All operation & maintenance
manuals
u. Interlock testing document/by pass
records etc.

b. Pipeline alignment sheets for MP

steel pipeline
c. Pipe Book/ Installation Records
d. Vendor
and
subcontractor
assessments and records
e. Surveillance
inspection
and
maintenance reports
f. Material certification including
dimension, metallurgy, DT and NDT,
strength, tightness, performance and
functional report
g. Welding records
h. PQR, WPS & Welder qualification
records
i. Stage inspection reports
j. Test reports
12.0

REFERENCE S

a. ASME-B31.8 - Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems

b. IGE/TD/1 Steel Pipelines for High pressure Gas Transmission

c. IGE/TD/3 - Steel and Pipelines for Gas Distribution
d.

IGE/TD/4 - Gas Services

e. IGE/TD/13 Pressure Regulating Installations for transmission and Distribution Systems

f. IGE/SR/16 - Storage of Odorant and Use of Odorant Systems
g. OISD-STD-105 Work Permit System
h. OISD-STD-113 Classification of Areas for Electrical Installations at Hydrocarbon
Processing and Handling Facilities
i. OISD-STD-117 - Fire Protection Facilities for Petroleum Depots and Terminals and
Pipelines Installations
j. OISD-STD-138 - Inspection of cross country pipelines Onshore
k. OISD-STD-173 - Fire Protection System for Electrical Installations
l. OISD-GDN-178 Guidelines on Management of Change
m. OISD-STD-179 Safety Requirements on compression, storage, handling & refueling of
natural gas for use in automotive sector.

59

n. OISD-GDN-192 Safety Practices During Construction

60

Annexure-I

Typical Piped Natural Gas (PNG) Distribution System

Steel

INLET
FROM
SUPPLIER

Mains

PRI Combined

Meter
PE/ Steel

PE/ Steel/
Copper

Mains

City Gate
Station
(CGS)

PRI Industrial

Appliances (Domestic,
Comm.& Industrial

Service

Meter

Industrial Appliances

PE/ Steel

PE/ Steel

Mains

service

Steel

Mains

PRI
Residential/
Commercial

Meter
PE/ Steel

Mains
Steel

Mains

PE/ Steel/
Copper

Dom./ Comm.
Appliances

Service

Compressed
Natural Gas
Dispensing
Station

NOTE : Compressed Natural Gas Dispensing Station is not covered under the scope of this standard

Standard on Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines and City gas distribution networks

Annexure-II

TYPICAL LAYOUT OF A CITY GATE STATION (CGS)

KOD

Filter

PSV
Isolation
Valve

INLET

Stand by
Odourant
Injection

Stand by

STAND BY
STREAM

OUTLET
Meter
NRV

Slam-Shut Valve
Active/ Monitor Regulators

Creep Valve

Annexure-III

TYPICAL LAYOUT OF A PRESSURE REGULATING INSTALLATION (PRI)

62

Creep
Valve

Standard on Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines and City gas distribution networks

NRV

Slam Shut
Valve

INLET

Isolation
Valve

Filter
Active/ Monitor
Regulators
Outlet

Stand-by Stream

ANNEXURE - IV
1. Recommended specification of GI pipes used for domestic gas piping above ground up to the isolation valve after the meter
Pipes shall be conforming to IS: 1239 (Part-1) 1990. The manufacturer shall have a valid license to use ISI Monogram for manufacturing of
pipes in accordance with the requirements of IS: 1239 (Part-I) 1990.

63

Standard on Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines and City gas distribution networks

NOMINAL
BORE
GRADE
O.D. mm
max.
Min.
THICKNESS mm
NOMINAL
WEIGHT
Kg / mtr

15 mm

25 mm

50 mm

80 mm

HEAVY
(C CLASS)

HEAVY
(C CLASS)

HEAVY
(C CLASS)

HEAVY
(C CLASS)

21.8
21.0

34.2
33.3

60.8
59.7

89.5
88.0

3.2

4.0

4.5

4.8

1.44

2.93

6.19

9.90

Note:
Maximum tolerance on thickness (-)10%, Tolerance on weight for single tube 10% and for quantities per load of 10 tonnes, 7.5%.

Pipes shall be designed to withstand a test pressure of 5 MPa (50 Kgf / cm 2), maintained for at least 3 second without showing any kind
of defects.
Eddy Current test may be done in place of hydrostatic test as per the procedure given in Annex - C of IS: 1239 (Part-1) - 1990.
All Galvanised Tubes shall be Zinc coated by hot dip galvanising in accordance with IS: 4736-1986 & its relevant parts.
Minimum mass of zinc coating determined as per IS: 6745-1972 shall be 400 gms / m2.
The zinc coating on external and internal surfaces shall be adherent, smooth and free from such imperfections as flux, ash & dross
inclusions, bare patches, black spots, pimples, lumpiness, runs, rust stains, bulky white deposits and blisters.
Rejection and acceptance for these defects shall be as per Appendix-A of IS: 2629-1985
The galvanised coating when determined on a 100 mm long test piece in accordance with IS: 2633 - 1986 shall withstand 4, one minute dips.
The adherence of zinc coating on tubes above 50 mm nominal bore, shall be determined by the pivoted hammer test given in IS : 2629 1985.

Each pipe shall be legibly and durably marked at intervals of not more than one metre with the following information (i) Manufacturers name
or trade mark, (ii) Class of Pipe HEAVY, (iii) Indian Standard mark ISI, (iv) Batch No. of Production, if any.
2. Recommended specification of copper pipes used for domestic gas piping inside the residence up to the isolation valve after the
meter

64

Standard on Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines and City gas distribution networks

For a copper service in domestic natural gas installations, materials supplied shall be in accordance with BS EN 1057:1996, it has replaced
the copper tube standard BS 2871 Part 1. BS EN 1057 ensures the quality of the copper product by specifying the pipe in terms of its
chemical composition, mechanical properties (tensile strength, hardness, elongation etc.), dimension and tolerance, surface quality, freedom
from defects and suitability for pipe bending.
Copper pipe work shall be jointed by soldering or brazing, using mechanical compression or capillary type fittings. Fittings for use in joining
copper tube shall be as per BS EN 1254 Parts 1 and 2. Fittings for capillary soldering and brazing are specified in Part 1 and compression
fittings are specified in Part 2.
Soft soldering utilises filler metals with melting points at temperatures up to 450C. Filler metals shall be as per BS EN 29453:1994 - Soft
solder alloys - Chemical compositions and forms. Solders for use with copper tube and fittings generally melt within the temperature range
180C to 250C. Compression fittings shall be comply with BS 864 Part 2 or BS 2051 Part 1.
For capillary fittings:

Soft solder shall not be used for pressure in excess of 75 mbar

If the operating pressure is to exceed 75 mbar then a solder with a melting point of not less than 600 degrees C shall be provided the
pipe diameter does not exceed 35 mm. This equally applies to brass fittings.

Height limit for copper risers: Although there is no specific guidance regarding maximum height of copper risers, IGE/UP/2 only allows the
use of steel for risers above heights of 15 meter. Thus, unless local information is available to the contrary, 15-meter maximum height shall
be considered safe due to weight and mechanical strength of material.
General guidance in BS 6891 also states that copper pipe work is not acceptable inside a protected shaft. Requirements for ventilation and
fire stopping shall apply to ducts conveying copper pipe work. For an external copper riser system, protection against lightning conductors
shall be considered.
Last but not least, a copper gas line shall never be used as a ground for an electrical system.

65

Standard on Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines and City gas distribution networks

3. Recommended specification of rubber hose used for connecting the Gas Stove after the isolation valve to the Gas Stove.
Rubber hose shall be conforming to IS: 9573 Type IV. The hose shall consist of lining, reinforcement and cover.
The Hose should not be exposed to internal or external temperature exceeding the recommended limits, as high heat conditions can cause
an adverse effect on the hose by degrading the Elastomer and thereby reducing fitting retention.
The hose size must be capable of handling the required flow volume. Using the smaller than required diameter of hose for a given volume of
flow would, result in excessive fluid turbulence, pressure drop, heat generation and tube damage.
The hose should not be bend or flex beyond the specified parameter (refer, Table 1 Dimensions and Bend radii for Rubber Hoses, IS: 9573),
as this would put excessive stress on the reinforcement and severely reduce the ability of the hose to withstand pressure.
Hoses in service should be checked every year, for leakage, kinking, corrosion, abrasion or any other signs of wear and damage. Any hose
worn or damaged must be removed from service and replaced immediately
4. Recommended specification of the domestic gas burner.
The gas stove shall be manufactured and checked in accordance to IS: 4246, IS: 11480 and IS: 5116. The following tests are conducted, (i)
strength testing, (ii) thermal efficiency, (iii) combustion, (iv) gas soundness test, (v) floor wall & ceiling temperature measurement (vi) gas
consumption test.
The jet nozzle of the gas burner shall be designed for a standard length of 11mm, with a tolerance of 0.2mm. The bore at the bottom of the
hose is of 2.38 mm diameter (tolerance +0.1, -0.15). The hole on the top of jet is of diameter 1.25 mm or 1.10 mm (tolerance +0.02, -0.01)
based on the capacity. (Refer fig. 1 & 2)

66

Standard on Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines and City gas distribution networks

Jet Nozzle 1.25

67

Jet Nozzle 1.10

Standard on Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines and City gas distribution networks

Annexure - V
Details of the online procedures for Steel pipelines where hydro testing is not recommended. Hot tapping
Procedure for Hot tapping on pipelines in-service shall comply to IS: 15679 : 2006. Hot tapping is the technique of attaching a mechanical or
welded branch fitting to piping or equipment in service, and creating an opening in that pipeline by drilling or cutting a portion of the piping
within the attached fitting.
Hot tapping shall be performed when it is not feasible, or impractical to take the piping out of service, or to purge or clean it by conventional
methods. A hot tap connection can often be safely made without interfering with the process operation.
Prior to conducting hot tapping, a written plan shall be prepared which includes the following,
Connection design
Hot tap procedure
Detailed written welding procedure
Health, safety, fire protection, emergency response, and other appropriate procedures & instructions.
Additional information when developing a written plan may be obtained from Section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code for
qualification of welders and the fundamental ASME Code welding procedure to be employed.
Note: Section IX does not cover the condition encountered while welding on in service piping containing flammable and combustible liquids.
Refer to API Recommended Practice 1107 for qualification of welders and the welding procedures to be employed when welding on inservice flammable and combustible liquid piping.
The tightness of bolts, packing, packing nuts and any by-pass line shall be checked to avoid any possible leakage. The test pressure should
be atleast equal to the operating pressure of the line or vessel to be tapped. But it shall not exceed the present internal pressure by more
than approximately 10%, in order to avoid possible internal collapse of the pipe or vessel wall.

68

Standard on Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines and City gas distribution networks

Annexure - VI
Details of the online procedures for PE pipelines where hydro testing / pneumatic testing is not recommended. EF Jointing
MDPE pipeline is constructed by joining together lenghts of PE pipe. The PE pipes can be joined by a variety of joining techniques like
electrofusion couplings, butt fusion and mechanical jointing. However, the most preferable method shall be electrofusion jointing. Smaller
service pipes or spur lines can be taken off the live PE main by tapping tees to the top of the pipes using the EF jointing method.
PE fittings used for EF jointing shall be made as per ISO 8085, Part 3 Polyethylene fittings for use with polyethylene pipes for the supply of
gaseous fuels Electrofusion fittings
The Electrofusion jointing shall be carried out as per ISO DTR 10839 Recommended practice for laying of PE pipes . Electrofusion type of
jointing shall be applied to pipe / fittings of same Outside Diameter and Wall Thickness. The surface of the pipe shall be scrapped to ensure
that it is free from Burrs and oxide layer at the pipe ends to be welded. Pipe ends shall be free from grease or other dirt & the degreasing
shall be done by Isopropyl Alcohol.
The End faces of pipe to be welded shall be at right angle to pipe axis. Gap between pipe-pipe or pipe-fittings or fittings-fittings shall not be
more than 0.3 mm for all sizes after planing.
The Electrofusion jointing shall be carried out using standard EF jointing machines. During the Electrofusion welding process ,the frequency
& voltage of generator supplying power shall not outside the prescribed range of the EF machines. The use of Top-loading clamp is a must
during the entire heating cooling cycle. The heating & cooling time for each joint shall be fed into the EF machine either by bar code readers
or manually.

69