# Continental-Emsco Company — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** PI-79-003  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1979-02-16

PI-79-003 response to Continental-Emsco Company concerning 192.149.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

Feb 16 1979
Mr. Gary Faulkenberry
Continental-Emsco Company
P.O. Box 401388
Garland, Texas 75040
Dear Mr. Faulkenberry:
Your letter of December 5, 1978, refers to Title 49 CFR Section 192.149 Standard Fittings,
Paragraph (b), the second sentence, which reads in part, "The actual burst strength of the fitting
must at least equal the computed burst strength of the pipe of the designated material and wall
thickness...." Your specific question was, "Is there a formula you can recommend to use that will
adhere to the guidelines set in Section 192.149, Paragraph (b)?"
The requirement of this section is based on Paragraph 8 of ASA-B16.9, "Wrought Steel
Buttwelding Fittings" (1964 Edition) which does include a simple hoop stress formula for
computing burst strength. A photo copy of this paragraph is enclosed for your information.
Sincerely,
Cesar DeLeon
Associate Director for
Pipeline Safety Regulation
dal\192\149\79-02-19
1

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/Pipeline/1979/PI79003.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `c9ef9c51cc884e0aaef8be23462e9c66a77f48b79fc63c4a1dd8995ab4d8bbdf`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T19:48:04.042Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-pi-79-003`

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```