{"operation":"document","citation":"PI-73-0106","title":"West Virginia Public Service Commission — Pipeline Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"1973-03-22","effective_on":null,"summary":"PI-73-0106 response to West Virginia Public Service Commission concerning 192.11.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-73-0106.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-73-0106.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-73-0106","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/Pipeline/1973/g73-03-22_Spalding_192.11-lmx.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nPI-73-0106\nMar 22 1973\nMr. T. K. Spalding\nDirector, Gas Pipeline Safety Division\nWest Virginia Public Service Commission\nCapitol Building\nCharleston, West Virginia 25305\nDear Mr. Spalding:\nThis is in response to your letter of February 22, 1973, to Frank Fulton in which you asked if the Federal Minimum Safety\nStandards permit the use of approved plastic pipe for mains and service lines to distribute LPG from a central point in a\nmobile home park.\nThe Federal Minimum Safety Standards contained in 49 CFR, Part 192, Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by\nPipeline permit the use of plastic pipe in mains and services with certain limitations. These limitations in general, relate\nto the operating temperature and pressure, and the chemical compatibility of the pipe to the product to be carried.\nThe major concern over using plastic in a LPG system is that of condensation in the LPG vapor. This condensation may\nresult in a decrease of the physical and chemical properties of certain plastic pipes. Therefore, if there is any possibility\nof condensation of the LPG vapor in the piping system then the pipe selected must be capable of retaining its integrity\nwith the liquid in the line.\nIt is the operator's responsibility to assure the integrity of the plastic pipe selected for use in the piping system and this\nshould be based on a favorable recommendation by the manufacturer. Therefore, the Federal Minimum Safety\nStandards do permit the use of plastic in a properly engineered underground system of LPG distribution conforming to\nthe limitations of these regulations.\nI trust this information will clarify this matter for you. If we can be of any further assistance, please advise.\nSincerely,\nJoseph C. Caldwell\nDirector\nOffice of Pipeline Safety\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\nState of West Virginia\nPublic Service Commission\nCharleston, 25305\nFebruary 22, 1973\nMr. Frank Fulton, Chief\nTechnical Section\nOffice of Pipeline Safety\nDepartment of Transportation\nWashington, D. C. 20590\nDear Frank:\nPlease advise if the minimum safety standards permit the use of approved plastic pipe for mains and\nservice lines to distribute LPG from a central point in a mobile home park.\nWe have had one request for an answer to that question and it will probably become an increasingly\nimportant problem.\nLast year this state issued construction permits for 79 mobile home parks containing 1,712 spaces. With\nthe scarcity of natural gas and consequent expanded use of LPG, we should be in a position to advise operators on\nthe use of plastic.\nYours very truly,\nT. K. Spalding, Director\nGas Pipeline Safety Division","truncated":false,"body_characters":2611}