# Middle Tennessee Natural Gas — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** PI-74-021
- **title:** Middle Tennessee Natural Gas — Pipeline Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 1974-03-18
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** PI-74-021 response to Middle Tennessee Natural Gas concerning 192.603, 192.63.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-74-021.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-74-021.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-74-021
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/Pipeline/1974/PI74021.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

Mr. Stephen C. Stinson
Middle Tennessee Natural Gas
Utility District
P. O. Box 231
Smithville, TN 37166
Dear Mr. Stinson:
Than you for your letter to Mr. Frank Fulton of February 12, 1974. In response to the questions
you ask, we offer the following:
Question: In section 192.63 you say each piece of pipe must be marked. What happens when this
is covered by coating?
Answer: The intent of the regulation is that the product, pipe, fitting, etc., be clearly identified
from point of manufacture to installation. Where pipe is coated before installation, covering the
marking, the coated pipe must be remarked unless some other means of identification permitted
by section 192.63 is used.
Question: If the specifications of the pipe are listed on the bill of lading and the original purchase
order, is a blanket identification sufficient?
Answer: A blanket identification where permitted under section 192.63 is sufficient only if the
items involved are clearly identified from point of manufacture to installation, as when all items so
identified are used at a single installation. Where individual items covered by a blanket
identification are used separately, each item must be marked exclusive of the blanket
identification.
Question: How have people maintained marking that was put on the coating? As you know,
ultra violet light attacks PVC and ink on it. Do you require identification to be maintained on
coal tar? If so, how do you identify field coated pipe?
Answer: For coated pipe in short term storage or protected storage , a marking on the coating or
coating wrapper will normally remain legible until installation. For coated pipe in long term
storage, marking is usually maintained by painting the pipe inside each end. Also, some operators
paint a color code on pipe. It is an operator's responsibility to use markings that will identify
material until it is installed. Section 192.63 does not require that markings be maintained after
installation, but materials used in any segment of pipeline must be identifiable for the life of the
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<<<PAGE 2>>>

facility to ensure proper operation and maintenance. This is accomplished by maintaining
appropriate records.
We hope that his sufficiently answers your questions. If we may assist further, please let us know.
Sincerely,
/signed/
Joseph C. Caldwell
Director
Office of Pipeline Safety
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<<<PAGE 3>>>

February 12, 1974
Mr. Frank Fulton, Chief Engineer
Office of Pipeline Safety
Department of Transportation
Washington, D. C. 20590
Dear Frank:
Really enjoyed your discussion in Nashville but I have a few questions concerning marking.
1. In section 192.63 you say each piece of pipe must be marked. What happens when
this is covered by coating?
2. If the specifications of the pipe are listed on the bill of lading and the original
purchases order, is a blanket identification sufficient?
3. How have people maintained marking that was put on the coating? As you know,
ultra violet light attacks PVC and ink on it? Do you require identification to be
maintained on coal tar? If so, how do you identify field coated pipe?
Your comments would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
MIDDLE TENNESSEE UTILITY
Stephen C. Stinson
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