# Indiana Public Service Commission — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** PI-76-031
- **title:** Indiana Public Service Commission — Pipeline Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 1976-06-16
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** PI-76-031 response to Indiana Public Service Commission concerning 192.3, 192.461.
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-76-031.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-76-031.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-76-031
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/Pipeline/1976/PI76031.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

June 16, 1976
Mr. Thomas P. VanArsdel, P.E.
Director, Pipeline Safety Division
Indiana Public Service Commission
901 State Office Building
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Dear Mr. VanArsdel:
Your letter of May 10, 1976, requests the Office of Pipeline Safety Operations (OPSO) official
opinion on Dekoron Tripl-dek aluminum tubing for use in gas distribution systems.
OPSO does not approve, disapprove, or endorse proprietary items. The brochure included with
your letter indicates that Tripl-dek consists of aluminum tubing with an internal copolymer
coating and an external polyethylene jacket.
Absence of specifications for a given material in 49 CFR Part 192 does not necessarily preclude
its use provided the general requirements that are applicable to all materials are met.
The requirements of 49 CFR Part 192 apply to all pipelines regardless of material. In addition,
some sections specify specific limits for design or operating conditions of certain materials. Part
192 does not presently specify design criteria for aluminum pipe, however, such pipe would have
to be capable of meeting the general requirements and level of safety otherwise prescribed by the
regulations. Since the regulations contain no specific design or material specifications for
aluminum pipe, it would be appropriate to consider the engineering properties of aluminum and
follow design procedures similar to those required for other materials. This particular product
would be similar to plastic coated steel tubing that is being used in the gas industry. You should
also note that the external coating must comply with the requirements of Section 192.461,
External corrosion control: protective coating.
Thank you for your continued interest in pipeline safety.
Sincerely,
Cesar DeLeon
Acting Director
Office of Pipeline
Safety Operations
DAL\192\3\76-06-16
1

<<<PAGE 2>>>

STATE OF INDIANA
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
May 10, 1976
Mr Cesar DeLeon, Acting Director
Office of Pipeline Safety Operations
Materials Transportation Bureau
U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
Dear Mr. DeLeon:
Would you please give us OPSO's official opinion on Dekoron Tripl-Dek.
We have some doubts that it meets the requirements of Part 192. If it is considered a plastic pipe,
the temperature rating listed by the manufacturer is too high. If it is considered Aluminum tubing,
it must be cathodicly [sic] protected and will the lapped construction of this tubing, by its-self,
carry distribution pressure?
Your prompt reply will be appreciated.
Yours very truly,
Thos. P. VanArsdel, P.E.
Director, Pipeline Safety Division
DAL\192\3\76-06-16
2

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DAL\92 3176-06-16
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