Bentley Company — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

Page 1March 18, 1981 Mr. Irvin G. Bentley Bentley Company 6820A Lake June Road Dallas, Texas 75217 Dear Mr. Bentley: This responds to your recent letter of inquiry as to which, if any, of the Federal pipeline safety regulations as set forth in 49 CFR Part 192 apply to your plastic meter swivels and whether or not your plastic meter swivels comply with the applicable gas pipeline safety regulations. Part 192 applies to all portions of a gas pipeline and gas pipeline facilities used in the transportation of gas. Section 192.3, "Definitions" defines "pipeline" as follows: "Pipeline" means all parts of those physical facilities through which gas moves in transportation, including pipe, valves, and other appurtenances attached to pipe, compressor units, metering stations, regulator stations, delivery stations, holder and fabricated assemblies. Consistent with the definition of "service line" in §192.3, this agency's jurisdiction over pipelines ends at the outlet of the customer meter or the beginning of customer-owned piping, whichever is farther downstream. If your plastic meter swivel were to be installed as a connection on a customer meter, §192,357, "Customer meters and regulators; installation," would apply. Section 192.357(c) states: "Connections made of lead or other easily damaged material may not to be used in the installation of meters or regulators." Since your meter swivel is made of an easily damaged plastic material (it may be easily damaged by sharp objects, excessive heat, open flames and when installed outdoors, ultraviolet radiation from the sun), it, therefore, is not permitted for the use suggested. Sincerely, Melvin A. Judah Acting Associate Director Pipeline Safety Regulation Materials Transportation Bureau dal\192\3\81-03-18#