Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

Page 1PI-92-0103 June 3, 1992 Mr. Jack Wu Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas 201 Formosa Drive Point Comfort, TX 77978 Dear Mr. Wu: Thank you for your letter of January 13, 1992, requesting approval of the seam joint factor for certain ASTM specified materials under 49 CFR 195.106(e). The materials are for construction of a pipeline to transport mono-ethylene glycol. You indicated that Formosa Plastics Corporation is planning to install a number of these pipelines in conjunction with its Texas Expansion Project in Point Comfort, Texas. We have reviewed the matter and find that a seam joint factor of 1.00 would be acceptable. I trust this adequately responds to your inquiry. Sincerely, Original Sign By Cesar De Leon Director, Regulatory Programs Office of Pipeline Safety#

Page 2Formosa Plastics P.O. Box 700 201 Formosa Drive Point Comfort, Texas 77978 Office of Pipeline Safety January 13, 1992 400 7th St., SW Washington, D.C. 2059C Attention: Mr. George W. Tenley, Director Reference: Alternate Material Approval Title 49, Part 195, Subpart 106E Gentlemen: Formosa Plastics Corporation is planning to install a number of pipelines in conjunction with its Texas Expansion Project in Point Comfort, Texas. One of the pipelines is for the transportation of mono-ethylene glycol. Formosa plans on using ASTM A-312 TP304 EFW stainless steel pipe for this line in order to minimize contamination of the mono-ethylene glycol. Fittings and flanges to be used with this pipe are to be made of ASTM A-403 Grade WP304S stainless steel and ASTM A-182 F304 stainless steel respectively. The pipe material is not listed in CFR, Title 49, Part 195, Subpart 106e and per said part must be approved by the Secretary for use under the regulations. The pipe specified minimum yield strength is 30,000 psi. Formosa has opted to use the allowable yield strength of 20,000 as listed in ANSI B31.3. Table K-1 in design calculations as well as using a design factor of .5 rather than .72 as required by the code. Formosa requests the approval of the subject material in the construction of these pipelines. Your attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Jack Wu Formosa Plastics Corporation#