# Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** PI-92-0103
- **title:** Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas — Pipeline Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 1992-06-03
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** PI-92-0103 response to Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas concerning 195.106.
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- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-92-0103
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/Pipeline/1992/g92_06_03_Wu_195.106_DBX.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

PI-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 2>>>

Formosa 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
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