The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has announced a new final rule [1] that took effect on October 5th , 2022. This new rule requires a leak detection method to be implemented on all hazardous liquid pipelines by October 1st, 2024. The rule includes several highlights specific to leak detection, such as the application to most Type A gas gathering, gas transmission, and including all portions of hazardous liquid pipelines with diameters of 6” (0.15 m) or greater, including areas that are not considered high consequence areas. A small subset of rural gathering pipelines that cross bodies of water greater than 100 ft (30.48 m) wide are also included.
Under the new rule, a rupture is defined as an “unanticipated or unplanned flow rate change of 10 percent or greater or a pressure loss of 10 percent or greater, occurring within a time interval of 15 minutes or less.” Relevant requirements include leveraging upstream/downstream pressure monitoring and effective leak detection systems, establishing written procedures for identifying and responding to a rupture, and responding to an identified rupture by closing Remote Mainline Valves (RMVs) to isolate the segment within 30 minutes.
Michael Roxas 1, James Yezik 2, Stephen Guenther 2, Satya Mokamati 1
1. Vanmok Leak Detection Technologies Inc
2. Buckeye Partners L.P
