[DOCKET NO. PHMSA-2013-0255 Amdt. Nos. 192-130 195-105 ] Document Number: 2022-07133 CFR: 49 CFR 192 49 CFR 195]
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has announced a new final rule that took effect on October 5, 2022. The rule includes several highlights specific to leak detection, such as the application to most Type A gas gathering, gas transmission, and hazardous liquid pipelines with diameters of 6 inches or greater. A small subset of rural gathering pipelines that cross bodies of water greater than 100 feet 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.
However, gathering pipelines that connect terminals and processing facilities typically lack proper instrumentation such as SCADA and flow meters. That’s where Vanmok® Cloud technology comes in. Our technology provides a cost-effective solution for notification and identification of ruptures of 5% or greater within 15 minutes, relying solely on pressure transmitter data. This eliminates the need for SCADA and flow meters, making compliance with the new rule easier and more efficient.
*PHMSA initially suggested a 10 minute time limit but after receiving industry feedback, decided to exclude a time specification in the final rule.
If you’re looking for support with your ongoing compliance efforts, the Vanmok team of experts is ready to help. Contact us at 780-989-1286 or info@vanmok.com to learn more about how our cost-effective rupture detection package can help you meet the new PHMSA requirements.
