Are the regulatory provisions allowing pipeline operation at higher pressures and stress levels consistent with engineering standards?
Yes. The committee responsible for development of the B31.8 Code, now under the auspices of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), determined pipelines could operate safely at stress levels up to 80 percent of SMYS. ASME updated the design factors in a 1990 addendum to the 1989 edition of the B31.8 Code, and they remain in the current edition.
Related Questions
- How will PHMSA handle Special Permit requests to allow pipeline operation at higher stress levels that were submitted prior to the issuance of the alternative MAOP Rule?
- Are the regulatory provisions allowing pipeline operation at higher pressures and stress levels consistent with engineering standards?
- Why does PHMSA consider it acceptable for operation at pressures and pipeline stress levels higher than previously allowed?
