Why are Excess Flow Valves included in integrity management requirements?
Excess flow valves (EFV) are one means to reduce the consequences of a potential accident. The valves automatically shut off the flow of gas in a service line when the gas flow in the line exceeds the rate normally experienced. Such significant increases in gas flow rate are most often caused by excavation damage that ruptures the service line downstream of the valve. Without an EFV, such damage can result in rapid accumulation of released gas and potential explosion and fire. Integrity management involves analyzing and managing risk, likelihood and consequences of an accident. It is therefore appropriate that EFVs be included as part of IM requirements. The Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act (PIPES Act) of 2006 mandated that PHMSA require distribution pipeline operators to include EFVs in all new and replaced single family residential gas services for which they are feasible. This requirement has been incorporated in the proposed IM rule.
