TPi November 2015

products & developments

Pipeline inspections in programme to enhance safety and reliability

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, serving more than 1.7mn natural gas customers, making it one of the largest gas distribution companies in the US. Other aspects of the comprehensive pipeline integrity programme include: using low-voltage electric current on pipes to reduce or eliminate corrosion; conducting annual ground and aerial surveys to check transmission pipelines; continuously monitoring a gas control computer system that alerts employees to any abnormal pressures or flows in the gas system, allowing the company to respond quickly to any emergency; and responding to more than 350,000 MISS DIG/8-1-1 requests each year to mark gas pipelines so that safe digging can proceed.

are not required by federal guidelines. The company is also audited by the Michigan Public Service Commission regarding its integrity plan and other related efforts. The company uses specialised contractors to perform pipeline integrity tests and related analysis. Pipeline sections to be inspected are first cleaned internally using a specialised tool to remove dirt, oil, water and other debris. A second tool is used to identify restrictions inside the pipeline that could prevent the passage of inspection tools. Additional tools are then inserted into the pipeline and travel through the pipe, recording important data about its condition. The tests can identify dents, cracks, pipe defects, corrosion and other conditions within the pipeline. Depending on the data analysis, the pipeline may be repaired as needed. Consumers Energy operates more than 29,000 miles of transmission and distribution pipelines throughout

Consumers Energy is inspecting nearly 300 miles of natural gas pipeline in the USA this year to proactively seek and repair imperfections that could compromise the integrity of those lines and potentially affect their operation. Mary Palkovich, the company’s vice president of energydelivery, commented, “Providing reliable, safe energy for our customers is our top priority. Pipeline inspections are a key component of our comprehensive natural gas integrity programme designed to keep customers and the general public safe.” Consumers Energy will spend approximately $3mn in 2015 to perform 14 pipeline inspections throughout Lower Michigan, and has budgeted $27mn to address any issues found during the inspections. Federal requirements dictate that natural gas transmission lines located in high population areas be inspected every seven years. Consumers Energy’s programme exceeds this requirement by inspecting additional pipeline miles that

Consumers Energy – USA www.consumersenergy.com

MADE IN CHINA

All products sold under brand name “ TRANNEL” www.thinwalltubing.com

DN800mm oriented PVC pipe Molecor, a specialist in developing technology and manufacturing pipes in oriented PVC (PVC-O) for the conveyance of water under pressure, has achieved a new milestone with the production and presentation of what it claims is the only PVC-O pipe of 800mm in diameter. pipes have a lower weight, making them easier to handle and install. The TOM ® PVC-O pipe is a solution for water transport under pressure. With the new diameter available, it is now also suitable for works of larger diameters.

Specialists in fulfilling and custom requirements in thin wall tubing and bellows.

Minimum Walls thickness 0.0025

The company had already manu- factured PVC-O pipes of nominal diameters 500 and 630mm. Since its foundation, Molecor has focused on innovation, research and development, to provide innovative solutions and to respond to the challenges presented by the water supply market.

As well as the technological improvement and the wide range of products available, TOM pipes have advantages such as high impact resistance, greater hydraulic capacity, improved behaviour against water hammer, high chemical resistance, full water-tightness, lower load losses and ease of installation.

Molecor – Spain info@molecor.com www.molecor.com

Jerry Wang: 813-298-6667 Email: tubingsolutions@outlook.com 881 Dunbar Ave, Oldsmar, Florida 34677

The molecular orientation process improves mechanical properties: the

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November 2015 Tube Products International