4 Online Resources to Help with Your Next Gas Pipeline Process
Since they were first invented, natural gas pipelines have revolutionized the oil and gas sector, allowing the transmission of vital products over vast distances. While the benefits of pipeline transport are self-evident, operators must ensure the construction, operation, and decommissioning of their pipelines adhere to regulations. This article will discuss four online resources to guide your next pipeline project and aid compliance with industry standards.
Why Estimations Are Important for Pipeline Projects
As stated earlier, pipeline operators are mandated to follow certain national regulations and standards throughout the entire lifetime of their transport conduits. Proper estimation of pipeline dimensions, routes, and placement are critical to achieving compliance with national guidelines by the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Online Gas Pipeline Resources
Several guidelines about conducting gas pipeline projects within an approved regulatory framework are widely available today. Depending on the scale and complexity of their pipeline network, the relevance of available resources will vary between individual operators.
Regardless of the nature of their process, the online resources outlined below are crucial to efficient yet compliant product transport using pipelines.
National Pipeline Mapping System
The National Pipeline Mapping System is an online tool that allows a different level of access to information on pipeline operations across the US. Members of the general public can access information related to pipelines transmitting gas and hazardous liquids as well as breakout tanks and liquefied natural gas plants.
For pipeline operators who wish to gain more comprehensive knowledge of pipeline structures in the area they operate, a data request application has to be submitted to the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Association (PHMSA). Once applicants have been screened and determined to be qualified, PHMSA may then approve their access to view and NPMS in areas where the requestors operate.
Pipeline Fill Volume Calculator
Pipeline optimization processes such as nitrogen purging and pigging are crucial aspects of oil and gas industry operation. These processes require large volumes of nitrogen gas and wastages or shortages are a possibility.
Pipeline fill volume calculators are an excellent method of accurately estimating the volume of inert gas required in your pipeline maintenance process. Excellent online versions such as NiGen’s pipeline fill volume calculator can rapidly calculate nitrogen gas requirements using the following parameters:
- The internal diameter of the pipes
- Pipe length
- Operating pressure
- The capacity of compressor to be used in the process
National Pipeline Performance Measures
The US Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), regularly collects data from pipeline operators across the country. This information is used to assess performance indices, identify abnormalities, and address them appropriately.
To improve industry performance, PHMSA tracks various pipeline performance metrics and reports them in various categories including:
- Crude oil, refined petroleum, and biofuel pipeline performance measures
- Gas transmission and distribution pipeline performance measures
- Pipeline facilities and mileage
- Pipeline incidents
- Information on excavation damage
- Integrity management performance metrics
The data collected from pipeline network operators is analyzed, categorized, and made available to the public. Data gotten from national pipeline performance reports can be used by industry players to improve their operations.
FPS to GPM Calculator
Operating industrial pipelines at the correct pressure is critical to prolonging their useful lifespan and ensuring personnel safety. Consequently, operators need to ensure product flow rates match the physical capacities of their product channels. In some cases, conversions from feet per second (FPS) to gallons per minute (GPM) are necessary to appropriately calibrate pipeline systems.
An FPS to GPM calculator is a handy online resource that can help optimize your pipeline project. NiGen offers an excellent converter that requires just two parameters (the internal diameter of the pipeline, and velocity in feet per second) to convert to GPM.
Partnering with NiGen for Your Pipeline Needs
At NiGen we focus on providing top-notch solutions to players in various industries including oil and gas. We recognize the need for proper pipeline network optimization and therefore offer services for key events throughout the lifespan of your product pipelines.
Our online resources include a unique fill volume calculator and an FPS to GPM converter. Both of these applications enable pipeline operators to accurately determine the right operating conditions for their systems.
To learn more about the products and services we offer, contact us today!
