If there are questions regarding pipelines and what might have gone wrong with an explosion or leak either during or after an investigation refer to "The International Fuel Gas Code." (click here)
With an increase of pipeline failures in the USA in January, the extreme cold could effect metal and/or polyethylene.
I actually think plastic pipelines become more rigid in cold temperatures than metal does. Metal has a different tolerance to cold than polyethylene
Pipeline Plastics Energy Pipe is a PE 4710 (click here) high performance bimodal high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe designed for Oil & Gas Gathering, Multi‐Phase Fluids, Raw Water, Brine Water, Coal Bed Methane, Landfill Methane and Leachate. It has superior toughness and resistance to the harsh environments found in these demanding applications.
The polyethylene is probably cheaper.
From the international code:
13 Flange gaskets.
Material for gaskets shall be capable of withstanding the design temperature and pressure of the piping system, and the chemical constituents of the gas being conducted, without change to its chemical and physical properties. The effects of fire exposure to the joint shall be considered in choosing material. Acceptable materials include metal (plain or corrugated), composition, and aluminum "O” rings and spiral wound metal gaskets. When a flanged joint is opened, the gasket shall be replaced. Full-face gaskets shall be used with all bronze and cast-iron flanges.
Gaskets are really important things and when they deteriorate leaks follow. Even if they don't deteriorate, but, are effected by the temperature either in expanding or contracting leaks will follow, too. If it is a natural gas pipeline there will be an explosion.
Metal doesn't fragment in the cold. This demonstration is a man breaking high density polyethylene in his hands. Now realize these pipes are not laid that deeply in the ground and the ground will expand and CONTRACT with the temperature of the what surrounds it. In the case of this demonstration it is air that surrounds the polyethylene. The ground that surrounds the polyethylene pipeline holds the cold temperature consistently and longer than the air would.
With an increase of pipeline failures in the USA in January, the extreme cold could effect metal and/or polyethylene.
I actually think plastic pipelines become more rigid in cold temperatures than metal does. Metal has a different tolerance to cold than polyethylene
Pipeline Plastics Energy Pipe is a PE 4710 (click here) high performance bimodal high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe designed for Oil & Gas Gathering, Multi‐Phase Fluids, Raw Water, Brine Water, Coal Bed Methane, Landfill Methane and Leachate. It has superior toughness and resistance to the harsh environments found in these demanding applications.
The polyethylene is probably cheaper.
From the international code:
13 Flange gaskets.
Material for gaskets shall be capable of withstanding the design temperature and pressure of the piping system, and the chemical constituents of the gas being conducted, without change to its chemical and physical properties. The effects of fire exposure to the joint shall be considered in choosing material. Acceptable materials include metal (plain or corrugated), composition, and aluminum "O” rings and spiral wound metal gaskets. When a flanged joint is opened, the gasket shall be replaced. Full-face gaskets shall be used with all bronze and cast-iron flanges.
Gaskets are really important things and when they deteriorate leaks follow. Even if they don't deteriorate, but, are effected by the temperature either in expanding or contracting leaks will follow, too. If it is a natural gas pipeline there will be an explosion.
Metal doesn't fragment in the cold. This demonstration is a man breaking high density polyethylene in his hands. Now realize these pipes are not laid that deeply in the ground and the ground will expand and CONTRACT with the temperature of the what surrounds it. In the case of this demonstration it is air that surrounds the polyethylene. The ground that surrounds the polyethylene pipeline holds the cold temperature consistently and longer than the air would.
