As a clean energy, natural gas plays an important role in modern society, and pipeline transportation is the most economical and safest way for natural gas to be transported from its source to users. This article will comprehensively introduce What pipe to use for natural gas? and its types, material properties, technical standards and safety considerations to help readers understand the key components of this energy infrastructure.
1. Classification by use
Gathering pipeline: a pipeline connecting gas wells and processing plants, with a relatively small diameter
Long-distance pipeline: a trunk pipeline for cross-regional and cross-national transportation, with high pressure and large diameter
Urban gas distribution network: a low-pressure pipeline system that distributes natural gas to end users
Industrial dedicated pipeline: a dedicated line for direct gas supply to large industrial enterprises
2. Classification by pressure level
High-pressure pipeline: pressure>1.6MPa, mainly used for long-distance transportation
Sub-high-pressure pipeline: 0.4MPa<pressure≤1.6MPa
Medium-pressure pipeline: 0.01MPa<pressure≤0.4MPa
Low-pressure pipeline: pressure≤0.01MPa, mainly used for end-user connection
1. Metal pipelines
Carbon steel pipe: the most commonly used natural gas pipeline material, with high strength, good welding performance and relatively low cost
X series steel pipe: X42, X52, X60, X65, X70, X80, etc. The number represents the minimum yield strength (thousands of psi)
Stainless steel pipe: used for special corrosive environments or high-pressure small-diameter pipelines, with higher costs
Cast iron pipe: traditional material, now gradually eliminated
2. Non-metallic pipelines
Polyethylene (PE) pipe: mainly used for medium and low-pressure urban gas distribution networks, corrosion-resistant and easy to install
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe: used for low-pressure natural gas transmission in some areas
Composite material pipeline: such as fiberglass pipe, with the advantages of corrosion resistance and light weight
1. Diameter range
Long-distance pipelines: usually 300-1200mm
Urban pipelines: 50-300mm
User connection pipes: usually <50mm
2. Wall thickness design
Depends on the delivery pressure, pipeline diameter and material strength, usually determined by calculation according to standards such as ASME B31.8
3. Anti-corrosion technology
External anti-corrosion: three-layer PE anti-corrosion layer, FBE epoxy powder coating, coal tar enamel, etc.
Internal anti-corrosion: epoxy resin inner coating to reduce friction resistance
Cathode protection: forced current or sacrificial anode method
1. Design safety factors
Material selection complies with international standards such as API 5L and ASTM
Consider the impact of natural disasters such as earthquakes and geological subsidence
Set a safe distance and stay away from densely populated areas
2. Operational safety measures
SCADA system monitors pressure, flow and other parameters in real time
Regular intelligent cleaning and detection
Emergency shut-off valve chamber settings
3. Leakage prevention and detection
Pipeline integrity management
Fiber optic sensing leak detection technology
Regular manual inspections
As an energy artery, the material selection, design and construction, and operation and maintenance of natural gas pipelines are all related to the safety and efficiency of the entire gas supply system. With the advancement of materials science and digital technology, natural gas pipelines will develop in a higher intensity and more intelligent direction in the future, providing reliable guarantees for the safe transportation of clean energy. At the same time, strict construction standards, regular inspections and maintenance, and advanced management systems are all key factors in ensuring the long-term safe operation of natural gas pipelines.
