Transportation of LPG by pipelines is environmentally-friendly in that it entails less energy consumption and exhaust emissions than other modes of transportation. Worldwide, there are over 350,000km of petroleum, refined-products, and LPG pipelines, the majority of which are in the United States. Some refined-products pipelines carry LPG in batch form. However, there are only about 8000km of single-phase pipelines, of various diameters, that transport LPG (propane or butane) fluids [1]. While there are a number of codes that industry follows for the design, fabrication, construction, and operation of LPG facilities, there are no regulations or legislation that specifically cite the pipeline transportation of the product. From a safety point of view, although LPG is non-toxic, it can be very dangerous if not handled properly. A partial or complete rupture of an LPG pipeline, resulting in an accidental release, will cause issues related to vaporization, vapour cloud propagation, and dispersion. Response to emergencies such as a rupture or leak in an LPG pipeline is thus critical and must ensure rapid action with respect to containment, control, elimination, and effective maintenance/repair.

This paper provides an overview the code and regulatory requirements and summarizes the more-significant aspects of the design, construction, and safe operation pertaining to LPG pipeline systems. It covers the timeline and statistics of the global LPG business; the type of facilities that make up the industry; and the LPG properties pertinent to pipeline design. It also addresses the significant safety issues of LPG pipelining including a discussion on emergency response and associated equipment needs and repair techniques.

References

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