System knowledge and documentation are the name of the game for owners and operators of Master Meter systems. As a proactive measure, Entech was engaged to provide initial services to align with PHMSA (Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration) Master Meter regulations. These requested services included line locating, mapping, and documenting the entire outdoor natural gas distribution system throughout the apartment complex.
The primary goal of this project was to establish a baseline system report for use in managing and maintaining a safe natural gas system compliant with PHMSA Master Meter regulations, to supply to the residents of this 99-building, 765-unit residential complex.
Services Provided
- SUE Level B Line Locating Services
- Detailed Natural Gas Infrastructure Report
- Documentation of Natural Gas System Assets
- Natural Gas Utility Meter(s)
- Curb Stop Isolation Valves
- Building Pressure Regulation Settings
- Building Penetrations of the Natural Gas System
After thorough review of limited system documentation, our field team collaborated with the owner’s experienced maintenance staff to digitally record and photograph the current natural gas system. A Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Level B line locate service was performed and all collected data was then processed to create a comprehensive natural gas asset map for the existing pipeline network.
Critical system components included natural gas system isolation valves, regulators, reliefs, above/below grade transition locations, and outdoor natural gas delivery meters. Detailed information was recorded including meter manufacturer, model, style, end connections, and MAOP. Each natural gas system asset was carefully keyed into a detailed system map, which referred directly to the asset report document which included photos, details and notable observations.
System integrity management is a process that takes time, with each step toward existing system identification leading to continued safe and reliable asset management. In this case, the owner now has a clear basis for annual reporting, maintenance, and construction safety associated with maintaining gas distribution system records, allowing them to make more informed decisions related to annual reporting, maintenance, and construction safety. At the conclusion of this project the property owner received a SUE level B system map and a detailed report of their outdoor gas distribution system.