Gas makes our life comfortable and convenient. But the wrong consumption of it is fraught with danger, isn't it? Still, you can easily avoid negative consequences. For this, it is initially necessary to comply with the requirements for laying a gas pipeline, and also not to forget about safety measures.
What are the requirements and what are the rules for laying gas pipes? We will talk about all this in detail in this article. We will provide the material with visual photos and useful video recommendations.
The content of the article:
-
What to consider when laying a gas pipeline?
- Liability in case of violation of requirements
- Profile regulatory framework
- Features of choosing the type of gas pipeline
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Construction of a highway in the village
- Method # 1 - rules for the construction of underground networks
- Method # 2 - subtleties of laying pipes above the ground
- What pipes can I use?
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
What to consider when laying a gas pipeline?
The laying of any gas pipeline begins with the initiation of a number of responsibilities. So, he must organize the work in such a way that during the construction and operation of the system transportation of "blue" fuel was safe for people, their property, animals, the surrounding Wednesday. And also you should follow the rules for control
gas consumption.Liability in case of violation of requirements
If you ignore the regulatory requirements, then the person becomes a violator and there is a high probability of being punished for their actions. For example, to receive a fine for unauthorized connection to a gas pipeline.
Didn't connect? But in order to get sanctioned for this act, it is not necessary to crash into the pipe, but it is enough to keep an incorrect record of the energy carrier consumption.
Gas pipeline laying, its reconstruction are responsible procedures. Since their result depends not only on the comfort of living, but also on safety
That is, it is enough to accidentally break, damage the meter or even the seal on it. And according to Art. 7.19 Administrative Code for such an offense, you will have to transfer a considerable 10-30 thousand rubles to the budget. rubles. But even more severe measures of influence are provided for in The Criminal Code. So its Art. 215.3 states that for unauthorized actions the size of the fine can be 80-400 thousand. rubles. And, if the acts caused an accident, then the contractor may well be imprisoned for an impressive period (up to 8 years).
We talked more about gas fines in this material.
As you can see, the state is serious about the activities in the field of laying the gas pipeline. As a result, before carrying out work, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate permits. And the gasket itself should be entrusted to a company with a special license. The specialists of which will be responsible for the completeness and quality of pipe laying, which will help the potential consumer to avoid troubles.
Profile regulatory framework
The main document governing the creation of systems for the transportation of energy carriers is SP 62.13330.2011. This set of rules is the current version of the demanded SNiP 42-01-2002. Both documents are called Gas Distribution Systems.
Dozens of bylaws regulate the construction of any modern gas pipelines. To systematize the requirements of which the current edition of the Code of Rules is intended for Gas distribution systems
In addition, the necessary requirements are contained in:
- GOST 27751-88;
- SNiP 2.01.07-85.
Each of the above documents contains characteristics of reliability, limiting states, calculated values of loads. This information is useful if you need to determine the wall thickness of pipelines or calculate the strength of supports.
How to deal with corrosion caused by aggressive soil or stray currents is described in GOST 9.602-2005. If the pipes will be laid above the ground, then you should familiarize yourself with the requirements SNiP 2.03.11-85. It describes how to properly protect the gas pipeline structure from corrosion.
Features of choosing the type of gas pipeline
Before the construction of the highway, you should decide on the best option that is suitable in specific conditions, and familiarize yourself with the rules for laying it. Since all this affects financial costs, efficiency and labor costs.
Since, first of all, the gas pipeline must be reliable, then when choosing an option, it is necessary to take into account such points as:
- corrosiveness of soils;
- building density;
- the presence of stray currents;
- features of the terrain;
- the type of road surface if the gas pipeline will cross it;
- entrance width;
- the presence of water barriers and many others.
In addition, the type of gas to be supplied needs to be determined. And also its quantity - the volume should be enough to meet the needs of all consumers.
To avoid associated risks, as well as unnecessary financial expenses, the laying of any gas pipeline should begin with special calculations, the result of which will be the creation of a project
The security of supply should also be taken care of. In view of this, it should be remembered that a ring gas pipeline is preferable to a dead-end or mixed one. For example, if gas is supplied to a so-called non-disconnectable consumer, then the specified option should be chosen.
All of the above points cannot be ignored - each of them is indicated in the documents regulating issues related to the laying of gas pipelines. Among which SP 62.13330.2011 and others.
Also, we must not forget that the construction, modernization of any gas pipelines must be carried out in accordance with gas supply schemes. Which are developed at various levels - from federal to regional.
Therefore, before starting the design, the owner of the building, the premises must:
- obtain a gasification permit in the city, district architectural and project management;
- Apply in writing to the local gas company (raigas) in order to obtain the so-called technical assignment, which is a collection of information necessary for the creation of a gas pipeline.
And only after that it is allowed to proceed to designing. Which ends with an agreement in the gas company (raigas).
Only then will it be possible to start laying the gas pipeline. Which, when ready, must provide consumers with fuel in the required quantity and be safe.
We described the subtleties of laying a gas pipeline to a private house in next publication.
The place where the gas pipeline will be laid must be fenced off and marked with special signs. Moreover, this rule is relevant for all cases. This is done to ensure safety.
Construction of a highway in the village
Today, a building (residential, industrial, any other) located in a city, village or summer cottage can be provided with "blue" fuel in two ways: underground (in demand in cities) or aboveground gas pipeline (most often used in small settlements).
The laying of a gas pipeline in any locality most often affects the interests of many parties. For example, work can be carried out on land plots that may belong to different people, organizations, and the state. Therefore, first of all, you should obtain the appropriate consent from all the listed stakeholders in writing.
The first type of energy transportation systems is traditionally considered more expensive. But horizontal drilling is becoming more and more popular, which makes the construction of underground gas pipelines more affordable.
The laying of their overhead counterparts is irreplaceable if there is no permission to carry out work on other people's land plots and in a number of other cases.
Method # 1 - rules for the construction of underground networks
Although the creation of such a system is expensive, in some cases its use is mandatory. For example, this happens if there are high-voltage transmission lines near the installation site. Or when you need to cross a road (road, rail).
The depth of the underground gas pipeline under construction is indicated in the above-mentioned joint venture. Where it is said that the distance from the pipe or protective case to the surface should be not less than 80 cm.
This means that the specified value is relevant only for cases when the same is freezing depth for a specific region. That is, if it is more than 80 cm (for example, equal to a meter), then the laying should take place at a depth of at least 100 cm.
An underground gas pipeline is a labor-intensive and therefore expensive method of laying. But in the cramped conditions of the settlement, it still remains the main option for gasification
And also when preparing for laying, the following features should be taken into account:
- The laying of the pipe is possible at a depth of 60 cm, but only in cases when no transport is traveling over the place where the gas pipeline will be located.
- The presence of rocky soil in the area where the underground pipeline is planned is the reason for creating a sand cushion. Thickness, which should be at least 20 cm. Therefore, the trench should be deeper by the specified number of centimeters.
The intersection of existing underground gas pipelines with any other utilities is allowed. But at the same time it is necessary to maintain the specified vertical distance.
Which, when crossing, should be:
- not less than half a meter for electric cables, any telephone armored cables;
- 1 meter for oil-filled electrical cables, the voltage in which is in the range of 110-220 kilovolts;
- from 20 cm - for water pipes, sewerage drains, gutters, unarmored telephone cables, heating network channels.
The distance between any electrical cables and other utilities can be reduced if they are laid in a protective case. The ends of which extend at least a meter on both sides of the crossed pipeline.
But there should still not be less than 20 cm between the gas pipeline and other communications with which the intersection occurs.
Today, the trenchless method of laying gas pipelines is becoming more and more popular. Which is performed using horizontal directional drilling. It reduces the cost of work by 2-3 times. In addition, horizontal drilling avoids damage to road asphalt, green spaces
If there are collectors, heating network channels, any tunnels in the path of the pipe with gas, while the transition will be carried out above or below them, then the laying of any type of gas pipeline must to be carried out in case. In addition, additional inspection of the welds will be required.
In this case, the protective case must be a pipe, the distance from the inner surface of which to the nearest point on the surface of the pipe with gas must not be less than 50 mm. That is, the diameter of the specified device must exceed the same parameter of the gas pipeline by at least 100 mm. And when crossing the outer walls of buildings, the difference can be up to 200 mm. In this case, the void between the case and the gas pipeline is filled with bitumen.
The case serves to protect the gas pipe from mechanical damage, corrosion, both as a result of exposure to aggressive soils and from stray currents. Therefore, these devices are in demand, and their use in some cases is mandatory. For example, when crossing a gas pipeline with any utilities.
The photo shows a device called a case. In this case, it is made of composite materials and consists of 2 parts (yellow), but, according to tradition, steel pipes are often used
It should also be remembered that any shut-off valves, as well as condensate traps, must be placed at least 2 m from the intersection of the gas pipeline with utilities.
It is allowed to lay two different gas pipelines in settlements with their placement in one trench. Moreover, they can be located: nearby or on top of each other. At the same time, the exact distance between the pipes is not indicated, but the available clearance should allow performing all the necessary work, for example, dismantling, installation, and others.
The picture shows the principle and possibilities of horizontal directional drilling. Which brought the quality of laying underground gas pipelines to a new level
The laying of underground gas pipelines in channels, tunnels, collectors is prohibited. But there is an exception - permafrost. For them, it is permissible to lay pipes under roads (automobile, railway), the pressure in which will not exceed 0.6 MPa. Places of entry / exit of pipes from the ground must be enclosed in cases.
Method # 2 - subtleties of laying pipes above the ground
In the case of the above-ground method of laying, the energy carrier is transported through pipes placed above the ground surface. Namely on height up to 2.2 m.
What are they used for:
- supports, and exclusively from non-combustible materials;
- building structures of various buildings and structures.
Moreover, the following can be used as supports for placing gas pipelines: columns, stacks, overpasses, walls of industrial and other buildings, and other structures.
Overhead gas pipelines are used to reduce the cost of installation work. And also in difficult conditions, the presence of the need to cross the road, other obstacles. Or, when a neighbor did not give permission to lay an underground gas pipeline through his section
The specialized joint venture regulates the question of which buildings can be used for gas pipelines and with what working pressure.
So, it says that:
- on the structures of residential, administrative, as well as household (non-industrial) real estate, pipes are placed for transporting gas, the pressure of which is no more than 0.005 MPa;
- on the walls and roofs of industrial buildings, as well as boiler rooms of 1 and 2 degrees of fire resistance, as well as those related to fire hazard class C0 it is possible to place gas pipelines with a gas pressure of 1.2 MPa;
- on the walls of most other buildings, it is allowed to place gas pipelines with a working pressure not exceeding 0.3 MPa.
We spoke in more detail about the pressure in gas networks of high, medium and low type in our other article.
Aboveground laying of any transit gas pipeline for the construction of administrative, public, domestic (related to non-production) buildings is prohibited.
Overhead gas pipelines, due to their structural simplicity, are most in demand in small settlements, where they are used for gasification of private houses
It is allowed to place one pipeline intended for transporting gas to other consumers on the walls of a residential building. This rule applies exclusively to low pressure gas pipelines. Moreover, its diameter should not exceed a moderate 100 mm, and the distance to the roof should be less than 20 cm.
It is allowed to lay aboveground gas pipelines over bridges made of non-combustible materials.
For transportation of energy carrier it is allowed to use mixed systems. That is, part of the gas pipeline can be in a trench, and if necessary, bypass the obstacle, the pipes are taken out of the ground and placed on supports. If you need to cross a road, the pipes are again buried in the ground.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with device underground and aboveground gas pipelines.
What pipes can I use?
Modern gas pipelines can be made of various materials, but only two of them are in demand: steel, polyethylene. Moreover, in the repeatedly mentioned joint venture it is recommended to give preference to pipes from the latter type of material.
The photo shows steel pipes. Until recently, they were the most popular, but today they are being actively replaced by more effective, reliable and safe polyethylene analogues.
The reason for the demand for polyethylene pipes is that they are not susceptible to stray currents and are more resistant to corrosion. Due to this, they retain their performance characteristics throughout the entire service life.
The listed features are important - they reduce operating costs and make the gas pipeline safer.
Corrosion protection of the steel pipe. All of these layers significantly extend the service life, but make the gasket more expensive and more labor-intensive. Especially in comparison with polymer pipe products
For comparison, steel pipes, according to the requirements of the profile joint venture, must be protected from:
- underground (ground, soil) corrosion - this provision is relevant for all underground gas pipelines;
- corrosion caused by so-called stray currents - this rule applies to underground gas pipelines;
- atmospheric corrosion - the requirement applies to overground gas pipelines.
Protection of pipes and other elements made of steel is mandatory.
This is stated in SP 62.13330.2011which links to:
- GOST 9.602-2005, which sets out the requirements for combating corrosion in the case of underground gas pipelines.
- SNiP 2.03.11-85 - This document specifies the rules for the protection of overhead steel pipelines.
Each of these documents reiterates the requirement that corrosion prevention measures are mandatory.
Polyethylene (polymer) pipes are convenient in everything, starting with transportation. And most importantly, they are neutral to the effects of aggressive soils and stray currents, which are the most common reasons for the shortening of the service life of their steel counterparts. Therefore, they are recommended to be used even in domestic profile documents.
So in GOST 9.602. 2005 it is written that the laying of steel pipes of any gas pipeline is impossible if they are not covered with a protective layer, for the creation of which are used:
- bituminous mastics;
- coal mastics;
- polymer roll materials;
- polyethylene spraying.
We examined the issue of insulation of steel gas pipelines in more detail in our article: Insulation of steel gas pipelines: insulation materials and methods of their application.
To protect against stray currents, use cathodic polarization. It must be completed no later than 1 month from the moment when the steel structural member was laid in the trench.
For aboveground gas pipelines, the fight against corrosion should begin at the design stage. So in SNiP 2.03.11-85 it is said that even the structure of the supports should be designed in such a way as to reduce the effect of moisture, its accumulation. And also it is necessary to exclude the accumulation and stagnation of aggressive gases.
And without all of the above, the gas pipeline will not be allowed to operate. That is, protection against corrosion is no less important element in the creation of a gas pipeline than the depth of trenches for a gas pipeline when the pipe is laid to a private house or to any other building.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The first video will allow you to understand how gas pipelines are laid along the streets of settlements. And also to understand what horizontal drilling is:
This video provides an opportunity to learn about the problems faced when creating gas pipelines in cities and any other settlements:
Gasification of the buildings of the settlement or the repair of the existing gas pipeline will make life more comfortable and safe. But such a result can be achieved only in cases when all work (design, selection of components, bookmarking, intersection with other communications, etc.) is done correctly. That is, taking into account the requirements of the relevant guidance documents. Otherwise, you can expect trouble, including sanctions from the gas services.
Would you like to supplement the above material with useful information? Or do you still have questions about the gasification of settlements? Ask them in the discussion of this publication - our experts and other site visitors will try to help you.
