PIPELINE

EMERGENCIES

Chapter 5
Gas
Pipeline Operations
Michael Callan

Facilitator Guide

Chapter 5
Gas Pipeline Operations
Objectives
a) Describe The Following Physical Properties And
Explain Their Significance In The Risk
Assessment Process For An Incident Involving A
Natural Gas Pipeline.
i) Color And Odor
ii) Vapor Density
iii) Boiling Point
iv) Vapor Pressure
v) Solubility
b) Describe The Following Chemical Properties And
Explain Their Significance In The Risk
Assessment Process For An Incident Involving A
Natural Gas Pipeline.
i) Flammable (Explosive) Range
ii) Ignition Temperature
c) List The Basic Byproducts Of Complete And
Incomplete Combustion Of Natural Gas.
d) Describe The Two Primary Reasons For Odorizing
Natural Gas.
e) Describe The Basic Principles Of Operation Of
The Following:
i) Natural Gas Gathering Systems
ii) Natural Gas Processing And Treatment
Facilities
iii) Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines
f) Given A Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline
System, Describe The Purpose Of The Following:
i) Compressor Stations
ii) Gate Settings / Main Line Valves
g) Describe The Following Underground And
Aboveground Options For The Storage Of Natural
Gas:

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i) Underground
ii) Depleted Natural Gas Reservoirs
iii) Aquifers
iv) Salt Caverns And Formations
v) LNG Storage Tanks
h) Given A Natural Gas Distribution Pipeline System,
Describe The Purpose Of The Following:
i) Gas Stations Or City Gates
ii) Distribution Mains
iii) Regulator Stations
iv) Farm Taps
v) Meters
vi) Curb Valves
vii) Main Valves
i) List At Least Three Signs Or Indicators Of A
Leaking Natural Gas Pipeline.
CHAPTER 5 Instructor Overview
1. Describe the following physical properties and
explain their significance in the risk assessment
process for an incident involving a natural gas
pipeline.
Color and odor natural gas is colorless
and odorless in its natural state. Risk
assessment must consider this hazard and
understand the explosive potential for a
natural gas pipeline. Natural gas is
odorized to indicate a leak and reduces gas
losses through early detection.
Vapor density the weight of a pure vapor
of gas with air. Natural gas vapor density is
less than 1 which is lighter than air. Risk
assessment is gas will rise rapidly and
dissipate.
Boiling point low boiling point at -259
deg F. Risk assessment is that more

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vapors that are produced at a given
temperature.
Vapor pressure vapor pressure for
natural gas is 120 psi at 60 deg F.
Assessment is that natural gas can be
under extreme pressures when transported.
Solubility slightly soluble in water.
Assessment is that water spray can be
used to move or redirect natural gas
vapors.
2. Describe the following chemical properties and
explain their significance in the risk assessment
process for an incident involving a natural gas
pipeline.
Flammable (explosive) range for natural
gas is 4% to 15%. Significant information
for risk assessment in that the range of the
gas igniting is easy. Therefore eliminating
sources of ignition from the area and
evacuation of people is top priority.
Ignition temperature of natural gas is
1,200 deg F. In assessment it is a
significant property in evaluating the ease
with which it may ignite.
3. List the basic byproducts of complete and
incomplete combustion of natural gas.
Complete combustion water vapor and
carbon dioxide
Incomplete combustion carbon
monoxide, excessive water vapor,
aldehydes and soot
4. Describe the two primary reasons for odorizing
natural gas.
Natural gas is odorized to
detect/indicate a leak and reduce gas
losses by early detection.

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5. Describe the basic principles of operation of the

following:
Natural gas gathering systems is a
system of smaller-diameter, low-pressure
pipelines that collect natural gas during
exploration and transport the gas to gas
processing plants.
Natural gas processing and treatment
facilities incorporates specific treatment
processes to remove impurities fro the
natural gas. This process includes
compression, absorption and dehydration.
Once impurities are removed the final
natural gas product is considered pipeline
quality.
Natural gas transmission pipelines are
the interstate highways of natural gas
transportation system. These pipelines are
high-strength welded steel pipelines with
diameters of up to 48 inches and pressures
ranges from 300 to 1500 psi.
6. Given a natural gas transmission pipeline system,
describe the purpose of the following:
Compressor stations are used to
maintain pipeline flows and pressures.
Compressor stations are generally build
every 50 to 100 miles and monitored by
SCADA.
Gate settings/main line valves are
installed along the transmission pipeline to
help isolate or control the flow of the gas.
Installed approximately 10 to 20 miles along
pipeline.
7. Describe the following underground and
aboveground options for the storage of natural gas:

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Underground helps to maximize the use
of pipeline system capacity year round and
creates additional flexibility in operation of
the pipeline system.
Depleted gas reservoirs most common
form of underground storage. Depleted
reservoirs proven to be geologically
capable of holding natural gas.
Aquifers are underground porous,
permeable rock formations that act as
natural water reservoirs. Located in regions
where there are no nearby depleted
reservoirs and with a single winter
withdrawal period.
Salt caverns and formations are well
suited to natural gas storage in that salt
caverns, once formed, allow little injected
natural gas to escape from the formation
unless specifically extracted.
LNG Storage tanks insulated cylindrical
bulk storage tanks ranging from 50 to as
large as 200 ft n diameter.
7. Given a natural gas distribution pipeline system,
describe the purpose of the following:
Gate stations or city gates are the point
where natural gas from a transmission
pipeline enters the distribution system.
Gate stations metering and control pipeline
flow, and regulating, monitoring and
reducing pipeline pressure. Natural gas is
odorized at this point.
Distribution mains are the initial
connection from the transmission pipeline
system downstream of a gate station.
Regulator stations sometimes referred
to as limiting stations, control the gas
pressure for major sections of the

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distribution system. These stations have
several valves and pressure regulators to
protect against system overpressures.
Main distribution valves normally
located in the street and control large
sections of the main gas grid.
A farm tap is a single pressure reducing
station connected to a pipeline with a
pressure greater than 60 psi.
Meters natural gas customers have a
meter to measure the amount of gas being
used for billing purposes. Every gas meter
has a shut-off valve.
Curb valves located in a circular or
square box in the sidewalk, near the street
or in a parking strip and is protected by a
secured cover. The purpose of the curb
valve is to isolate and control flow to a
specific building or several related
structures.
Main valves are found in the street or
major intersections and used to isolate and
control larger areas of a natural area gas
distribution system.
8. List at least three signs or indicators of a leaking
natural gas pipeline.
What you see, what you hear and what
you smell.
Discolored vegetation, vapor cloud or mist,
dirt blown in the air, bubbles in a pond or
river, fire coming out of the ground, ice ball
around pipeline, dead insects.
Hissing or roaring sound. Odor of sulfur or
mercaptan.

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Slide [1]
Chapter 5
Gas Pipeline Operations
P-83

[2]Objectives
a) Describe The Following Physical Properties And
Explain Their Significance In The Risk
Assessment Process For An Incident Involving A
Natural Gas Pipeline.
i) Color And Odor
ii) Vapor Density
iii) Boiling Point
iv) Vapor Pressure

P-84

v) Solubility

[3] Objectives
a) Describe The Following Chemical Properties And
Explain Their Significance In The Risk
Assessment Process For An Incident Involving A
Natural Gas Pipeline.
b) Flammable (Explosive) Range
c) Ignition Temperature
d) List The Basic Byproducts Of Complete
P-84
And Incomplete Combustion Of Natural Gas.
e) Describe The Two Primary Reasons For Odorizing
Natural Gas.

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[4] Objectives
a) Describe The Basic Principles Of Operation Of
The Following:
b) Natural Gas Gathering Systems
c) Natural Gas Processing And Treatment Facilities
d) Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines

P-84

e) Given A Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline

System, Describe The Purpose Of The Following:
f) Compressor Stations
g) Gate Settings / Main Line Valves

[5]Objectives
a) Describe The Following Underground And
Aboveground Options For The Storage Of Natural
Gas:
i) Underground
ii) Depleted Natural Gas Reservoirs
iii) Aquifers

P-84

iv) Salt Caverns And Formations

v) LNG Storage Tanks

[6]Objectives
a) Given A Natural Gas Distribution Pipeline System,
Describe The Purpose Of The Following:
i) Gas Stations Or City Gates
ii) Distribution Mains
iii) Regulator Stations
iv) Farm Taps
v) Meters

P-84

vi) Curb Valves

vii) Main Valves

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b) List At Least Three Signs Or Indicators Of A
Leaking Natural Gas Pipeline.

[7]Introduction
a) We Will Look At The Specifics Of Natural Gas
Pipeline Operations And Their Facilities, With The
Primary Emphasis Upon Natural Gas
Transmission And Distribution Pipeline Systems
b) Knowledge Of The Container, Its Contents, And
The Behavior Of Both Are Critical Information In
Sizing Up The Problem, Assessing The Behavior
Of Each, Estimating Future Outcomes, And
Developing A Sound Incident Action Plan.
P-85

[8]Natural Gas: Physical And Chemical

Properties
a) To Mount A Safe And Effective Response At A
Pipeline Emergency, Responders Must
Understand
i) How The Product Will Behave (I.E., Its
Physical Properties)

P-85

ii) How It Can Harm (I.E., Its Chemical

Properties)
b) Natural Gas (CH4) Is A Clean-burning Fuel That
Consists Of Approximately 94% Methane, 4%
Ethane, And The Remaining 2% Of Other Gases,
Including Butane, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen And
Iso-pentane.

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[9]Primary Characteristics Of Natural Gas

Are:
a) Odorless, Colorless And Tasteless In Its Natural
State
b) When Mixed With The Proper Amount Of Air, Can
Burn
c) Capable Of Being Either A Liquid Or Gas.
However, At Ambient Temperatures, Natural
Gas Will Be In Its Gaseous Form
P-85
d) With Few Exceptions, Is Transported Via Pipeline
In Its Gaseous Form

[10] Primary Characteristics Of Natural

Gas Are:
a) May Be Found As A Cryogenic Liquid (I.E.,
Liquefied Natural Gas Or LNG) In Some Storage
And Transportation Containers.
b) Is Non-toxic, But Can Present Inhalation Hazards.
If Released Within An Enclosed Area, Natural Gas
Can Displace Oxygen And Act As A Simple
Asphyxiant.
P-86

[11] Physical Properties

a) Physical Properties Provide Information On The
Behavior Of A Material
b) Color And Odor - In Its Natural State, Natural Gas
Is Colorless, Odorless And Tasteless
c) When Considering Odor As A Method For
Detecting Natural Gas Leaks, Responders Should
Remember The Following:
d) Natural Gas Transported Via Transmission
Pipelines Is Usually Transported In An
Unodorized State.

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e)

In Certain Underground Release Scenarios

Involving Soil Conditions With A High Sand Or
Moist Clay Content, The Concentration Of Odorant
May Be Reduced Or Leached

[12] Physical Properties

a) The Human Sense Of Smell Can Be Desensitized
To The Odorant When Individuals Are Exposed To
Low Concentrations For An Extended Period Of
Time.
b) Vapor Density the Weight Of A Pure Vapor Or
Gas Compared With The Weight Of An Equal
Volume Of Dry Air At The Same Temperature
And Pressure.
P-86
c) Natural Gas Is The Most Common Gas That
Emergency Responders Will Encounter That Is
Lighter Than Air.

[13] 4H MEDIC ANNA:

4H
H = Hydrogen (VD = 0.069)
H = Helium (VD = 0.14)
H = Hydrogen Cyanide (VD = 1.0)
H = Hydrogen Fluoride (VD = 0.34)

P-87

[14] 4H MEDIC ANNA:

Medic
M = Methane (VD = 0.6)
E = Ethylene (VD = 0.97)
D = Diborane (VD = 0.96)
I = Illuminating Gas (10% Ethane And 90%
Methane Mixture -VD = 0.6)
C = Carbon Monoxide (VD = 0.97)

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[15] 4H MEDIC ANNA:

Anna
A = Anhydrous Ammonia (VD = 0.588)
N = Neon (VD = 0.7)
N = Nitrogen (VD = 0.96)
A = Acetylene (VD = 0.90)

P-87

[16] Physical Properties

a) Boiling Point the Temperature At Which A Liquid
Changes Its Phase To A Vapor Or Gas. Natural
Gas Has An Extremely Low Boiling Point Of -259
F (-161 C). In Comparison, Propane Has A
Boiling Point Of-44 F (-42 C).
b) Vapor Pressure The Vapor Pressure Of Natural
Gas At 60 F (15.5 C) Is Approximately 120 Psi.
c) Solubility Natural Gas Is Slightly Soluble
In Water.

P-87

d) Simple Asphyxiant Natural Gas Is Generally

Considered A Non-toxic Material.

[17] Combustion Characteristics Of

Natural Gas
a) Chemical Properties Are The Intrinsic
Characteristics Or Properties Of A Substance
Described By Its Tendency To Undergo Chemical
Change. Chemical Properties Typically Provide
Responders With An Understanding Of How A
Material May Harm.
i) Requirements For Combustion
ii) Combustion Is A Chemical Reaction.

P-88

iii) The Combustible Ingredients In Natural Gas

Are Hydrocarbons Consisting Of One Part
Carbon And Four Parts Of Hydrogen (CH4).

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[18] Flammable (Explosive) Range

a) The Flammable Or Explosive Range Is Defined As
The Range Of Gas Or Vapor Concentration
(Percentage By Volume In Air) That Will Burn Or
Explode If An Ignition Source Is Present.
b) Limiting Concentrations Are Commonly Called The
Lower Flammable (Explosive) Limit And The
Upper Flammable (Explosive) Limit.
P-89

[19] Flammable (Explosive) Range

a) Most Combustible Gas Indicators (CGI) And
Flammable Gas Detectors Are Set To Alarm At
10% Of The LEL Of The Gas Upon Which The
Sensor Is Calibrated (Approximately 4,000 Ppm).
P-89

[20] Combustion Characteristics Of

Natural Gas
a) Ignition Temperature
i) Even With An Ideal Natural Gas And Air
Mixture, There Must Still Be An Ignition Source
Present For Combustion To Occur. The
Ignition Temperature Of Natural Gas Is
1,200F (649 C)
P-89

[21] Combustion Characteristics Of

Natural Gas
a) Heat Value
i) The Purpose In Using Any Fuel Is To Develop
As Much Heat As Possible Per Cubic Foot Of
Fuel Gas. The Heat Produced By Burning
Natural Gas Is Expressed In British Thermal
Units (Or Btus) Per Cubic Foot Of Gas.
The Heating Value For Natural Gas Is 1,012
BTU/Ft3. In Comparison, The Heating
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Value Of Propane Vapor Is 2,488 BTU/Ft3.

[22] Natural Gas And Its Combustion

Products
a) When The Combustion Process Is Incomplete,
Harmful Products Of Combustion Are Generated.
b) Carbon Monoxide
c) Exposure Values For Carbon Monoxide
Include The Following:

P-90

i) American Society Of Heating, Refrigeration

And Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Ventilation Standard 62-89 Specifies A
Maximum Permissible Concentration Of 9 Ppm
Of CO In Residential Living Areas.
ii) The Occupational Safety And Health
Administration (OSHA) Has Established An 8hour Time Weighted Average / Threshold Limit
Value (TLV/TWA) Of 35 Ppm.

[23] Other Gas Products

a) There Are Other Gases And Special Products
That Are Transported Through Gas Pipelines.
b) Ethane Is A Simple Hydrocarbon (C2H6).
c) Ethylene (C2H4) Is A Colorless Flammable Gas
With A Faint Odor That Is Sweet And Musty.
d) Methane Gas Is A Flammable Gas Often
Generated By The Anaerobic Bacterial
P-91
Decomposition Of Organic Material In Landfills
And Swamp Areas.
e) Chlorine Is A Greenish-yellow, Non-flammable
Gas With A Distinctive, Pungent Odor.

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[24] Natural Gas Gathering And

Transmission Pipeline Operations
a) Natural Gas Gathering Systems
b) The Natural Gas Is Collected Through A Series Of
Smaller Diameter, Low Pressure Pipelines
Normally Referred To As Gathering Lines
c) From The Gathering System, Natural Gas

P-92

May Be Injected Into A Transmission Pipeline

System Or Transported Directly To A Storage
Facility Or A Gas Processing Plant.

[25] Gas Processing And Treatment

Facilities
a) Natural Gas Liquids
b) Water
c) Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
d) Ethane

P-94

e) Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

f) Carbon Dioxide (CO2).

[26] Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines

a) Large Transmission Pipelines Are The Interstate
Highways Of The Natural Gas Transportation
System. They Are Generally The Link Between
Gathering Systems And Distribution Systems.
b) These Are High-strength Welded Steel Pipelines
With Diameters Of Up To 48-inches.
P-94

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[27] Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines

a) Operating Pressures Can Range From 300 To
1,500 Psi, And Compressor Stations Are Used To
Maintain Pipeline Operating Pressures.
b) Most Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines Cover

Large Geographical Areas And May Be Several

Hundred Miles Long.
P-94

[28] Compressor Stations

a) The Movement Of Natural Gas Through A Pipeline
System Is No Different Than Moving Water In A
Fire Department Relay Operation.
b) Similarly, As Natural Gas Flows Through A
Pipeline, The Pipeline Pressure Will Decrease
Due To Friction Loss And Elevation Differences.

[29] Compressor Stations

a) Pipeline Pressure Cannot Be Allowed To Drop
Below The Required Delivery Pressure At The
Delivery Points Or The Flow Will Cease.
b) Compressor Stations May Be Either Attended Or
Unattended
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[30] Compressor Stations

a) Equipment At A Compressor Station Will Vary
Depending Upon A Number Of Factors.
b) Engine And Compressor Units (A)
c) Positive-displacement Compressors

d) Continuous-flow Compressors
e) Piping And Piping Manifolds (B)

P-96

f) Filter Separators (C)

g) Cooling Units (D)
h) Pig Manifolds
i) Generators (E)
j) Gas And Fire Detection And
Suppression Systems.

[31] Gate Settings / Main Line Valves

a) In Addition To Compressor Stations, Gate Settings
Or Main Line Valves (MLV) Are Installed Along
The Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline System To
Help Isolate Or Control The Flow Of The Gas.
b) Emergency Response Personnel Should Never
Attempt To Isolate Any Pipeline Valves On
Transmission Or Distribution Lines
P-97

[32] Gate Settings / Main Line Valves

i) Operation Of Pipeline Valves And Systems
Must Be Under The Full Control And Direction
Of The Pipeline Operator. Failure To Do So
May Create Additional Problems That Are
Worse Than The Original Event.

P-97

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[33] Transmission Pipeline Customers

a) The Purpose Of A Natural Gas Transmission
Pipeline Is To Transport Natural Gas From
Production Locations To Customers Who Will Be
Using It.
b) Large Industrial Customers And Manufacturers
May Contract Directly With The Natural Gas
Transmission Pipeline Operator For Gas
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Delivery To Their Facilities.
c) The Largest Customer Base For Natural Gas
Transmission Pipeline Companies Is Comprised
Primarily Of Local Distribution Companies.

[34] Natural Gas Storage

a) Storage Serves Two Major Purposes:
b) It Helps To Maximize The Use Of Pipeline System
Capacity Year-around
c) Creates Additional Flexibility In Operation Of The
Pipeline System.
d) Natural Gas May Be Stored In Either Underground
Or Aboveground Storage Facilities.
e) Depleted Gas Reservoirs

P-98

f) Aquifers

[35] Natural Gas Storage

a) Underground Salt Caverns And Formations
i) Salt Domes
ii) Salt Beds
b) Aboveground Storage. Natural Gas May Also Be
Converted To Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), And
Then Stored As A Cryogenic Liquid In
Aboveground Storage Tanks.
P-100

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[36] Natural Gas Distribution Pipeline

Operations
a) Gate Stations Or City Gates
b) Distribution Mains
c) Regulator Stations
d) Main Distribution Valves
e) A Farm Tap

P-100

[37] Natural Gas Distribution Pipeline

Operations

P-101

[38] Natural Gas Distribution Pipeline

Operations
a) Distribution Systems
b) Bare Steel Ranges From .75 To 8-inches In
Diameter, And Is Used For Pressures Up To 60
Psi.
c) Wrapped Or Coated Steel Piping Ranges From .5
To 30-inches In Diameter, And Is Used For
Pressures Up To Several Hundred Psi.
P-102
The Coating Is Usually Yellow Plastic Or
Brown Paper.
d) Cast Iron Ranges From 4 To 20-inches In
Diameter, And Is Usually Used For Low Pressure
Gas (.25 Psi).

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[39] Natural Gas Distribution Pipeline

Operations
i) Wrought Iron Ranges From 2 To 8-inches In
Diameter, And Is Used For Pressures Up To
60 Psi.
ii) Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Piping Ranges From
.5 To 8-inches In Diameter, And May Be Used
For Pressures Up To 100 Psi. PE Piping
Is Also Susceptible To The Buildup Of P-102
Static Electricity And May Possibly Cause
The Ignition.

[40] Natural Gas Distribution Pipeline

Operations
a) A Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) Venting To The
Atmosphere Is Normally Performing Properly.
i) A PRV Should Never Be Shut-off, Isolated Or
Restricted By Emergency Response
Personnel.
P-102

[41] Natural Gas Service Meters

a) Natural Gas Customers Have A
Meter To Measure The Amount
Of Gas Being Used For Billing Purposes.
b) Every Gas Meter Will Have A Shut-off Valve
Located On The Supply Side (I.E., Upstream) Of
The Meter.
c) Meters May Be Classified By Pressure Or Use
d) Intermediate Pressure (2 60 Psi) And
P-103
High Pressure (60 300 Psi) Meters Will
Have A Regulator Between The Supply Side And
The Meter To Reduce The Pressure.

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[42] Natural Gas Service Meters

P-104

[43] Natural Gas Service Meters

P-103

[44] Natural Gas Service Meters

a) Multiple Meters
b) Industrial Meters
c) Earthquake Shut-off Valves
d) Curb Valves
e) Main Valves

P-105

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[45] Clues Of A Natural Gas Pipeline

Incident
a) What You See
b) Browning Or Discolored Vegetation That Is
Otherwise Green Along A Pipeline Right-of-way.
c) Presence Of A Vapor Cloud Or Mist Around The
Pipeline Right-of-way.
d) Dirt Being Blown Into The Air.

P-105

e) Bubbles Coming From A Pond Or River.

[46] Clues Of A Natural Gas Pipeline

Incident
a) Fire Coming Out Of The Ground.
b) Presence Of Construction Or Excavation
Equipment In The Area, Such As Backhoes,
Drilling Rigs, Telecommunications Vehicles, Etc.
c) Ice Ball Around The Pipeline.
d) Collection Of Dead Insects.

P-105

e) Odor Of Mercaptan Or Sulfur. Remember That

Transmission Pipeline Systems Typically Handle
Unodorized Natural Gas.
f) What You Hear
i) Unusual Hissing Or Roaring Sound Along A
Pipeline Right-of-way.

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[47] Street Smart Tips

a) Natural Gas Is Lighter Than Air And Will Rise.
b) Natural Gas Can Be Trapped Under Asphalt,
Concrete Or Frozen Ground, And Move Laterally
From Its Source In Underground Conduit, Casings
And Right-of-ways.
c) Underground Leaks Of Natural Gas Will
P-106
Follow The Path Of Least Resistance. Soil
That Has Been Disturbed By Excavation Will Allow
For The Easier Passage Of Natural Gas. In
Addition, Certain Soils May Cause The Mercaptan
Odorants To Be Scrubbed From The Natural
Gas.

[48] Street Smart Tips

a) A Combustible Gas Indicator (CGI) Or Flammable
Gas Detector Will Be Required To Determine The
Concentration Of Natural Gas Vapors Present. If
Your Detector Is Not Calibrated On Methane, A
Calibration Curve Or Factor Will Be Required To
Determine The Actual Reading Of Natural
Gas Present.
P-106
b) Eliminate All Ignition Sources. Do Not Operate
Vehicles Or Equipment That Can Produce A
Spark, Including Door Bells, Telephones And Light
Switches When A Natural Gas Leak Is Suspected.

[49] Street Smart Tips

a) If Ventilating An Enclosed Space, Remember The
Explosive Limits Are 4-15% Gas In Air. Ventilation
May Momentarily Increase The Hazard As You
Pass Though This Range.
b) Natural Gas That Is Trapped In Enclosed Areas Or
Confined Spaces Will Cause A Significant
Explosion If Ignited.
P-106
c) Natural Gas Vapors Will Quickly Flash Back To
Their Source When Ignited.

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d) Natural Gas Fires Will Give Off Tremendous
Amounts Of Radiant Heat And Provide Significant
Exposure Concerns.

[50] Summary
a) Natural Gas (CH4) Is The Predominant Product
Transported In Gas Pipelines.
b) Natural Gas (CH4) Is A Clean-burning Fuel That
Consists Of Approximately 94% Methane, 4%
Ethane, And The Remaining 2% Of Other Gases,
Including Butane, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen
And Iso-pentane.
P-106
c) An Odorant That Smells Like Sulfur Or Rotten
Eggs is Added To Natural Gas So That It Can Be
Detected By Human Smell At Concentrations

[51] Summary
a) Natural Gas Will Burn In The Presence Of An
Ignition Source When It Is Within Its Flammable
Range Of Approximately 4 To 15%.
b) Natural Gas Is Initially Collected From
Underground Wells Into A Series Of Small, Low
Pressure Pipelines Normally Referred To As
Gathering Lines.
P-106

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