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In This Issue

  1. PHMSA Advisory Bulletin ADB 10-03 Girth Weld Quality Issues
  2. PHMSA Cased Crossing Guidelines
  3. Integrity Management Services
  4. PHMSA Cased Pipe Workshop – April 28, 2010 Baltimore, MD
  5. DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop June 8 & 9, 2010 / Houston, TX
  6. Gas Distribution Construction Workshop – April 20, 2010
  7. PHMSA Webinar on Incident Reporting for Distribution Operators
  8. PHMSA Final Rule on HazMat Security Regulation Changes
  9. Standard Operating Procedure Updates
  10. State of Virginia Approves Rule Change to Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act
  11. TRRC Proposed Rulemaking 16 TAC Chapter 5-Carbon Dioxide
  12. RCP’s Web-Based Compliance Management Systems
  13. DIMP Integration
  14. Key Features
  15. PHMSA Pipeline Safety Program Management Changes
  16. Placement and Removal of Real Estate Signs Affected by Changes Proposed in State of Virginia’s HB553
  17. National Safe Digging Month

PHMSA Advisory Bulletin ADB 10-03 Girth Weld Quality Issues

[Docket No. PHMSA-2010-0078]

The Department of Transportation/Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued Advisory Bulletin ADB 10-03 to notify owners and operators of recently constructed large diameter natural gas pipeline and hazardous liquid pipeline systems of the potential for girth weld failures due to welding quality issues. Misalignment during welding of large diameter line pipe may cause in-service leaks and ruptures at pressures well below 72 percent specified minimum yield strength (SMYS). PHMSA has reviewed several recent projects constructed in 2008 and 2009 with 20-inch or greater diameter, grade X70 and higher line pipe. Metallurgical testing results of failed girth welds in pipe wall thickness transitions have found pipe segments with line pipe weld misalignment, improper bevel and wall thickness transitions, and other improper welding practices that occurred during construction. A number of the failures were located in pipeline segments with concentrated external loading due to support and backfill issues. Owners and operators of recently constructed large diameter pipelines should evaluate these lines for potential girth weld failures due to misalignment and other issues by reviewing construction and operating records and conducting engineering reviews as necessary.

For a copy of ADB 10-03, contact Jessica Roger.