New polyamide pipe hits the gas distribution market

 A new high-performance thermoplastic polyamide pipe that is less expensive to install and easier to maintain than traditional steel pipe has been introduced for the first time in North America. VESTAMID LX9030 PA12 (VESTAMID PA12) is said to offer exceptional performance for high-pressure applications which helps gas companies effectively design their underground infrastructure without sacrificing flow capacity. Researchers estimate that PA12 pipe has significant labor and installation savings over steel.

 “PA12 is an excellent alternative to steel pipe in high-pressure applications up to 250 psi (pounds per square inch) for gas distribution lines,” says Dennis Jarnecke, program manager at Gas Technology Institute (GTI), a research, development and training organization serving energy and environmental markets. “It has been used as fuel lines in cars and for air brake tubing in trucks. Now we see great potential for its use in gas delivery systems.”

 Officials at Energy West, a Montana-based gas utility and energy supplier that is laying three miles of VESTAMID PA12 pipe for a natural gas distribution system along Interstate 15 frontage roads outside Great Falls, agree. They are home to the first installation of VESTAMID PA12 gas pipe in an established public right of way in the United States. “There are numerous benefits to utilizing PA12 pipe,” says Ed Kacer, general manager of Energy West. “The material is lightweight and allows for faster construction than steel, while maintaining higher volumes associated with higher pressures. Installation can be accomplished using a smaller construction crew, saving time and money.”

 To meet the needs of Energy West, Evonik—working jointly with GTI— coordinated a system of VESTAMID PA12 straight and coiled pipes and fittings. Extruded in diameters ranging from 2 to 6 inches, VESTAMID PA12 pipes can be manufactured in lengths of 50 ft as straight pipe to more than 250 ft in coils, depending on the diameter and wall thickness. This flexibility in length— particularly for long stretches of installation—saves money by reducing time spent fusing pipe ends together.

 Equipment used in the installation of both straight and coil pipe did not require any modification. The heat fusion process for joining two ends of VESTAMID PA12 is easier and faster than connecting steel pipes benefitting the bottom line. Compliance with pipeline integrity regulations is also more cost-effective. “Traditional steel pipe must adhere to corrosion control and cathodic protection requirements which add to a company’s expense,” says Jarnecke.  “PA12 is corrosion resistant and has labor and installation savings over steel.”

 In research performed by GTI and sponsored by Operations Technology Development, NFP (OTD), PA12 has been evaluated for use as gas-distribution piping in North America, and technical support necessary to obtain regulatory approval for its use in the U.S. was developed. Extensive testing of materials resulted in a comprehensive database of the physical properties of PA12 pipe and demonstrated conformity to ASTM standards.

 

Ontario government lifts restriction on Enbridge Gas

Enbridge Gas Distribution says its congratulates Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Honourable George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, on the government’s leadership in issuing a Minister’s Directive that will open opportunities for Enbridge Gas Distribution to support the Green Energy and Economy Act and the government’s efforts to make a clean energy future a reality.  “Natural gas is and will continue to be a vital part of Ontario’s clean energy mix. However, in today’s environment, we need to look at the complete energy needs of our customers,” says Janet Holder, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. “This decision opens the door for Enbridge Gas Distribution to look at and invest in additional environmentally-preferred energy solutions that will help our customers and Ontario move towards a clean energy future.”

The Minister’s Directive lifts restrictions that previously limited Enbridge Gas Distribution, a regulated utility, to business activities related only to the distribution, transmission and storage of natural gas. As a result of the Minister’s Directive, Enbridge Gas Distribution will be permitted to own and operate renewable energy projects including stationary fuel cells, wind, water, biomass, biogas, solar and geothermal energy generation facilities up to 10 megawatts in capacity. Enbridge Gas Distribution will also be permitted to own and operate district and distributed energy systems, including facilities that produce power and thermal energy from a single source, that assist the Government of Ontario in achieving its energy conservation goals.