Effective March 6, 2015 PHMSA has incorporated ASTM D2513-09a 'Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings', into the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49 Part 192.7. PHMSA has also added a new paragraph to Part 192.59 that states;

"(d) Rework and/or regrind material is not allowed in plastic pipe produced after March 6, 2015 used under this part."

Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding this rule change.

Questions:

Who is PHMSA?

PHMSA is the US Department of Transportation's (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Among other responsibilities, they oversee the Federal regulatory process for gas transmission and distribution pipelines, and gas gathering lines in jurisdictional areas.

Where can I read the Code of Federal Regulations CFR Title 49 Part 192?

Part 192 covering requirements for gas distribution can be found online for free at www.ecfr.gov.

Why did PHMSA choose ASTM D2513-09A?

ASTM D2513-09a was chosen as it had incorporated all requirements sought by PHMSA and most of those petitioned for by industry. A summary of the comparison between ASTM D2513-99 and ASTM D2513-09a can be found at www.plasticpipe.org.

What is rework/regrind material?

Rework/regrind material is derived from pipe that did not meet manufacturing specifications (stripe color, dimensions, etc.). Rework/regrind materials never leave the manufacturing plant location. This material is reprocessed in-plant and used in the manufacture of new pipe. PE pipe resin is engineered to withstand several passes through an extruder without any deterioration of physical properties. Pipe returned from the field, post-consumer articles such as bottles or plastic packaging are not allowed in the manufacture of pressure-rated polyethylene pipe.

Have there ever been any failures in polyethylene pipe linked to the use of rework/regrind?

There have been no reported failures that have been traced back to rework/regrind materials or contamination in pipes produced to current requirements. PPI TN-30 provides requirements for the use of rework materials in manufacturing of PE gas pipe.

Rework/regrind has been eliminated because PHMSA believes it could be an opportunity for possible non-PE contamination that might affect pipe integrity. However, PE pipe manufacturers have several contaminant filtration systems throughout the manufacturing process (elutriators, magnet packs, screen packs, etc.) that remove possible contaminants from virgin and rework/regrind materials to minimize the possibility of contamination.

Has rework been removed from ASTM D2513?

No, ASTM D2513-09a and more current versions still allow rework/regrind materials per section 4.2 when used in accordance with PPI TN-30.

Is ASTM D2513 only for gas distribution pipe?

The scope of ASTM D2513-09a states "The pipe and fittings covered by this specification are intended for use in the distribution of natural gas." Requirements for PE pipe for use with liquefied petroleum gas are also covered. Additionally, since D2513-09a is incorporated by reference in the federal code, regulated gathering lines jurisdictional to 49 CFR 192 would also be required to meet the standard, as well as all other requirements of the federal code.

What is ASTM  F2619?

ASTM F2619 was written specifically for gas gathering and other oilfield piping applications such as piping to convey fluids such as oil, dry or wet gas, multiphase fluids, and non-potable oilfield water

What is API 15 LE?

American Petroleum Institute (API) 15 LE is a polyethylene line pipe standard written for oil and gas gathering and oilfield applications.

Why is it possible to see ASTM 2513, ASTM F2619, & API 15 LE on the same print line?

ASTM F2619 and API 15LE are generally used for PE pipe in oil & gas gathering applications. ASTM D2513 may be added to PE line pipe in situations where there is a potential concern that non-jurisdictional pipe may get re-classified as jurisdictional.

Has ASTM F2619 or API 15 LE been adopted/accepted by PHMSA?

No. PHMSA is currently reviewing ASTM F2619 for possible incorporation into the CFR. The Plastics Pipe Institute "PPI" and the Gas Pipe Technology Committee "GPTC" are developing petitions to PHMSA for the incorporation by reference of ASTM F2619 into 49 CFR parts 192 and 195. No work is currently under way to incorporate API 15LE into 49 CFR part 192.

Is all pipe produces to ASTM D2513-09a compliant with 46 CFR Part 192 & meet the no-network requirement?

No. PE pipe can still be marked ASTM D2513 and contain rework. ASTM D2513-09a and more current versions still allow rework/regrind materials per section 4.2 when used in accordance with PPI TN-30. The pipe end-user must specify ASTM D2513 pipe that is also compliant with 49 CFR Part 192.

What makes a pipeline jurisdictional?

The determination of jurisdictional classes is based on the number of dwelling units within a specified distance of the pipeline per CFR Title 49 Part 192.5. Class values are from 1 to 4 with 4 representing the highest dwelling unit density. All Class 3 and 4 pipelines per "CFR Title 49 Part 192.5 Class Locations" are categorized as jurisdictional. Class 2 pipelines may be categorized as jurisdictional if they meet the requirements of CFR Title 49 Part 192.8 "How are onshore gathering lines and regulated onshore gathering lines determined?"

Can oil & gas gathering pipelines be jurisdictional?

Depending on the dwelling density as defined in CFR Title 49 Part 192.5 oil and gas gathering lines may be categorized as jurisdictional.

Will all oil & gas gathering pipelines ever become jurisdictional?

That depends on the actions by State and Federal regulators. It is not likely that all Class locations of oil & gas gathering pipelines will become jurisdictional. Approximately 2% of oil and gas gathering lines are currently jurisdictional. Changes to State and/or Federal regulations will have to consider, among other issues, the economic effects of classifying existing lines as jurisdictional.

If all oil & gas gathering pipelines become jurisdictional, will older pipelines have to be abandoned? 

No. There would be no need or reason to abandon these current pipelines. Prior precedence suggests these existing pipelines may be grandfathered in depending on requirements determined by the regulators. They would be obligated to follow the requirements of CFR Title 49 Part 192.9

What will be different about our polyethylene pipe because of the rule change?

You will still receive high quality polyethylene pipe from the manufacturer. The only difference is that jurisdictional ASTM D2513 gas pipe will now be made with no rework material and more oil & gas gathering pipe will now be manufactured to either ASTM F2619 or API 15LE standards.

Does the no-network revision apply to all plastic pipes & fittings?

The new rule change is found in "CFR Title 49 Part 192.123 Design Limitations for Plastic Pipe" and applies to all plastic pipes. Because this rule change has taken place in the pipe section of "CFR Title 49 Part 192.123 Design Limitations of Plastic Pipe" it is not applicable to fittings.

Does this rule change apply to any other applications, municipal, industrial, etc.?

No. This rule change only applies to plastic gas pipelines jurisdictional to 49 CFR 192.