YOUR COMPANY’S

GUIDE TO
GAS TRANSMISSION
AND DISTRIBUTION
PIPING SYSTEMS
Helping your organization understand
and properly apply the B31.8 Code
to pipeline designs.
INSIDE THIS GUIDE
CONTENTS
Gas transmission and distribution pipelines 3
Modern day pipelines in the US 4
The B31.8 Code 5
Challenges for gas pipelines 6
Benefits of B31.8 training 7
ASME B31.8 Gas Transmission and
Distribution Piping Systems Code (virtual classroom) 9
ASME B31.8 Gas Transmission and
Distribution Piping Systems Code (self study) 10
More about our courses 11
Let’s talk about it 12

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GAS TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION PIPELINES
Offshore pipelines and The pressure at which different benefits of understanding the B31.8
onshore gathering lines pipelines operate varies greatly. code. Plus, learn more from our
Gathering and transmission expert, who answers some of our
connect areas of gas pipelines may operate at high most frequently asked questions
production to facilities pressures (often over 1000 psi). about gas transmission and
However, distribution systems are distribution pipelines.
that process gas to be often associated with gas mains
commercially usable. that can operate up to 200 psi, with
lines that transport gas to individual
Transmission pipelines homes typically operating much
then transport processed lower than 10 psi.

gas to industrial users and

This guide explores how engineers
gas distribution systems. can apply codes and standards
These distribution to design a wide range of gas
transmission and distribution piping
systems are responsible systems. Discover some common
for transporting gas in challenges for pipeline engineers,
as well as the principles and
and around communities
to commercial and
residential customers.

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MODERN DAY PIPELINES IN THE US
The United States There are currently just over Neglecting to apply codes and
pipeline network 100,000 miles of pipelines in standards to pipeline design
planning or under construction2 – and operation can result in
comprises 65% of the meaning it’s crucial for engineers dangerous failures.
two million miles of working on those pipelines to be
The most commonly used
qualified to keep them operating
code for gas transmission and
pipelines across the safely. Engineers can keep
distribution piping systems
world.1 pipelines safe and secure by
is the B31.8 code.
conducting diligent inspection and
maintenance, attending damage
prevention programs and complying
with regulations and best practices.
A clear and consistent
understanding of the relevant
design codes will enable engineers
to apply design best practices
every time.

1
https://web.archive.org/web/20160821003050/
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-
factbook/fields/2117.html

2
https://globalenergymonitor.org/wp-content/
uploads/2021/02/Pipeline-Bubble-2021.pdf
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THE B31.8 CODE
The B31.8 code is The code prescribes solutions While safety is an important
for materials, design, fabrication, consideration in piping design, it
the most widely used testing and inspection of pipelines. is not the only relevant factor that
standard for the design, It also serves as a companion to will govern the final specifications.
other B31 codes on piping systems The code aims to provide guidance
operation, maintenance, – together, they remain essential that should go hand in hand with
and repair of natural gas references for piping engineers. preexisting engineering judgment.
distribution systems. The B31.8 code sets out
engineering requirements deemed
necessary for safe design and
construction of gas transmission
and distribution systems.

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HAZARDS: CHALLENGES FOR GAS PIPELINES
Materials selection, Protective measures must be taken Soil movement Seismic considerations
to safeguard pipelines from natural
welding, design and hazards or various conditions that
Earthquakes, subsidence, Movement at fault crossing,
settlement and slope instability are soil liquefaction, lateral spread
selection of fittings and may cause abnormal loads
modes of soil movement, which can and slope instability are all
or stresses.
components, design and be potentially hazardous to buried considerations to be made when
Whether it’s floods, unstable soil, pipelines. Coating failure, buckling designing pipelines in areas with
installation of buried and earthquakes or landslides, almost due to strain and weld separation high or regular seismic activity.
above ground piping anything can cause a detrimental due to tensile strain are all three
impact to a pipeline. Submerged major hazards of soil movement that
systems and facilities, installations must have sufficient need to be considered in the design
operation, maintenance, added weight to offset buoyancy, of piping systems.
with special attention given to the
corrosion control, and effects of water velocity, while
repairs can all jeopardize exposed pipes must be protected Water currents
with distance or barriers.
the safe operation of a Flow induced drag is an inertial
There’s a lot to consider, but here load-like weight, but oriented
pipeline if best practices are three particularly common with the direction of the flow of
are not followed. challenges to be aware of: liquid. Engineers must determine
or estimate water flow velocity to
calculate flow induced drag.

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KEY BENEFITS OF ASME TRAINING FOR B31.8 CODE
Training of personnel Quality assurance
Every organization that uses B31.8 The concepts within the code
codes for piping systems benefits are reliable, risk informed and
from having the relevant training time tested through decades of
to manage the qualifications of experience, so engineers know that
personnel who perform design, pipelines designed with this code
operations, maintenance and are of industry-grade standard.
construction activities on pipelines.
Best practice consensus
The B31.8 code represents a
consensus of good engineering
practices, covering the full range
of issues that could impact the
integrity of the pipeline throughout
its lifecycle — ensuring they’re
designed with safety in mind.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We asked our expert How can I use the B31.8 code to What are the benefits of Mr. Rosenfeld is Chief Engineer
Michael J. Rosenfeld, plan for potential stresses? ASME group training for gas and Managing Member with RSI
transmission and distribution Pipeline Solutions, LLC.
P.E. some of our most The code gives allowable stress
piping systems?
limits due to sustained loads He holds a BS in Mechanical
frequently asked and thermal expansion acting in Group training exposes personnel Engineering from the University
questions about gas above ground piping, and for other involved in a broad range of of Michigan (1979) and an MS in
loadings affecting buried pipelines. activities or responsibilities, Mechanical Engineering from
transmission and It also specifies design factors for including design, construction, Carnegie-Mellon University (1981).
distribution piping differing classes and locations of operations, or maintenance, Mr. Rosenfeld is an experienced
construction. to the fundamental principles consultant on the subject of oil
systems. In what ways does the code help
affecting the safety of the pipeline. and gas pipeline fitness-for-
The training will provide those service; pipeline integrity; pipeline
me to plan for inspections and
attending with background on design, materials, construction,
maintenance after the design
how and why certain practices are and maintenance; and pipeline
stage?
necessary and customary. The regulations and standards.
The code provides for operation, training will enhance individual
Find out more about
maintenance, corrosion control, careers and enable pipeline
our B31.8 course here.
and repair applicable for the life of operators to demonstrate their
the system. Extensive guidance is commitment to having a technically
given on appropriate disposition proficient workforce.
of various conditions that could be
discovered in the pipeline.

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ASME B31.8 GAS TRANSMISSION
AND DISTRIBUTION PIPING SYSTEMS CODE
ASME B31.8 Gas Topics covered You will learn to:
Transmission and • Materials • Explain the causes and modes
Distribution Piping • Welding of pipeline failure

Systems Code (Virtual • Fittings, Longitudinal Stresses, Flexibility •  escribe the considerations for material
D
specifications, pipe manufacturing,
Classroom) • Pressure Design and pipe joining
This course explains the
present-day piping code
• Fracture Control, Construction, Testing •  stimate pipeline stresses
E
from external loadings
provisions, the principal • Corrosion
intentions of the code, and
• Remaining Strength of Corroded Pipe • Explain how to evaluate pipeline defects
how the code should be used.
The emphasis is primarily on • Pipeline Repairs • Identify pipeline repair techniques
transmission pipelines.
• Offshore Pipelines • Identify the elements of pipeline integrity

• Sour Gas Pipelines •  xplain how code requirements

E
address these issues
• Appendices •  xplain the differences between B31.8
E
• B31.8-S – IMP Supplement and US DOT gas pipeline regulations
• Integrity Assessments

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ESSENTIALS: ASME B31.8 GAS TRANSMISSION
AND DISTRIBUTION PIPING SYSTEMS CODE
ASME B31.8 Gas Modules You will learn about:
Transmission and • Module 1: • The contents and scope of B31.8
Distribution Piping Introduction and History of B31.8
• The types of piping and materials
Systems Overview •  odule 2:
M covered by B31.8
Rules and requirements covered
(Self Study) in Chapters I and II
•  he requirements for safe design
T
of piping systems
This course offers an overview
of the scope of B31.8, including
•  odule 3:
M
•  he welding qualifications and
T
Rules and requirements covered
its history, the types of requirements covered
in Chapters III and IV
systems to which it applies, its
organization and the intended •  odule 4:
M
•  he kinds of supports necessary to
T
ensure that the piping functions effectively
use of the code. Rules and requirements covered
in various environments
in Chapters V and VI
•  odule 5:
M
•  he operation and maintenance procedures
T
and requirements to ensure the safety and
Rules and requirements covered
functionality of pipelines
in Chapters VIII and IX
•  equirements for offshore gas transmission
R
and sour gas service

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MORE DETAILS ABOUT OUR COURSES
ASME works with expert ASME Learning & Development Our courses can be
instructors from industry provides technical and
management courses for accessed either virtually
and academia to provide individuals and teams across a or in-person – with the
world-class engineering range of engineering disciplines.
Courses are designed for ability to tailor content
courses. We are engineers of all levels from to include specific use
committed to delivering early career engineers to
experienced engineers. cases and pain points
high-quality training to for corporate training
you and your team with customers with eight or
accreditation backed more learners.
by IACET, a globally
recognized independent
third party.

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LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
ASME is the go-to expert All ASME courses include real-world
in both fundamentals and examples so that learnings can be applied
applications of the B31.8 to projects that your team is working on.
code, and our courses With ASME Corporate Training, your team
can address your unique challenges with an
are delivered by expert expert in a private and confidential setting.
engineers with extensive
knowledge of the history of
the code.

Get in touch today to learn more about

ASME Corporate Training.
Visit corporatetraining.asme.org
Email [email protected]

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