Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure: Steel and Polyethylene Pipelines (16.8)

Criticality: High
Progress: Addressed, Not Adequately
Score: 20
DOT Relevance: 192.619

Description of Key Area

Section 192.619 details the maximum allowable operating pressures for steel and polyethylene pipelines.

Discussion of Criticality

It is not yet clear if MAOP determination methods need to be altered for hydrogen pipelines.

Discussion of Progress

ASME B31.12 will only allow location class 3 or 4 designs for hydrogen pipelines at this time (50% and 40% SMYS respectively). Pipe design may be changed from a stress based design to a strain based design. Discussions are scheduled for March of 2006.

Recommendations

Standards for maximum allowable operating pressure for hydrogen pipelines must be incorporated by reference into the federal code.