DIS 5.

ENGINEERING PROCEDURES

SECTION 5 - PIPE SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION

MODULE 5.1 - STEEL PIPE SYSTEMS OPERATING
AT PRESSURES EQUAL TO OR LESS
THAN 7 bar

JULY 1995

J171 ( Rev 12/98 )

.
 DIS 5.1

CONTENTS

Page

FOREWORD v

BRIEF HISTORY vi

1. SCOPE 1

2. REFERENCES 1

3. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS 1

3.1 General 1

3.2 Miscellaneous 1

3.3 Mandatory and non-mandatory requirements 1

4. COMPETENCE 2

5. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 2

6. HANDLING OF MATERIALS ON SITE 3

6.1 Handling and transportation 3

7. PIPELAYING 3

7.1 General 3

7.2 Proximity to premises 4

7.3 Inspection of trench 4

7.4 Final inspection of materials 4

7.5 Use of pull-throughs and temporary end caps 4

7.6 Lowering in and positioning 4

7.7 Laying pipes with mechanical joints 5

7.8 Laying pipes with welded joints 5

7.9 Pipe cutting 5

7.10 Valves 5

7.11 Final inspection 5

8. MATERIALS 6

8.1 Threaded pipe and fittings 6

8.2 Welded pipe and fittings 6

8.3 Other pipe materials 6

9. PIPE JOINTING 6

9.1 Jointing specifications 6

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Page

9.2 Threaded joints 6

9.3 Welded joints 7

9.4 Mechanical compression joints 7

9.5 Flanged joints 7

10. VALVES 7

10.1 Valve selection 7

10.2 Method of installation of valves 7

10.3 Valves in mains 8

10.4 Valves in services 9

11. CORROSION CONTROL 9

11.1 Protective coatings and wrappings 9

11.2 Electrical insulation 9

11.3 Cathodic protection 10

12. WATER REMOVAL 10

13. ANCHORAGE 10

14. MAINS AND SERVICE CONNECTIONS 10

14.1 Live gas working 10

14.2. Mains connections 10

14.3 Service connections 11

15. TEMPORARY ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY BONDS 11

16. ELECTRICAL INSULATION JOINTS 12

TABLES

1 Minimum proximity distances to premises 4

2 Tapping sizes for mains below 200 mm nominal size 11

FIGURES

1 Flanged joint assembly 13

2 Flange bolt tightening sequence 13

3 Typical valve installation for mains 14

4 Typical requirements for service isolation valves 15

5 Typical dip-pipe and standpipe installation for low pressure or

medium pressure mains 16

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 DIS 5.1

Page

6 Typical service connection for steel services from metallic mains of suitable wall
thickness operating at low pressure or medium pressure 17

7 Mechanical two part service tee connection for 1.5 in. and 2 in. steel service
off grey iron and ductile iron mains operating at low pressure or medium pressure 18

8 Typical procedure for connection of steel service to a service tee 19

9 Welded service tee connection for steel services off steel mains operating at low
pressure, medium pressure or intermediate pressure 20

10 Typical welded branch connection for steel mains operating at low pressure,
medium pressure or intermediate pressure 21

11 Typical insulating fittings 22

APPENDICES

A LIST OF REFERENCES 23

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DIS 5.1

- iv - J171 ( Rev 12/98 )

 DIS 5.1

FOREWORD

This engineering document has been adopted by Transco and is an editorial revision of the former British Gas
TransCo specification DIS 5.1. It reflects the identity and organizational structure of Transco - a part of BG
plc.

This Transco engineering document has been approved for use throughout Transco.

Comments and queries regarding the technical content of this Transco engineering document should be
directed to:

Lead Engineer
Transco LTO Engineering (Distribution)
Glevum House
Bristol Road
Gloucester
GL2 6YA

Further copies of this Transco engineering document can be obtained from Dataform Print Management using
the print requisition form G004 quoting the Form Number of this Transco engineering document (not the
designation) and your cost code.

Transco engineering documents are revised, when necessary, by the issue of amendments or new editions.
Users should ensure that they are in possession of the latest versions by referring to the Transco Register of
Engineering Documents available on the Transco Information Library.

Contractors and other users external to Transco should direct their requests for further copies of Transco
engineering documents to the department or group responsible for the initial issue of their contract
documentation.

Compliance with this engineering document does not confer immunity from prosecution for breach of statutory
or other legal obligations.

DISCLAIMER

This engineering document is provided for use by Transco and such of its contractors as are obliged by the
terms of their contracts to comply with this engineering document. Where this engineering document is used
by any other party it is the responsibility of that party to ensure that the engineering document is correctly
applied.

J171 ( Rev 12/98 ) -v-

DIS 5.1

BRIEF HISTORY

First published as BGC/PS/DIS 5.1: Part A* and

BGC/PS/DIS 5.1: Part B* April1981

PART A
First update published* January 1983
Second update published* June 1986
Third update published* March 1988
Fourth update published* April1989
Fifth update published* February 1990
Sixth update published* August1991

PART B
First update published* December 1984
Second update published* August 1991

PARTS A & B
New, bound, edition designated November 1991
GBE/DIS 5.1: Parts A & B published
Revision of GBE/DIS 5.1: Parts A & B published as
GBE/DIS 5.1 August 1993
First update published as DIS 5.1 July 1995
* Loose leaf editions

© BG plc 1995

This Transco engineering document is copyright and must not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means
without the approval in writing of BG plc.

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 DIS 5.1

ENGINEERING PROCEDURES
SECTION 5 - PIPE SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION
MODULE 5.1 - STEEL PIPE SYSTEMS OPERATING
AT PRESSURES EQUAL TO OR LESS
THAN 7 bar

1. SCOPE
This Module 5.1 of the Transco Engineering Procedures* gives general guidance for Transco personnel
responsible for the design, construction and operation of steel distribution systems operating at pressures not
greater than 7 bar.

Where information is required on aspects of design and construction which are not covered in this Module
5.1, reference should be made to the other Modules of Transco Engineering Procedures as relevant.
* Hereinafter referred to as 'this Module 5.1'.

2. REFERENCES
This Module 5.1 makes reference to the documents listed in Appendix A. Unless otherwise specified the latest
editions of these documents apply including all addenda and revisions.

3. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

3.1 General
For the purposes of this Module 5.1 the definitions and abbreviations given in 2.2 and 2.3 shall apply

3.2 Miscellaneous
Engineer: a competent engineer appointed to be responsible for the application of all or part of the Transco
Engineering Procedures.

Engineer's representative: a suitably qualified and experienced person acting on behalf of the Engineer.

Operating pressures:

LP: low pressure; not exceeding 75 mbar.

MP: medium pressure ; above 75 mbar up to and including 2 bar.

IP: intermediate pressure ; above 2 bar up to and including 7 bar.

strategic valves: valves which are strategically important and which control critical mains in the distribution
system.

Transco: Transco - a part of BG plc.

3.3 Mandatory and non-mandatory requirements

can: indicates a physical possibility.

may: indicates an option which is not mandatory.

must: indicates a requirement in law and in matters of health and safety.

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DIS 5.1

shall: indicates a Transco requirement.

should: indicates a strong preference, but allows deviations exceptionally.

will: indicates an intention by Transco to do something.

4. COMPETENCE
All persons engaged in the design, construction, commissioning, operating, maintenance and alteration of
mains, services and related plant shall be competent to carry out such work. This may be achieved by an
appropriate combination of education, training and practical experience.

5. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Steel mains and services shall be con structed using approved pipe and fittings materials only.
Where materials which are not covered by Transco or British Standard specifications are proposed for use,
the Engineer or Engineer' s representative shall ensure that such materials are acceptable for the purpose
required.

5.2 All new and renewed sections of mains and services shall be subjected to a pressure test to check
for soundness, immediately prior to the admission of gas. Pressure testing shall be in accordance with
Module 5.5.

Purging of mains and services, following air testing, shall be carried out in accordance with Module 5.6.

5.3 Mains and services shall not be laid in unventilated voids.

5.4 All bare sections of pipe and fittings shall be protected with approved coatings and/or wrapping
prior to burial, in accordance with CW5, and Supplements.

5.5 To facilitate future repair, maintenance or extension work, a minimum clearance of 250 mm should
be maintained whenever reasonably practicable between gas pipes and fittings, and the known position of any
plant owned by other Utilities. This separation distance may be reduced for crossings, subject to adequate
protection being provided.

5.6 In no circumstances whatsoever shall pipe joints having elastomeric sealing components be used
within premises.

5.7 Mains and services which are intended to operate at pressures above 2 bar shall be jointed by
welding, with the exception of flanged joints or special joints used for electrical insulation purposes.

5.8 All welding should preferably be by the ma nual metal arc process. Before any person can be
employed on welding operations, his/her competence shall be assessed in respect of the type of welding to be
undertaken. Such assessments may be carried out by trained Transco personnel or an external inspection
agency.

5.9 Service entries to premises shall be made in accordance with Module 5.10.

5.10 When excavating for the laying of mains and services, reference to the HSE Guidance Note
HS(G)47 should be sought.

5.11 Where a service passes through a boundar y wall or its footings, the sleeve or similar protection
shall be installed to prevent contact between the wall and the pipe.

5.12 Where a means is installed in any service pipe to receive or remove condensate, a SIPHON
FITTED label shall be attached to the service pipe immediately below the emergency control valve.

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 DIS 5.1

6. HANDLING OF MATERIALS ON SITE

6.1 Handling and transportation
6.1.1 Care of pipes and fittings
Adequate provision shall be made for the care of pipes and fittings and their protective coatings during storage
and transport. Guidance on measures to be taken when handling pipes, etc., are detailed in L3.

6.1.2 Lifting equipment

Only approved slings, ropes or chain slings and pipe hooks shall be used for lifting. Slings are marked with
the maximum safe working load (SWL) which shall not be exceeded. Slings are tested and shall not be
modified for use on site.

WARNING -

Loads shall never be lifted over persons and no one shall be allowed to stand under a load
which is being lifted.

6.1.3 Unloading
Pipes and associated materials delivered to site shall be carefully unloaded by crane or lowered from the
delivery vehicle by means of rope and skids, or, in the case of small diameter tubing, manually lifted from the
delivery vehicle. Pipes and fittings shall not be dropped to the ground and shall not be allowed to knock
against each other.

6.1.4 Initial inspection

All materials delivered to site shall be carefully inspected for obvious physical defects. Any rejected material
shall be set aside and clearly marked DO NOT USE and the Engineer or Engineer' s representative notified.

6.1.5 Stacking
6.1.5.1 Where it is necessary to store pipe and fittings on site, the location shall be on firm level ground
free from damaging material and with suitable access for vehicles and cranes, etc.

6.1.5.2 Pipes shall be stacked horizontally , clear of the ground on supports at least 150 mm wide,
positioned at not more than 2 m centres. Wrapped pipe shall not be stacked more than 2 m high or, in the case
of tubing up to 50 mm diameter, not more than 400 mm high. Pipe stacks shall be restrained by means of
vertical supports or, for large diameter pipes, by means of padded wedges.

6.1.6 Stringing
Where appropriate, pipes may be strung out along the line of the proposed main or service. Care shall be
taken to place pipes so as to cause the minimum possible interference with, or obstruction to, traffic,
pedestrians or other Utilities' plant. Pipes shall be wedged to prevent accidental movement and, where
necessary, barricades shall be erected and warning signs and lamps positioned.

6.1.7 Small items and fittings

Small items of materials and fittings shall be kept under cover in a secure store and shall only be taken from
store in small quantities as required during the progress of work.

7. PIPELAYING
7.1 General
7.1.1 Excavation and backfill
7.1.1.1 Excavations for pipes shall be made in accordance with Module 4.1. Depths of cover for mains
shall be as specified in that Module.

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DIS 5.1

In the case of services, the depths of cover under public roads and footpaths shall be a minimum of 450 mm
with a minimum requirement of 75 mm between the top of the pipe and the underside of the road construction.
The depth of cover on services in private ground at entry positions adjacent to premises should not be less
than 375 mm.

Services may be laid at lesser depths of cover provided that suitable protection, such as sleeves or slabs, is
used.

7.1.1.2 The attention of site supervision should be drawn to the special precautions to be taken to avoid
damage to pipe wrapping. This may require the importation and use of special stone-free backfill for pipes
laid in ground potentially injurious to pipe wrapping materials.

7.2 Proximity to premises

Pipe should not be laid closer to premises than stipulated in Table 1, unless laid with the specific intention of
entering the premises.

TABLE 1 - Minimum proximity distances to premises

7.3 Inspection of trench

Prior to the commencement of pipelaying, the Team Leader shall inspect the trench to ensure that it is safe and
that all timbering or shuttering is secure. The Team Leader shall also ensure that the bed of the trench is firm
and free of stones or other material which could damage the pipe wrapping.

7.4 Final inspection of materials

Immediately before pipes or fittings are positioned in the trench they shall be carefully inspected for damage
to the steel or protective coating.

7.5 Use of puIl-throughs and temporary end caps

7.5.1 Before pipes are positioned in the trench, pipe bores shall be checked to ensure that they are free
from obstructions and debris. In the case of pipe sizes 80 mm and above, a correctly sized pull-through shall
be used to verify the internal cleanliness of pipes.

7.5.2 Care shall be taken during pipelaying and jointing that pipe bores are kept clean.

7.5.3 When pipelaying is not in progress, the open end of a pipe shall be capped. A screw expanding
stopper may be used for this purpose during temporary cessation of work, but when the site is to remain
unattended or when otherwise directed by the Engineer or Engineer' s representative, the pipe end shall be
sealed in a more secure manner.

7.6 Lowering in and positioning

WARNING -

During lowering operations no person shall be allowed to stand underneath the suspended
pipe.

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 DIS 5.1

Pipes shall be lowered into the trench by means of the necessary and approved lifting equipment. Care shall
be taken that no spoil is knocked down on to the bed of the trench.

7.7 Laying pipes with mechanical joints

7.7.1 When pipes are to be jointed with a mechanical joint, th e position of the joint shall be marked on
the bed of the trench. Additional ground shall be excavated at joint positions to facilitate assembly of the joint,
and for inspection.

7.7.2 Protective wrapping shall be cut back from the ends of pipes for a dist ance sufficient to permit the
coupling or other joint fitting to be positioned and the spigot adequately cleaned to accept the joint. Joint
fittings shall be placed over the end of the pipe already in the trench, such that the end of the pipe is clearly
visible. When the mating pipe has been finally positioned, the fitting shall be drawn over the gap and the joint
assembled in accordance with the manufacturer' s instructions.

7.7.3 The application of corrosion protection to the joint assembly should be left until the section of pipe
has been pressure tested.

7.8 Laying pipes with welded joints

7.8.1 When pipes are to be jointed by welding, the welding operation shall, whenever possible, be carried
out above ground and the corrosion protection applied prior to lowering pipes into the trench. Welding may be
carried out alongside or over the trench, with pipes supported on skids. The maximum length of pipes which
can be welded in this manner will depend on road traffic conditions and the nature and frequency of
underground obstructions.

7.8.2 Where 'in ground' welds are required, additional localized excavation will be required at the joint
positions. Sufficient ground shall be excavated to permit the welder to gain access to the full joint
circumference.

7.9 Pipe cutting

Remove pipe wrapping when flame cutting to prevent toxic fumes.

Pipe may be cut using rotating wheel cutters, mechanical rotary cutters, flame cutters or hacksaws. Wheel
type cutters should not be used on tubing of nominal size 50 mm or less, unless the bore of the pipe is
subsequently reamed. Flame cutters shall not normally be used on mains and services which have contained
gas, or in a gaseous or potentially gaseous atmosphere.

Where it is essential that flame cutters are used, the main or service shall be purged and the atmosphere
monitored continuously during the cutting operation.

7.10 Valves
If a valve on a main or service which:

a) operates at above 75 mbar,

or
b) has an outside diameter greater than 300 mm and operates at 75 mbar or less

is to be blanked temporarily or permanently, then a drilled and tapped flange which includes a pressure relief
facility should be fitted. Any valve that is blanked off shall be left in the closed position.

7.11 Final inspection

On completion of wrapping work and immediately prior to backfilling excavations, all coatings and wrapping
shall be carefully inspected for damage.

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DIS 5.1

8. MATERIALS
8.1 Threaded pipe and fittings
Threaded steel pipes and associated tubular fittings shall comply with BS 1387 and shall preferably be used
only in sizes up to and including 50 mm nominal. Threaded main to service pipe fittings shall comply with F2.

8.2 Welded pipe and fittings

Pipes and fittings for welding shall comply with L2 and F7 respectively.

8.3 Other pipe materials

Pipe and fittings in sizes above 450 mm nominal and all other main or service pipe fittings not covered by the
specifications detailed in 8.1 and 8.2 shall be in accordance with Transco recommendations.

9. PIPE JOINTING
9.1 Jointing specifications
9.1.1 Threaded joints
For threaded joints, taper to taper, or taper (male) to parallel (female) threads may be used. Pipe threads shall
comply with BS 21. All such threaded joints shall be assembled using an approved jointing material. This type
of joint should not be used on main and service laying working where operating pressures exceed 2 bar.

9.1.2 Welded joints

9.1.2.1 The welding of pipes in nominal sizes up to 50 mm shall be carried out using fillet welding in
conjunction with fittings to BS 3799, Class 3000.

9.1.2.2 Pipes and fittings in nominal sizes above 50 mm shall be butt welded, using full penetration welding
in accordance with Pl.

9.1.2.3 For detailed information on pipe preparation and welding, reference should also be made to Transco
procedural data sheets for fillet welding and to TIN 4.

9.1.3 Flanged joints

Flanges and bolting used for jointing pipes, fittings and valves shall be in accordance with BS 4504 (PN 16).

9.1.4 Mechanical compression joints

Compression type joints employing elastomeric or other sealing components may be used on all sizes of pipe
(except within premises) operating at LP and MP.

Careful attention shall be given to manufacturer's information when consideration is being given to the use of
this type of joint. Additionally, except where the joint forms part of an electrical insulation fitting, provision
shall be made for electrical continuity across this type of joint.

9.2 Threaded joints

9.2.1 Threaded joints should not be used on IP mains and services. Additionally, this type o f joint should
not be used in sizes above 50 mm nominal. Threads may be taper to taper or taper (male) to parallel (female).
All threads shall be cleaned and carefully inspected for damage before use. Joints shall be made with
approved jointing material, which shall be applied to the male threads only. Once tightened, joints shall not be
turned back for alignment purposes.

9.2.2 Where it is necessary to thread a section of pipe, the pipe end shall be cut square and all burrs
removed. Cutting oil shall be applied during the thread cutting operation.

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 DIS 5.1

9.3 Welded joints

9.3.1 The welding of joints on mains and services shall only be undertaken by persons who have been
trained and are competent to carry out the type of welding required. For full penetration welding due regard
shall be given to the size and grade of pipe material being used.

9.3.2 Welding of joints shall not be carried out when prevailing weather conditions are such that the
quality of the weld could be impaired, unless adequate weather protection is used. Pipes and fittings shall not
be welded when they are at a temperature below 0 0 C . Pre-heating of pipe and fittings may be necessary in
cold weather conditions.

9.4 Mechanical compression joints

Compression type joints employing elastomeric or other sealing components may be used on all sizes of pipe
(except within premises) operating at LP and MP.

Pipe ends which are to be joined by compression joints shall be square and free from burrs. Pipe wrapping
shall be cut back and both fitting and pipe cleaned prior to assembling the joint. The joint shall be assembled
and made in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Electrical continuity shall be maintained across
the joint, unless otherwise directed.

9.5 Flanged joints

Flanged joints shall be made using the approved jointing material or gasket. Pipework shall be so fabricated
that mating flanges are aligned and abutted squarely. Bolts in all flanged joints shall be gradually tightened in
sequence as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

10. VALVES
10.1 Valve selection
10.1.1 Valve types
Metallic valves shall be approved to V7: Part 1.

10.1.2 Strategic valves

The following parameters should be considered in selecting strategic valves:

a) Not more than one valve should be considered to be strategic where there is more than one
valve between offtakes on any section of main, unless the main is two-way fed.
b) All offtakes should have at least one valve that is considered strategic.
c) Inlet and outlet governor valves should be considered as strategic.
d) Valves inside holder stations should be excluded unless they are identified strategic under the
CIMAH Regulations.
e) Low pressure valves other than detailed above should be excluded unless they have a
significant effect on the supply system.

10.2 Method of installation of valves

10.2.1 Pipe sizes 80 mm and above
Valves for pipe sizes 80 mm and above shall be installed as instructed. A typical valve installation is shown in
Figure 3. Before installation, valves shall be checked for internal cleanliness and freedom of operation, and a
record made of the number of complete turns to move the valve from the fully open to the fully closed
position.

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DIS 5.1

10.2.2 Pipe sizes 50 mm and below

Valves for pipe sizes 50 mm and below shall be checked for internal cleanliness and freedom of operation.
They shall be installed with an approved surface box fitted flush with the ground surface. For service valves
no pressure or rider points should be installed.

10.3 Valves in mains

10.3.1 On systems between 75 mbar an d 7 bar, the distance between successive valves in the same line
should not exceed the following:

a) 800 m in city and urban locations.

b) 1500 m in rural locations.

10.3.2 Recommended locations for valves are as follows:

a) On either side of special cros sings or other sections of a system where there is high risk of
interference damage.
b) On the three outlets of a branch in MP and IP systems.
c) Other locations where considered necessary

10.3.3 Valves should be so positioned as to ensure unrestricted access for their operation and maintenance.

No mains line valve shall be operated unless there is a pressure gauge on the main either side of it. If pressure
points do not exist, they must be installed prior to valve operations. All such valve operations shall be subject
to an approved written procedure. All valve operations shall be controlled by one person in accordance with
the procedure, and a record kept of each operation.

Copies of valve record cards for all valves affected by the operation should be available on site, or the
relevant details included within the written procedure.

10.3.4 A record card/sketch shall be made out on which the following information is included:

a) unique valve number;

b) dimensional sketch of the valve location;
c) Ordnance Survey map reference;
d) address of the site;
e) size and safe operating limit;
f) make and type of valve;
g) open or closed valve;
h) date fitted;
i) details of pressure and rider points fitted;
j) number of turns and direction of rotation;
k) function of valve;
l) maintenance history;
m) identification of each valve by a disc or cap secured to the valve spindle or non-
interchangeable surface box as appropriate.

A marker plate/post shall be fitted if necessary.

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 DIS 5.1

10.4 Valves in services

10.4.1 Service isolation valves shall be fitted in the following circumstances:

a) On all services of 50 mm diameter and above.

b) On all services which supply more than one primary meter in premises.
c) On all services installed for the supply of gas to any premises where the nature of the premises
or of any activity carried on or to be carried on in the premises is such that the person who is
called to install the service pipe knows or has reason to suspect that there is a special risk of
personal injury, fire, explosion or other dangers arising from the use of gas (see Figure 4).
d) On services operating at above 75 mbar pressure.

10.4.2 The service valve should be installed in the service as close as possible to the boundary of the
premises (see Figure 4), and shall be installed with an approved surface box fitted flush with the ground
surface.

10.4.3 A record card/sketch shall be made out as detailed in 10.3.4.

A marker plate/post shall be fitted if instructed.

10.4.4 After the service has been purged, the isolation valve s hall be left in the OPEN position.

10.4.5 Means of external isolation of service pipes should be incorporated in all services entering premises
above ground.

10.4.6 Meter control valves in meter boxes and integral stoppers in service entry tees may be used as
external isolation valves.

11. CORROSION CONTROL

11.1 Protective coatings and wrappings
On completion of pipe construction work, all sections of pipe and fittings which do not have a factory applied
protective coating shall be protected with an approved anti-corrosion tape or other coating, after satisfactory
completion of the appropriate pressure test. Tapes shall be applied to all bare sections of pipe to give a 55%
overlap in all cases. Particular attention shall be given to fittings, such as valves, flanged joints, service tees
and other items where tapes require moulding to the profile of the fitting during application. Where difficulty
is encountered in providing adequate coverage, specialist advice shall be sought.

All screwed and mechanical joints shall be tested prior to wrapping.

Reference should be made to CW5 and Supplements for guidance on the application of field applied coatings
and tapes. Consideration should be given to using a holiday detector, to check the integrity of pipe coatings
immediately prior to backfilling.

11.2 Electrical insulation

11.2.1 General
All new sections of mains and services shall be electrically insulated from installation pipework and adjoining
mains or services which are not cathodically protected.

11.2.2 Mains
All buried sections of mains to be connected to adjoining metallic mains which are themselves not
cathodically protected shall incorporate an electrical isolation joint or fitting at the connection interface.

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DIS 5.1

11.3 Cathodic protection

11.3.1 When working on a live gas main, any impressed current cathodic protection system shall be
switched off before operations begin and for the duration of the work.

11.3.2 All buried sections of steel pipe shall have a system of cathodic protection applied, using sacrificial
anodes or impressed current. Provision shall be made to monitor the performance of all cathodic protection
systems applied to mains at regular intervals. This necessitates the installation of surface boxes or special
marker posts, into which test leads from anodes, etc., can be connected.

11.3.3 Guidance on the installation and maintenance of cathodic protection systems is given in ECP1. In
congested locations, or in circumstances where significant lengths of main require protection, or where
consideration is being given to the use of impressed current systems, the advice of a Corrosion Engineer shall
be obtained.

12. WATER REMOVAL

12.1 Suitable installations should be installed at major low points in the system, on both LP and MP
mains. Dip-pipes are not required on IP mains, nor on pipework less than 50 mm nominal size.

12.2 Figure 5 shows typical dip-pipe assemblies for use on LP and MP mains. In all cases, the
connection to the main shall be made using a suitable sized hole which has been drilled through the pipe wall
and into which the dip-pipe can be located.

12.3 A suitable surface box shall be fitted above the standpipe flush with the ground surface. The height
of the standpipe shall be such that a clearance of 100 mm is provided between the top of the standpipe and
underside of the surface box cover.

13. ANCHORAGE
13.1 Permanent anchoring is not normally required for pipe systems having welded joints. However,
pipes and fittings shall be adequately restrained and supported during pressure testing.

13.2 Suitable permanent anchorages for cases when the joint is not end load resistant are detailed in
Module 4.2.

14. MAINS AND SERVICE CONNECTIONS

14.1 Live gas working
14.1.1 When live gas connections are made, full use shall be made of equipment designed t o reduce to the
absolute minimum the amount of gas discharged during drilling, tapping and other operations. Although it is
essential that this equipment is checked and proved to be safe before use, it is necessary always to be prepared
for mechanical or other failure. Reference should be made to Module 5.7 for the precautions to be observed in
such circumstances.

14.1.2 All impressed current cathodic protection systems shall be switched off before commencing work.
The system should be reconnected when work is completed.

14.2. Mains connections

14.2.1 Whenever connections are to be made on mains which necessitate the removal of a section of pipe,
under pressure flow stopping equipment shall be used. Reference shall be made to Module 5.7 for the
precautions to be observed in such circumstances.

14.2.2 When a main is stopped off, a longitudinal thrust is imposed on that stopper and the mains system.
Any connected pipe or fitting near to the stopper will also be subjected to an axial thrust which has to be
restrained. For an all welded steel pipe system, no pipe anchorage is required, but it is necessary to anchor
steel mains operating at MP or IP, if they contain fittings and joints which rely upon frictional resistance to
prevent movement.

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14.2.3 Where small an d IP branch connections are required, under pressure branch mains drilling
equipment shall be used in conjunction with a suitable under pressure mains fitting. Suitable branch
connections may be made using saddle or encirclement fittings, which may either be jointed mechanically to a
main or preferably welded using the recommended welding procedure. IP branch connections must be welded.

14.2.4 Bypasses shall be fitted in accordance with Module 5.7.

14.3 Service connections

14.3.1 Service connections to steel mains shall be made in accordance with Module 5.7. Typical methods
of connecting steel services to grey iron, ductile iron and steel mains are shown in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 8
illustrates the procedure for measuring and installing the pipe closure between the service and the main
connection fitting on the service tee. These types of connection, which utilize mechanical compression joints,
are suitable for operating pressures up to 2 bar only.

The maximum nominal size of tapped holes which may be used is a quarter of the nominal size of the main
where the main is 200 mm nominal size or over. Below this size, the tapping sizes given in Table 2 shall
normally apply.

TABLE 2 - Tapping sizes for mains below 200 mm nominal size

14.3.2 Wherever possible, preference should be given to connecting services to steel mains by welding as
shown in Figures 9 or 10. For IP operating pressures, welded connections only shall be used.

15. TEMPORARY ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY BONDS

15.1 In order that an ignition source will not be created by the discharge of an electrical current, good
electrical continuity shall be maintained across any connection or disconnection of any part of a metallic
main, meter or other gas installation.

15.2 Temporary electrical continuity bonds shall b e fitted before any connection or disconnection work
is undertaken on live mains and services (see Figure 8). Bonds shall be positioned so that they will not be
disturbed during the progress of work. Bonds shall not be removed until the connection or disconnection work
has been completed and shall only be fitted or removed in a gas free area.

15.3 The following procedure shall be followed when temporary electrical continuity bonds are to be
used:

a) Select the position on the main or installation pipework at which the continuity bond is to be
connected.
b) Clean the pipe at this position to provide a sound metal contact. This may involve removing
protective coatings and cleaning the area of pipe concerned with a wire brush.
c) Ensure that the temporary electrical continuity bond is of adequate length and that the
connection ends are clean and in good condition.

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d) Attach the two ends of the temporary electrical continuity bond to the previously cleaned
sections of pipework and ensure that both connections are secure.
e) Proceed with connection or disconnection of pipework.
f) Remove the temporary electrical continuity bond following completion of the work.

16. ELECTRICAL INSULATION JOINTS

16.1 All steel mains and services shall be electrically insulated from installation pipework in premises,
adjoining mains or services of different materials and existing non- cathodically protected steel mains, in
accordance with Module 5.10.

16.2 Where a steel main is to be connected to another main which is either of different material or not
cathodically protected, insulation joints shall be installed at the connection position. Examples of typical
insulating fittings which may be used for this purpose are shown in Figure 11.

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 DIS 5.1

FIGURE 1 - Flanged joint assembly

FIGURE 2 - Flange bolt tightening sequence

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FIGURE 3 - Typical valve installation for mains

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 DIS 5.1

FIGURE 4 - Typical requirements for service isolation valves

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FIGURE 5 - Typical dip-pipe and standpipe installation for low pressure or

medium pressure mains

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FIGURE 6 - Typical service connection for steel services from metallic mains of suitable wall
thickness operating at low pressure or medium pressure

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FIGURE 7 - Mechanical two part service tee connection for 1.5 in. and 2 in. steel service off
grey iron and ductile iron mains operating at low pressure or medium pressure

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 DIS 5.1

FIGURE 8 - Typical procedure for connection of steel service to a service tee

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FIGURE 9 - Welded service tee connection for steel services off steel mains operating at low
pressure, medium pressure or intermediate pressure

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FIGURE 10 - Typical welded branch connection for steel mains operating at low pressure,
medium pressure or intermediate pressure

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FIGURE 11 - Typical insulating fittings

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APPENDIX A
LIST OF REFERENCES
This Module 5.1 makes reference to the documents listed below (see clause 2).

Statutes and Regulations

Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazard (CIMAH) Regulations

Health and Safety Executive publication

HS(G)47 - Guidance Note - Avoiding Danger from Underground Services

British Standards

BS 21 - Specification for pipe threads for tubes and fittings where pressure -
tight joints are made on the threads (metric dimensions)

BS 1387 - Specification for screwed and socketed tubes and tubulars and for
plain end steel tubes suitable for welding or for screwing to BS 21
pipe threads

BS 3601 - Specification for carbon steel pipes and tubes with specified room
temperature properties for pressure purposes

BS 3799 - Specification for steel pipe fittings, screwed and socket-welding for
the petroleum industry

BS 4504 - Circular flanges for pipes, valves and fittings (PN designated)

Transco engineering documents

CW5 - Code of practice for the selection and application of field a pplied
external pipework coatings

Supplements to CW5 - Application instructions for field applied external pipework coatings
CA/1 to CA/14 inclusive

ECP1 - Code of practice for corrosion control of buried steel and ductile iron
pipework

F2 - Specification for main to service pipe fittings for use up to 2 bar

F7 - Technical specification for steel welding pipe fittings 15 mm to

450 mm inclusive nominal size for operating pressures not greater than
7 bar

L2 - Technical specification for steel pipe 15 mm to 450 mm inclusive

nominal size for service at pressures up to 7 bar (Supplementary and
amending specification to BS 3601)

L3 - Code of practice for handling, transport and storage of steel pipes,

bends and tees

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P1 - Specification for the welding of steel pi pe for distribution systems and

installations (operating at pressures below 7 bar)

V7 - General specification for distribution valves:

Part 1 - Metal bodies valves (80 mm to 300 mm nominal size) suitable
for use in the pressure ranges up to 2 bar and up to 7 bar

TIN 4 - Choice of distribution welding procedures

Engineering Procedures*
* Formerly entitled 'Code of Practice for Distribution'.

Module 4.1 - Excavations for pipelaying

Module 4.2 - Permanent and temporary anchorage for mains and large services

Module 5.5 - Pressure testing

Module 5.6 - Commissioning and de-commissioning of mains and services

Module 5.7 - Under pressure working

Module 5.10 - Service entries

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