Real Estate

Exploring the Different Natural Gas Plumbing Systems

Natural gas is used for many applications in the home, including heating, swimming pools, cooking, and activating electronic devices. It also provides a cleaner energy alternative to coal, which emits toxic chemicals.

This natural energy source comes from underground and is delivered to homes through a network of pipes. There are strict federal standards to ensure the safety of this piping system.

Polyethylene (PE) Pipe

One of the most common types of pipe used for natural gas is polyethylene (PE). PE pipes are light, weather-resistant, can withstand high-pressure levels, and are easily transported. They are also non-toxic, so they’re safe for indoor use.

The first generation of PE pipe systems could have been more reliable due to the materials used and their limited resistance to severe environmental and operating conditions. However, the PE systems in service today are much more reliable than their mechanically coupled predecessors, thanks to higher-performing resins, improved training, fusion and handling equipment, and various specialized repair fittings, including electrofusion.

In the early 1960s, it was discovered that thick wall MDPE pipe, operated at a critical pressure and below a critical temperature, can fail catastrophically by localized yielding and thinning of a section with the lowest wall thickness, followed by axial rapid crack propagation (RCP).

This finding imposed design limits on the maximum allowable operating pressure of large-diameter MDPE pipe. It promoted the development of bimodal HDPE (PE100) with superior long-term strength, creep, and stress crack resistance.

PE pipe is also highly flexible and can be coiled to fit into small spaces where traditional pipes cannot. This means it’s easier to install and can be buried underground without additional support structures. Lastly, PE pipes are single, solid units that do not need joints and are less likely to leak or become damaged over time. For this reason, PE pipes are generally more reliable than steel pipes.

Flexible Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (FCSST)

Stainless steel pipes are often used to supply natural gas to buildings. These pipes are usually coated on the exterior with yellow or black plastic. They can run beneath floors, along sidewalls, on top of ceiling joists in attic spaces, or inside interior wall cavities. Currently, CSST is the most common type of gas pipe installed by natural gas plumber in Dallas in new construction. It can also be found in existing homes if an owner installs new natural gas appliances or upgrades living ones to use the more reliable and efficient CSST system.

The best part about using gas piping for your home or business is that these systems are highly durable and long-lasting. They are made from corrosion-resistant materials that withstand harsh weather and extreme temperatures. They are also very flexible, so they can easily bend around obstacles to avoid them.

Another great advantage of using these systems is their ease of installation. These pipes can be installed 30-70% faster than traditional black iron pipes. Additionally, they are pre-marked by the foot for easier measuring and installation.

Many of these systems also come with a multiport manifold that makes adding more rooms or gas appliances to your building accessible. Lastly, they are safer to operate than black iron pipes because they have fewer connections behind the walls.

Aluminum-plastic Composite Pipe (APCP)

The aluminum-plastic composite pipe (APCP) is a new type of gas piping with many benefits. It is made from polyethylene and a welded aluminum alloy, which gives it the strength of metal but is more accessible to bend and retains its shape. This makes it much more convenient to install in the wall or underground. It is also lighter than other types of pipes, which reduces the amount of work that needs to be done during installation.

This piping is safe for natural gas because it has excellent corrosion resistance and can handle high temperatures. It is also a good choice for natural gas transmission because it can be used in all regions and weather conditions. However, it is essential to note that some areas may have different regulations regarding the type of piping material that can be used.

APCP is an excellent choice for 2 PSIG systems because it allows us to use smaller piping and increase the pressure from the meter to each house. This helps save money and reduce the number of gas leaks, which can put you and your family at risk. This piping is also corrosion-resistant and can be joined using heat fusion technology without requiring manual interventions, which increases safety. It is also easy to use and maintain.

HDPE Pipe

The most common type of pipe used in natural gas plumbing is high-density polyethylene. This plastic is highly durable and can hold a lot of pressure. It is easy to install and relatively cheap. Compared to metal pipes, HDPE pipes are more corrosion-resistant and can last 50 to 100 years.

HDPE pipes are flexible and can handle a wide range of temperatures. They are also resistant to chemical exposure and impact, making them an excellent choice for various applications. For example, they transport wastewater, slurry, chemical substances, and toxic waste. They’re also well-suited for seismic activity and ground movement because of their flexibility.

Another benefit of HDPE pipes is that they can withstand corrosion from H2S. This is important because it prevents harmful toxins from leaching into the environment. Additionally, HDPE pipes are made from non-toxic materials and are safe to recycle.

Other components of natural gas piping systems include valves, regulators, and meters. Valves control gas flow through the pipeline, while regulators and meters monitor the pressure and amount of gas consumed. This information is then transmitted to the customer’s utility company for billing purposes.