[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 3]
[Revised as of October1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR192.179]

[Page 45]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
 CHAPTER I--RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                       TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED)
 
PART 192--TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL AND OTHER GAS BY PIPELINE: MINIMUM FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
                Subpart D--Design of Pipeline Components
 
Sec. 192.179  Transmission line valves.

    (a) Each transmission line, other than offshore segments, must have 
sectionalizing block valves spaced as follows, unless in a particular 
case the Administrator finds that alternative spacing would provide an 
equivalent level of safety:
    (1) Each point on the pipeline in a Class 4 location must be within 
2\1/2\ miles (4 kilometers)of a valve.
    (2) Each point on the pipeline in a Class 3 location must be within 
4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of a valve.
    (3) Each point on the pipeline in a Class 2 location must be within 
7\1/2\ miles (12 kilometers) of a valve.
    (4) Each point on the pipeline in a Class 1 location must be within 
10 miles (16 kilometers) of a valve.
    (b) Each sectionalizing block valve on a transmission line, other 
than offshore segments, must comply with the following:
    (1) The valve and the operating device to open or close the valve 
must be readily accessible and protected from tampering and damage.
    (2) The valve must be supported to prevent settling of the valve or 
movement of the pipe to which it is attached.
    (c) Each section of a transmission line, other than offshore 
segments, between main line valves must have a blowdown valve with 
enough capacity to allow the transmission line to be blown down as 
rapidly as practicable. Each blowdown discharge must be located so the 
gas can be blown to the atmosphere without hazard and, if the 
transmission line is adjacent to an overhead electric line, so that the 
gas is directed away from the electrical conductors.
    (d) Offshore segments of transmission lines must be equipped with 
valves or other components to shut off the flow of gas to an offshore 
platform in an emergency.

[35 FR 13257, Aug. 19, 1970, as amended by Amdt. 192-27, 41 FR 34606, 
Aug. 16, 1976; Amdt. 192-78, 61 FR 28784, June 6, 1996; Amdt. 192-85, 63 
FR 37503, July 13, 1998]