Installation of services
- 1. Installation of Services Service/service line: connects the customer’s piping to the gas distribution main Stub: portion of the service from the main in the street to the property line.
- 2. Installation of Services Common operating pressure for services is 60 PSIG or less. Common service materials: Plastic (PE) ½” & 1” Steel ¾” & 11/4” Copper ½” (not used currently)
- 3. Installation of Services Components of typical gas service: Service (tapping) tee Plastic (PE) or steel service material Riser Riser valve (meter stop) Meter set support Meter set
- 4. Installation of Services Components of Meter Set Riser valve Regulator Meter bar Meter swivels/connections Gas meter Customer piping connection
- 5. Installation of Services Components of Meter Set Riser valve – provides a means to turn on or shut off gas to the customer. Usually the top portion of the valve contains an insulator which isolates all the underground facilities from the customer piping system.
- 6. Installation of Services Components of Meter Set Regulator– reduces distribution pressure, usually 60 PSIG, to the proper delivery pressure, usually 7” W.C. Function of regulator is to reduce pressure and maintain constant downstream pressure under various load conditions.
- 7. Installation of Services Common Customer Delivery Pressures 7” W.C. (1/4 PSIG) 14” W.C. (1/2 PSIG) >used by WPS only *2 PSIG (56” W.C.) *5 PSIG Commercial Customer *Requires additional regulator installed on customer piping system to reduce pressure to safe level.
- 8. Installation of Services Components of Meter Set Meter Bar – provide means to connect and support various sizes of gas meters
- 9. Installation of Services Components of Meter Set Meter Swivels/Connectors – provides connections for various sizes of gas meters. Can also provide a means of electrical insulator at meter set. Must use a rubber meter gasket to provide a leak tight meter connection.
- 10. Installation of Services Components of Meter Set Gas Meter – meter is cash register for company to accurately measure the amount of gas used during the monthly billing cycling. The meter measures in cubic feet which is converted to therms for billing purposes. Meter is sized by the CFH.
- 11. Installation of Services Components of Meter Set Customer Piping Connection – outlet of meter set is usually designed for 1” black pipe connection for residential customers. Outlet can be adapted for copper tubing and corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST).
- 12. Installation of Services Components of Meter Set Customer Valve– some utilities install an additional shut off valve on the outlet of the meter set. This provides a means of shutting off the gas to the customer without closing the utility owned riser valve. Operating the riser valve is an OQ covered task and you must be qualified.
- 13. Installation of Services Meter Set Locations: Outside at building wall – preferred Inside building - usually in basement regulator inside but vented outside curb valve installed near property line
- 14. Installation of Services Long Side Service: Gas service that extends from a main located on the opposite side of the road from the affected building/requires road bore Short Side Service: Gas service that extends from a main located on the same side of the road as the affected building
- 15. Installation of Services Planning Route – Location & type of main, location of meter set at customer building Locates –What other utilities are in your path & where are they located Specifications – Company codes & standards
- 16. Installation of Services Planning Determine customer load Load in btu/hr converted to cfh Determines meter size Determines regulator size Determines size of service line
- 17. Installation of Services Proper Installation Service tee connection to main Location & depth of service line Meter/meter set location Installation must comply with company standards & codes
- 18. Installation of Services Methods for Installing Service Pipe Backhoeing Trenching Plowing Boring Insertion into old service pipe
- 19. Installation of Services Attachment Methods to the Main Plastic (saddle heat fusion or electrofusion) Steel (fillet weld) Cast Iron (mechanical connections) PVC & Fiberglass (mechanical connections)
- 20. Installation of Services Consideration of Delivery Pressures Low pressure - < 1 psig Medium pressure - 1–60 psig High pressure - > 60 psig (requires additional regulator(s) to lower the delivery pressure) commonly called a “ farm tap”
- 21. Installation of Services Joint Trenches Gas service line in the same trench with: Electric Water Telephone Cable TV
- 22. Installation of Services Installation Steps Excavation Install service from main to meter set Pressure test Tap out service tee (hot tap) Purge air out at riser valve Connect tracer wire Complete service record & mapping Backfill & restoration
- 23. Installation of Services Excess Flow Valves (EFV) A mechanical device installed at the service tee that closes when flow in a service line exceeds the design limits of the EFV. Excess gas flow can be caused by a break in the service line from ground movement, natural disasters or third party damage.
- 24. Installation of Services Excess Flow Valves (EFV) Protected service lines will have a tag attached to the gas meter assembly between the riser valve and the regulator to identify an EFV is installed on the service line
- 25. Installation of Services Excess Flow Valves (EFV) Designed to allow a small amount of gas to bleed by after the valve(EFV) has tripped. If the EFV is tripped during purging, close the riser valve and wait 5 to 10 minutes for the service line to repack. Pressures will equalize on both sides of the valve and reset it.