JLSeagull et al,
pipelines regulated by PHMSA 192 are required to have pipeline markers identifying pipeline installations.
from:
§ 192.707 Line markers for mains and transmission lines.
(a) Buried pipelines. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a line marker must be placed and maintained as close as practical over each buried main and transmission line:
(1) At each crossing of a public road and railroad; and
(2) Wherever necessary to identify the location of the transmission line or main to reduce the possibility of damage or interference.
(b) Exceptions for buried pipelines. Line markers are not required for the following pipelines:
(1) Mains and transmission lines located offshore, or at crossings of or under waterways and other bodies of water.
(2) Mains in Class 3 or Class 4 locations where a damage prevention program is in effect under §192.614.
(3) Transmission lines in Class 3 or 4 locations until March 20, 1996.
(4) Transmission lines in Class 3 or 4 locations where placement of a line marker is impractical.
(c) Pipelines aboveground. Line markers must be placed and maintained along each section of a main and transmission line that is located aboveground in an area accessible to the public.
(d) Marker warning. The following must be written legibly on a background of sharply contrasting color on each line marker:
(1) The word “Warning,” “Caution,” or “Danger” followed by the words “Gas (or name of gas transported) Pipeline” all of which, except for markers in heavily developed urban areas, must be in letters at least 1 inch (25 millimeters) high with1/4inch (6.4 millimeters) stroke.
(2) The name of the operator and the telephone number (including area code) where the operator can be reached at all times.
while the requirement is "vauge" insofar as distance between markers, the operating company will need to exercise "due judgement". for example, a pipeline across the desert SW USA (Class 1 location) with no dwellings or nearby roads will likely not have any pipeline markers. however, the ROW "may" be cleared and maintained allowing good visual observation. in class 2, 3, or 4 locations, pipeline markers are placed per the regulations; however, "some" operating companies place more pipeline markers so as to be visually observable from other p/l markers.
MJC,
i do not believe that p/l operators install 5d bends in pipe that large. they "may" have done so back when the pipeline was installed, but not these days (3D or smaller for pipe that size) simply because of the pigging requirements/operations.
believe me, the PHMSA/PGT investigators will investigate the cause, conduct further research, and institute more regulations . . .
yes, when HP pipeline rupture, it creates one heckuva roman candle, but there is ample energy sitting in the fuel tank of the vehicle you drive too.
hope this helps.
-pmover