Operators shall comply or ensure compliance with the following requirements for the installation and construction of new pipeline metallic systems, the relocation or replacement of existing facilities, and the operation and maintenance of steel pipelines.
(1) Coatings. All coated pipe used for the transport of hazardous liquids or carbon dioxide shall be electrically inspected prior to placement using coating deficiency (holiday) detectors to check for any faults not observable by visual examination. The holiday detector shall be operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and at a voltage level appropriate for the electrical characteristics of the pipeline system being tested.
(2) Installation. Joints, fittings, and tie-ins shall be coated with materials compatible with the coatings on the pipe.
(3) Cathodic protection test stations. Electrical measurements shall include but are not limited to pipe casing installations and all foreign metallic cathodically protected structures. Readings taken at test stations (electrode locations) over or near one or more anodes shall not, by themselves, be considered representative.
(4) Monitoring and inspection. Each operator shall utilize right-of-way inspections to determine areas where interfering currents are suspected. In the course of these inspections, personnel shall be alert for electrical or physical conditions which could indicate interference from a neighboring source. Whenever suspected areas are identified, the operator shall conduct appropriate electrical tests within six months to determine the extent of interference and take appropriate action.
(5) Remedial action. Each operator shall take prompt remedial action to correct any deficiencies observed during monitoring.
Source Note: The provisions of this §8.305 adopted to be effective November 24, 2004, 29 TexReg 10733; amended to be effective February 4, 2009, 34 TexReg 582