Living Near Gas Pipelines In Thailand: Is It A 'low' Risk?

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SPECIAL

Is it a 'low' risk?

Thanapat Kitjakosol

The Nation

Residents living near gas pipelines fear harm from leaks and explosions because of old pipes, lack of details

BANGKOK: -- Residents with homes near gas pipelines in Bangkok and other regions say they live in fear of gas leaks, explosions and other fatal accidents following a series of incidents recently. They claim gas leaks are happening more often and that pipelines, some of them laid 32 years ago, were not installed in accordance with international safety standards.

An offshore natural gas pipeline in the Gulf of Thailand leaked on June 25 last year off the coast of southern Surat Thani province, causing the loss of 600 million cubic feet of gas per day.

Meanwhile, a gas pipeline at Rojana Industrial Park in Uthai district in Ayutthaya leaked in August, prompting the evacuation of people in the vicinity. The leak was caused by a water pipe collapsing on to the gas pipeline's foundation following heavy rain. There were no sparks and no casualties reported.

The incidents have caused alarm among residents living near gas pipelines that total 4,056 km in length and pass parts of Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri and Sa Kaeo.

Three major gas pipelines were installed by PTT from the Gulf of Thailand parallel to highways 36, 7 and 3138. The pipelines branch off to different roads to industrial estates, factories and power plants.

One major pipeline runs along highway number 7 and 34 to distribute gas to Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya and Sara Buri.

Another runs in parallel to Sukhumvit, Theparak roads to reach Bang Pu industrial estate and around Suvarnabhumi airport.

And a big gas pipeline is under construction along highways 331, 304 and 33 (Rayong-Kaengkoi).

Sarayuth Sonraksa, from the Council of the Bang Pakong River Basin, said they would give out information provided by the Interior Ministry on gas pipeline risk zones so people are aware of the danger and don't build or carry out activities that might damage the pipelines.

"Some communities don't know there are gas pipelines that run underground in front of their houses."

He said the National Association of State Fire Marshals recommend a residential safety area be 1.6km to 2 km from gas pipelines and pipes should be laid 3.5m underground. A safety valve to prevent leakage should be installed every 3km outside community areas and every 1km in community areas. Gas pipeline signs should be put up at regular distances.

Sarayuth said the PTT laid its pipelines only 1.5 metres deep underground and installed safety valves too far apart, at 8km in community areas. This was not in accordance with international safety standards.

"I am not sure if the PTT wanted to save costs but it is really unsafe for people who live near the pipelines. This should be corrected to prevent tragedies."

He said it was difficult to access information on routes planned for the laying of gas pipelines. "When agencies are reluctant to provide this information, I feel the company is concealing safety information from the public."

Udom Wongsri, a trader whose shop is on the gas pipeline from Rayong to Kaengkoi, said many people were not asked or informed about pipelines before they were constructed. And it was too difficult to fight a project once construction had started. "I can only hope they maintain the pipelines so that there is no accident," she said.

Kesorn Sawadikul, an Ayutthaya resident, said communities must have full disclosure of information of all gas pipeline routes for the sake of public safety.

Nikom Malaisri, Wangnoi Subdistrict Administrative Organisation chief administrator, said concerned agencies failed to live up to their promises. "Having gas pipelines benefits the majority of Thais, but people who are adversely affected should be given fair compensation," he said.

PTT public relations manager Piyasak Tonyongmassakul defended the company's safety standards on installation of gas pipelines, saying the company had received an international fourth place-award in terms of gas pipeline installation safety.

The major control centre in Chon Buri had four officials working around the clock to monitor leakage. The company took 12 hours to fix a pipeline leak in 2005 in Rangsit, caused by a puncture of a foundation pillar, and five hours to fix a leak in Ayutthaya.

PTT had followed the US' safety standards, which have safety valves every 8km in a community area, 16km in medium congested areas and 32km in forests or rice fields. Inspections of internal pipelines were carried out every five years. All pipelines were found to be in good condition. Gas pipes have a working life of 40 years and the company may continue to use the first pipeline laid 32 years ago if it passes tests after 40 years of use.

He said the cost of having one station and one safety block valve had reached Bt30 million. Having fewer block valves not only cut costs but gas could be distributed faster. "Having a safety block valve at every 3km in sub-pipelines would increase costs but if there is a public concern on safety issues, it may be necessary," Piyasak said.

He said explosions which had happened abroad were a either a combination of a large leak and/or fire ignition. He said PTT had never experienced a gas explosion and once a fire gushed 4 metres in the air after a leak near a neon light with electricity sparks in Sara Buri's Nong Kae District. But there were no casualties because officials rushed to the scene and fixed the problem quickly.

He said the company installed the pipe 1.5m underground instead of 3.5m because it believed risks of explosion were not high. "In Egypt for instance, RPG rockets were fired at the pipelines. If this was the case in Thailand, block valves would be activated and gas leaks would stop," he said.

Most gas explosions in Thailand happened at gas service stations and not on pipelines.

A leak on an offshore natural gas pipeline last year was caused by a ship's anchor tangling a pipeline. When the anchor was pulled up, the pipeline broke. PTT is also working how to prevent a similar incident to the one that took place at Rojana Industrial Park.

He said PTT has third-party insurance with Bt1.5 billion coverage in case of disasters, accidents or explosions.

At a glance

Pipeline disasters over the past 20 years

Nigeria

_ A petroleum pipeline exploded in 1998, killing about 1,200 villagers, some of whom were scavenging for gasoline - the worst of several similar incidents in this country.

_ A gas explosion occurred in ljegun in 2008 after a bulldozer struck an oil pipeline. The Nigerian Red Cross claims at least 100 people died.

_ A vandalised oil pipeline exploded in Lagos. Up to 500 people were thought to have been killed in 2006.

_ Another pipeline explosion near the town of Jesse killed about 250 villagers in 2000.

_ At least 100 villagers died when a ruptured pipeline exploded in Warri in 2000.

_ A leaking pipeline caught fire near the fishing village of Ebute near Lagos, killing at least 60 people in 2000.

Russia

_ Sparks from two passing trains detonated gas that was leaking from an LPG pipeline near Ufa. Workers at the pipeline noticed a pressure drop in the line, but they increased pressure instead of searching for any leak. Trees up to 4 kilometers away were felled by the blast, which also derailed two locomotives and 38 passenger cars on the trains. Up to 645 people were reported killed in the June 4, 1989, incident.

The United States

_ Since 2001, natural gas pipeline explosions and other accidents have resulted in the loss of at least 45 lives and many more serious injuries, usually from burns. There may be additional accidents, deaths and injuries that are not known.

Kenya

_ A Nairobi pipeline fire killed approximately 100 people and hospitalised 120 in 2011.

Mexico

_ An explosion at a Petroleos Mexicanos oil pipeline in central Mexico on December 19, 2010, killed at least 27 people and injured more than 50. The explosion is believed to have been caused by attempts to puncture the pipe to steal oil.

Belgium

_ A major natural gas pipeline exploded in Ghislenghien, Belgium, killing 24 people and leaving 122 wounded, some critically, on July 30, 2004.

Source: Wikipedia

-- The Nation 2012-10-08

[asiawatcher]

I would be highly suspect of pipes laid 32 years ago. Back then I bet QA was not high on the agenda of the construction teams and as pointed out, costs saved by having valves ever 8kms kinda proves PTT were not too concerned about International Standards, ditto for only taking the pipes to 1.5M, 2M short of the correct level. But living near or on one of these would be a bit of a concern. The solution? Re-dig the entire pipe system underground? Never going to happen, but they could pass an edict for any future work to comply.

[Soutpeel]

saved by having valves ever 8kms kinda proves PTT were not too concerned about International Standards, ditto for only taking the pipes to 1.5M, 2M short of the correct level. But living near or on one of these would be a bit of a concern. The solution? Re-dig the entire pipe system underground? Never going to happen, but they could pass an edict for any future work to comply.

What does it prove with reference to the international standards you are quoting ?....further which international standards are you referring to ?

There is a mulitude of factors that have to be taken into consideration as regards block valve spacing on transmission lines, such a current and projected population densities etc etc. there is no "one" number which fits all scenarios.

The 8 km quoted, is not far off a minimum spacing indicated by ASME B31.4 (which is one international standard) which is 6.4km.

When the pipelines where constructed 30 odd years ago, population densities along the routes where lower, when they designed the pipelines projections were obviously made for increases in population densities over the years etc.

If I remember the federal US rules correctly , there are 4 class's related to specing of block valves in transmission lines and think the minimum separation in the US for a Class 4 location ie highest population density is something like 3 miles apart and a class 1 location, minimum population density is 10 miles apart.

In conclusion, it appears on face value PTT were concerned about international standards and did follow them, based on the criteria at that time.

And before somebody else jumps in, I do not profess to be an expert on design of transmission lines, but have had quite a lot of dealings with them over the years in many locations world wide, and have picked up a quite a bit as regards the design, operation and maintenance of such lines over the years

[dcutman]

He said the company installed the pipe 1.5m underground instead of 3.5m because it believed risks of explosion were not high

This is Thai mentality. The company believes risks are not high for explosion. But why take the chance? Because it is much cheaper at 1.5 meter.

30 million for a safety valve, OK..... IT is a gas pipeline, it has the potential to kill many people.

It is hard to believe this company will talk publicly about how they cut corners to save money, on something that should be done correct at any cost.

Way to go PTT for the 4th place finish on gas pipeline safety. I am sure that makes everybody feel much more safe.

[jcw]

Is this the big black pipe they are laying in Chonburi, Rayong and Prachinburi?

[kwonitoy]

Any pipeline in the world laid 32 years ago doesn't meet today's safety standard's just as high rise building built that long ago don't meet todays's standards.

Construction techniques improve over time in any industry.

Industry standard for depth then and today worldwide is 1.5 m of cover, never worked on a line anywhere that had 3.5m of cover. Again some "official" pulling numbers out of thin air

Safety on old lines is checked by running "smart pigs" to check line integrity and replaceing/upgrading sections that need it.

PTT standards are up to first world standards. I've worked on several pipelines here for them and they are better than anything you'll find in Africa or China. There only drawback is there tendancy to lay pipelines parrallel to roads, saves them money and hassle trying to secure ROW through private property.

If you drive from Bangkok to Pattaya you're not very far from high pressure pipelines the whole trip.

[Soutpeel]

Industry standard for depth then and today worldwide is 1.5 m of cover, never worked on a line anywhere that had 3.5m of cover. Again some "official" pulling numbers out of thin air

You cant be correct, a resident TV expert has said this is Thai mentality not international standard..

They cut all the corners on construction, there are no international standards applied....TV finest have spoken

This is Thai mentality. The company believes risks are not high for explosion. But why take the chance? Because it is much cheaper at 1.5 meter.

Edited October 8, 2012 by Soutpeel

[Soutpeel]

Is this the big black pipe they are laying in Chonburi, Rayong and Prachinburi?

It will be a big black pipe.. ....a pipeline usually consists of a long cylindrical object with a hole down the middle...

[smedly]

I smell gas

Is it just me or can anybody imagine the government official lighting the match while looking for the leak

[jerrysteve]

It couldn't be any more dangerous than trying to cross a crosswalk here, but if there are some Thais trying to cross at the same time, I always use them as a buffer.

If someone is going to get hit, it will be them first.

Edited October 8, 2012 by jerrysteve

[Keesters]

Living Near Gas Pipelines In Thailand: Is It A 'low' Risk?

No, it is, IMO, high risk. Safety is the last concern of officials, contractors etc here. Money comes first....safety last.

[cup-O-coffee]

And to the Nation, I am compelled to inquire what brought on this article? There have been no events involving what you describe. Has anyone approached you on this matter, or are you simply being an alarmist or trouble maker and stirring the pot by digging up things to spread the knowledge of impending crisis in this country?

Not that I disagree, but realistically there already seem to be more than enough forks in the fire to keep all resources and manpower busy into the next millennium. That a lot of these problems could be resolved simply by paying foreign companies to come in and fix them is a moot point. That the Thais will refuse to allow this to happen is also a moot point, and instead bungle their own solutions until the legitimate concerns and problems are ten times greater in proportion at present.

So, why dig up something additional to the already over obsessed weather problems and flooding, and such? I am curious.

[BobTH]

I believe Mr. Soutpeel is pretty much correct in his thread. I am a retired senior corrosion subject matter specialist with the largest natural gas pipeline company in North America. I have worked on large diameter pipelines that were installed in the late 1940's that are still in excellent condition. Like PTT we used the smart pigs or magnetic flux inspection tools to inspect these lines; actually most of them have had several inspection tool runs; meaning four or five runs on them spaced around five years apart. What we found was that the majority of the defects were caused during installation, we went in and repaired the findings on the first log and most of the inspection digs were in wet shitty places where the installation crews didn't want to be working either and so they did a poor coating job. We almost never inspected any areas that were high and dry. The second run always had practically no defects, maybe only 10% the number of the first log. On the third runs sometimes we couldn't even find something to inspect. I used to read and interpit the logs and it was something I really enjoyed.

Most of the lines that I worked on were from 24" to 42" diameter and were usually a minimum of 30" deep, I don't think I have ever seen a line laid 3 meters deep except maybe a boar under a railroad or interstate highway. Most pipeline accidents in the USA are caused by third party damage, being hit by backhoes or trenching machines, that is why it is so important for good signage and public awareness programs.

Comment on valve spacing yes, in the USA it depents on population density and also on gatherings like how many people might congregate in an area at certain times, like churches or schools. But I aways thought, does it really matter if there is 3 miles or 10 between valves, if there is an accident probably a half mile of gas would kill you just as dead at 3 or 10 miles of gas.

From what I have read about PTT they are a good and relatively safety minded company and they have a pretty good track record. Pipelines want to protect there assets also; and what they do not want is a lot of bad press from failures or harm to the general public.

My expertise is more in pipeline inspection, corrosion evaluation and cathodic protection than constrution, but these notes are just my personal finding having worked 39 years in the corrosion and pipeline fields.

[Soutpeel]

Living Near Gas Pipelines In Thailand: Is It A 'low' Risk?

No, it is, IMO, high risk. Safety is the last concern of officials, contractors etc here. Money comes first....safety last.

This comment is based on your many years of experience in Thailands O&G industry ?.....or are you just pulling this out your bottom ?

[Soutpeel]

Not that I disagree, but realistically there already seem to be more than enough forks in the fire to keep all resources and manpower busy into the next millennium. That a lot of these problems could be resolved simply by paying foreign companies to come in and fix them is a moot point. That the Thais will refuse to allow this to happen is also a moot point, and instead bungle their own solutions until the legitimate concerns and problems are ten times greater in proportion at present.

Who do you think is doing these transmissions lines now in your vast experience of Thailands pipe line construction ?

"kwonitoy" correct me if I wrong but believe NACAP is an international pipe line construction/maintenance company is it not ?...

and who is doing the construction in Thailand...believe it's NACAP if i am not mistaken ?

@ 'cup-O-coffee'....Thats your expert opinion shot to sh*t

[Keesters]

Living Near Gas Pipelines In Thailand: Is It A 'low' Risk?

No, it is, IMO, high risk. Safety is the last concern of officials, contractors etc here. Money comes first....safety last.

This comment is based on your many years of experience in Thailands O&G industry ?.....or are you just pulling this out your bottom ?

I said IMO, to which I'm entitled. Anyone who has lived in Thailand, if only a short period of time, would know that safety is a very low priority here. Haven't you read some local newspapers or are you just blowing out your ar_se? I don't see why Thailand's O&G industry would be any different from any other Thailand industry....it is the Thailand bit that makes the difference.

[jcw]

Is this the big black pipe they are laying in Chonburi, Rayong and Prachinburi?

It will be a big black pipe.. ....a pipeline usually consists of a long cylindrical object with a hole down the middle...

So does a dogs penis

From Rayong, on the inland road to Bangkok in the province of Chonburi and a 2nd pipe up to Prachin, is this what they are talking about?

Edited October 8, 2012 by jcw

[Soutpeel]

Haven't you read some local newspapers or are you just blowing out your ar_se? I don't see why Thailand's O&G industry would be any different from any other Thailand industry....it is the Thailand bit that makes the difference.

not blowing anything out my ar*e..however I am basing my opinions on first hand practical experience, as are some other poster on this thread, not on speculation, heresay and generally just making it up as they go along..

[Soutpeel]

So does a dogs penis

I try not to get that close to a dogs penii, so I dont know..

[Keesters]

Haven't you read some local newspapers or are you just blowing out your ar_se? I don't see why Thailand's O&G industry would be any different from any other Thailand industry....it is the Thailand bit that makes the difference.

not blowing anything out my ar*e..however I am basing my opinions on first hand practical experience, as are some other poster on this thread, not on speculation, heresay and generally just making it up as they go along..

No different from me then. You surely can't be saying Thailand has a good track record when it comes to safety.

Edited October 8, 2012 by Keesters

[Barty]

Living Near Gas Pipelines In Thailand: Is It A 'low' Risk?

No, it is, IMO, high risk. Safety is the last concern of officials, contractors etc here. Money comes first....safety last.

This comment is based on your many years of experience in Thailands O&G industry ?.....or are you just pulling this out your bottom ?

I said IMO, to which I'm entitled. Anyone who has lived in Thailand, if only a short period of time, would know that safety is a very low priority here. Haven't you read some local newspapers or are you just blowing out your ar_se? I don't see why Thailand's O&G industry would be any different from any other Thailand industry....it is the Thailand bit that makes the difference.

I seen a few of these threads about PTT and pipelines in Thailand and I usually ignore them, but in this case I feel I need to step up in PTTs defence. I own a Horizontal Directional Drilling company here in Thailand. More than 90% of my work is for PTT. We install gas pipelines from 4" up to 42" using HDD and have been doing it here in Thailand for nearly 14 years. The safety standards are as good as anywhere else in the world. Large projects have international consultants such as Bechtel overseeing the design and construction. The pipelines here in Thailand are as safe as anywhere else in the western world.

[Keesters]

Woops wrong button deleted

Edited October 8, 2012 by Keesters

[Soutpeel]

I seen a few of these threads about PTT and pipelines in Thailand and I usually ignore them, but in this case I feel I need to step up in PTTs defence. I own a Horizontal Directional Drilling company here in Thailand. More than 90% of my work is for PTT. We install gas pipelines from 4" up to 42" using HDD and have been doing it here in Thailand for nearly 14 years. The safety standards are as good as anywhere else in the world. Large projects have international consultants such as Bechtel overseeing the design and construction. The pipelines here in Thailand are as safe as anywhere else in the western world.

Of course TV's finest experts dont want to hear this you know, Thai's working inaccordance with international standards being as good as anywhere else in the world....

this cant be true, Thai's are only good for picking rice out of a field, what do they know about anything technical and no nothing about safety you must be mistaken in the your comments, you are obviously a troll...

[Keesters]

I said IMO, to which I'm entitled. Anyone who has lived in Thailand, if only a short period of time, would know that safety is a very low priority here. Haven't you read some local newspapers or are you just blowing out your ar_se? I don't see why Thailand's O&G industry would be any different from any other Thailand industry....it is the Thailand bit that makes the difference.

I seen a few of these threads about PTT and pipelines in Thailand and I usually ignore them, but in this case I feel I need to step up in PTTs defence. I own a Horizontal Directional Drilling company here in Thailand. More than 90% of my work is for PTT. We install gas pipelines from 4" up to 42" using HDD and have been doing it here in Thailand for nearly 14 years. The safety standards are as good as anywhere else in the world. Large projects have international consultants such as Bechtel overseeing the design and construction. The pipelines here in Thailand are as safe as anywhere else in the western world.

That's good to know with regard to the pipes you've laid in the last 14 years. But installing them is different from maintaining them. Some of the pipes in question are over 30 years old. Are you guaranteeing those to be in good condition?

[MaxLee]

Safety standards in Thailand suck, and the sniffy factory owners don't give a dam_n about it, that's nothing new…

[Soutpeel]

Haven't you read some local newspapers or are you just blowing out your ar_se? I don't see why Thailand's O&G industry would be any different from any other Thailand industry....it is the Thailand bit that makes the difference.

not blowing anything out my ar*e..however I am basing my opinions on first hand practical experience, as are some other poster on this thread, not on speculation, heresay and generally just making it up as they go along..

No different from me then. You surely can't be saying Thailand has a good track record when it comes to safety.

Seeing as this is the topic under discussion Thailand O&G does have a good safety record in comparision with so called 1st world countries, does that means things dont happen or will not happen of course not, it would be very naive to even suggest that.

Are the pipelines in Thailand built by gangs of Somchai rice farmers, who dont know what they are doing, no standards used, companies dont give a sh*t as some posters are suggesting...no they are not as numerous posters who are actually in the business have pointed out

[Soutpeel]

I said IMO, to which I'm entitled. Anyone who has lived in Thailand, if only a short period of time, would know that safety is a very low priority here. Haven't you read some local newspapers or are you just blowing out your ar_se? I don't see why Thailand's O&G industry would be any different from any other Thailand industry....it is the Thailand bit that makes the difference.

I seen a few of these threads about PTT and pipelines in Thailand and I usually ignore them, but in this case I feel I need to step up in PTTs defence. I own a Horizontal Directional Drilling company here in Thailand. More than 90% of my work is for PTT. We install gas pipelines from 4" up to 42" using HDD and have been doing it here in Thailand for nearly 14 years. The safety standards are as good as anywhere else in the world. Large projects have international consultants such as Bechtel overseeing the design and construction. The pipelines here in Thailand are as safe as anywhere else in the western world.

That's good to know with regard to the pipes you've laid in the last 14 years. But installing them is different from maintaining them. Some of the pipes in question are over 30 years old. Are you guaranteeing those to be in good condition?

Of course he is not guaranteeing that...dont be silly..

Go and read "kwonitoy" post # 6 and this will give you insight in to what is in place as regards in-service inspection and maintence, and before yo say it, go and look at "BobTH" post # 13..and you will see what they are doing here is comparable to what happens in so called 1st world countries...ie Smart pigging, cut and replace etc..

Edited October 8, 2012 by Soutpeel

[Keesters]

Seeing as this is the topic under discussion Thailand O&G does have a good safety record in comparision with so called 1st world countries, does that means things dont happen or will not happen of course not, it would be very naive to even suggest that.

Are the pipelines in Thailand built by gangs of Somchai rice farmers, who dont know what they are doing, no standards used, companies dont give a sh*t as some posters are suggesting...no they are not as numerous posters who are actually in the business have pointed out

I have never said that

pipelines in Thailand built by gangs of Somchai rice farmers

no standards used

companies dont give a sh*t

I have only said that safety is of low priority here.

[Soutpeel]

I have only said that safety is of low priority here.

Never said you did say any of those quotes, commenting generally based on some of the posts that have been made

Is safety a low priority as related to O&G ?, seeing as this is topic...My belief based on over 25 years in game in many countries, Thailand approach to safety in O&G is no better or no worse than that of 1st world countries....could they have a big bang in Thailand...yes of course

if you are talking about a general approach to safety in Thailand i.e. the way people drive on the roads, Mr Somchai no helmet etc etc, then I am not going to disagree with you, from that perspective then yes safety is a low priority is Thailand

Edited October 8, 2012 by Soutpeel

[Keesters]

I said IMO, to which I'm entitled. Anyone who has lived in Thailand, if only a short period of time, would know that safety is a very low priority here. Haven't you read some local newspapers or are you just blowing out your ar_se? I don't see why Thailand's O&G industry would be any different from any other Thailand industry....it is the Thailand bit that makes the difference.

I seen a few of these threads about PTT and pipelines in Thailand and I usually ignore them, but in this case I feel I need to step up in PTTs defence. I own a Horizontal Directional Drilling company here in Thailand. More than 90% of my work is for PTT. We install gas pipelines from 4" up to 42" using HDD and have been doing it here in Thailand for nearly 14 years. The safety standards are as good as anywhere else in the world. Large projects have international consultants such as Bechtel overseeing the design and construction. The pipelines here in Thailand are as safe as anywhere else in the western world.

That's good to know with regard to the pipes you've laid in the last 14 years. But installing them is different from maintaining them. Some of the pipes in question are over 30 years old. Are you guaranteeing those to be in good condition?

Of course he is not guaranteeing that...do be silly..

Go and read "kwonitoy" post # 6 and this will give you insight in to what is in place as regards in-service inspection and maintence, and before yo say it, go and look at "BobTH" post # 13..and you will see what they are doing here is comparable to what happens in so called 1st world countries...ie Smart pigging, cut and replace etc..

You shouldn't answer on behalf of somebody else (Barty). Let them do that.

It is not the what they are doing as to more the how they are doing it. I still hold my opinion that living near these pipes is more high risk than low. Safety standards in Thailand are shocking low.