L51278 Mutual Design Considerations for Overhead AC Transmission Lines and Gas Transmission Pipelines

This project was a joint effort by the Pipeline Research Committee of the PRCI and EPRI to develop analytical techniques for determining the induced potential on pipelines that parallel electric transmission lines. This is an area of interest to both electrical system and pipeline operators. The purpose of this project was to develop analytical methods for the prediction and mitigation of voltages induced on natural gas pipelines by nearby AC transmission lines. Analyses of AC corrosion effects, personnel safety, and pipeline component reliability were performed.

The study consisted of the following steps: – Consolidate known data concerning mutual effects arising from power lines and pipelines sharing a common right-of-way; – Develop a unified and systematic method for predicting electromagnetically induced voltages and currents on pipelines; and – Investigate mitigation techniques to minimize interference effects upon pipeline and component reliability and personnel safety. New techniques for interference prediction and mitigation were developed. Volume 1 details the engineering analysis and Volume 2 presents prediction and mitigation procedures.