Propane bobtail pressure test parameters assessed

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) accepted the National Propane Gas Association’s (NPGA) petition request for a rulemaking to extend the bobtail pressure test requalification period from five to 10 years, NPGA announced.

“PHMSA’s action means it has assessed our petition and determined that it merits a rulemaking,” NPGA says in its e-newsletter. “In doing so, the agency stated that it will be considered for inclusion in a future rulemaking, though no date was established as to when this might occur.”

The petition applied to MC-331 cargo tanks in dedicated propane service that are less than 3,500 gallons water capacity and constructed of certain types of steel.

NPGA’s recommendation to PHMSA to extend the requalification period was based on a research project performed by Battelle and funded by the Propane Education & Research Council.

Though it’s still unknown whether the extension will receive final approval, NPGA called the decision to open a rulemaking a step in the right direction.

PHMSA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation.