Pipeline operators must now use modern ultrasonic tests for steel plates
What happened
The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has updated its rules for pipeline safety. It now requires pipeline operators to use a newer industry standard for testing steel plates with ultrasound.
Why it matters
This means pipeline operators can no longer rely on older, less precise methods to check for flaws in the steel used for pipelines. The new standard, ASTM A578/A578M, uses straight-beam ultrasonic examination, which is better at finding internal defects. This change should lead to more reliable pipelines and fewer failures.
The signal
Watch for any reported pipeline failures in the next few years and whether they are linked to material defects that the old testing standard might have missed.