Sectionalizing valve location on an onshore buried gas pipeline

In onshore buried natural gas pipelines, sectionalizing valves are used to divide the pipeline into smaller segments that can be isolated in an emergency case or when needed to allow for operation, inspection and maintenance activities. When appropriately located on the pipeline and properly maintained and operated, sectionalizing valves can reduce the volume of product released in the event of a buried gas pipeline failure or rupture. These valves are an important element of the reliable and safe operation of the pipeline system. When determining the placement of such valves, primary consideration must be given to the location mode (i.e., aboveground or underground) to provide continuous ac