HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-11-095 - Excess Flow Valves1
Staff Re ort
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Krr~.~-~~,i~iER ~nfrastru~ture Servrces Department www.kitthenerta
REPORT TO: Community & Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: November 28, 2011
SUBMITTED BY: Pauline Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services, 741-
2646
PREPARED BY: Sylvie Eastman, Utilities Engineer, 741-2600X4178 ~
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: November 18, 2011
REPORT NO.: INS-11-095
SUBJECT: Excess Flow Valves for Residential Gas Services
RECOMMENDATION:
That UMAC Incorporated be approved as a sole source supplier of Excess Flow Valves (EFVs),
for the duration of a pilot project between December 2011 and March 2013.
BACKGROUND:
EFVs stop the flow of gas in the event that a break in the gas line downstream results in an
excess flow condition. Examples may include blowing gas resulting from damage to the gas
service by an excavator, directional drilling or post hole digging, settling or erosion, or damage
to the meter set by vehicle impact or vandalism. EFVs reset automatically after repairs are
made, once pressure within the gas line builds back to normal operating levels.
On August 31, 2011, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) issued regulations
requiring natural gas distributors to mitigate risks associated with potential penetration of sewer
lines by a natural gas pipeline. Installing EFVs on new gas services is one of the actions
proposed to address these sewer cross bores.
Link-Line Contractors Ltd installs most gas services in Kitchener. The current Gas Pipeline
Construction Contract (T11-036) ends on March 15, 2012 and has two renewal options of one
additional construction season each, ending on March 15, 2013 and March 15, 2014.
REPORT:
Kitchener Utilities has not previously used EFVs and therefore several issues need to be
resolved during this pilot project, including: developing procedures for installing and testing
EFVs, selecting appropriate EFVs (including evaluating various manufacturers and models},
and updating the Gas Pipeline Construction Contract to include EFVs as part of gas service
installation.
Many procedures must be developed or modified. Kitchener Utilities will require support from
the EFV manufacturerto ensure that procedures are technically sound, appropriate forthe
equipment used and site conditions, and consistent with the gas industry as a whole.
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Staff Re ort
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Krr~.~-~~,i~iER ~nfrastru~ture Servrces Department www.kitthenerta
Enbridge conducted independent testing on EFVs manufactured by several companies and
selected UMAC based on numerous factors including company experience, plant quality control
and independent testing results. It is recommended that UMAC be approved as a sole source
supplier for Kitchener Utilities during the pilot period, based on level of experience, availability of
EFVs suitable for residential and commercial applications, and approval by both Enbridge and
Union Gas. After procedures have been developed and further research has been conducted
into the various EFV manufacturers, specifications can be developed for competitive tender.
Installation and testing procedures, type of EFV, and scope of work for EFV installation on new
services are closely related. These factors must be discussed and the contract for Gas Pipeline
Construction (T11-036) modified as appropriate. Therefore, the pilot project is proposed to
extend for one contract season, consistent with the contract.
References:
• Communication with Steve Misketis (Manager of Laboratory Services for Enbridge),
• Communication with AI Jones (Pipeline Engineering for Union Gas), and
• Product literature from UMAC, Lyall, Perfection, Dresser, and Mueller.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
EFVs are widely accepted in the natural gas industry as an effective safety device. Using EFVs
as part of an action plan to address the TSSA regulation on sewer cross bores relates to the
Foundation Plan -Efficient and Effective Government -Public Sector Leadership goal to
"Anticipate and be responsive to legislative changes and external pressures."
UMAC is widely accepted as an industry leader in the manufacture of EFVs. Using their
expertise during a pilot project will ensure development of procedures and specifications that
represent best practices. This relates to the Foundation Plan -Efficient and Effective
Government- Financial Management goal to "Ensure the effective and responsible stewardship
of public funds within a supportive policy framework."
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Pricing for UMAC EFVs ranges from $16.50 to $17.50 each for residential gas services,
depending on the model, and $18.00 each for typical larger commercial or institutional services.
Assuming approximately 1500 new residential services and 50 larger commercial or institutional
per year, the total cost to purchase EFVs during the pilot project is estimated to be $25,650 to
$27,150.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Not applicable.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Pauline Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services Department
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