Gas Pipeline corrosion problems
Natural gas represents 31% of the total primary energy consumption for the U.S., according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Despite its necessity for heating buildings and generating electricity, natural gas pipelines are susceptible to corrosion, which may result in serious accidents. For this reason, it is vital for natural gas providers to do all that they can to fight rust and decay on their pipelines to avoid property damage, severe injury, or worse.
When properly maintained and monitored, pipelines perform a vital role in transporting natural gas across the country for energy providers. As these pipelines are buried, the general public is typically not aware of their presence, until situations similar to the recent North Texas Gas Explosions that have taken place.
In many cases, corrosion is responsible for leakages and accidents for natural gas pipelines. One of the major contributing factors to external corrosion of underground pipelines is inadequate coating. Internal corrosion may occur when water and contaminants in the gas erode the pipe wall.
The first step toward eliminating further explosions is to be proactive about corrosion testing and pipeline maintenance. Fighting corrosion before it becomes a serious problem is key to reducing the risk of tragic gas explosions from recurring.
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There have been nine homes that have exploded in the Dallas area since 2006. In 2019 The National Transportation Safety Board issued a preliminary report that found Atmos was aware of leaks in Dallas neighborhoods for nearly two months prior to a series of explosions. NTSB investigators found a crack around a two-inch line behind the homes. The pipe failed pressure tests. Over the course of three days, Atmos Energy’s corroded, leaking natural gas pipes caused three homes to explode.
In several natural gas explosions, victims have stated that they did not smell the natural gas. Experts call the phenomenon "Odor Fade". Natural gas has no smell when it comes out of the ground. Companies like Atmos add a chemical to the gas giving it a smell like rotten eggs. But studies have found that, over time, as leaking natural gas travels through the soil, the smell can fade.
Having your gas pipelines inspected regularly is one of the best preventative measures you can take to avoid natural gas leaks and explosions.
Plano, Texas on July 19, 2021: A neighbor stated that Atmos was working in the neighborhood before the explosion happened. Another neighbor showed WFAA News Team an Atmos customer notice that was left at their home on Monday before the explosion.
Miller Weisbrod Olesky's Gas Explosion Attorneys have successfully prosecuted multiple cases against Atmos arising from explosions due to aging pipes, broken pipes and inadequate policies relating to replacement of natural gas pipe components, and failing to warn and evacuate nearby residents.Attorney, Clay Miller obtained a $12,500,000 settlement in a gas explosion resulting in serious burn injuries to our client.
Dallas man injured in 2011 home gas explosion:
When Domingo Mendez's converted garage apartment in South Oak Cliff exploded in 2011, all of his thoughts turned to getting his then 5-year-old son out of the collapsed structure.
If you, or someone you know, have suffered an injury in a natural gas explosion, please contact us at 214.987.0005 or toll free at 888.987.0005 for a free consultation.