American Society of Plumbing Engineers

Natural Gas Systems Design

Sizing and Codes
 Natural Gas System Overview

n Fuel Gas Codes

n Gas System Components and Materials
n Gas Distribution Pressures
n Natural Gas Sizing Basics and Examples
n Lessons Learned
 Fuel Gas Codes
Codes Covering Fuel Gases:

n IFGC (International Fuel Gas Code)

n NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1
n IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
n IAPMO Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC)
n NFPA 110 Standard for Emergency and
Standby Power Systems (Natural Gas
Generators)
Natural Gas System Overview

RTU
Piping

Regulator

Meter
 System Components
Rooftop Unit

Water Heater

Gas piping to
appliances
Gas from local utility
company (underground)

Gas meter (Typically

provided by gas company)

Gas Regulator
 Typical Gas Appliances
Rooftop Units

Water Heaters

Kitchen Equipment

Generators
Typical Gas Appliance Piping Connection
Typical Water Heater Installation
Dirt Leg

Source: Georgia
Amendments to
2006 IFGC
Regulators
 Gas Pressure Regulators
n Regulator should be selected for inlet and outlet pressures for the
application.

n Regulator should maintain a reduced outlet pressure at no-flow

condition.

n Capacity of the regulator should be determined by the

manufacturers published flow rates.

n Access is required.

n Regulator should be protected from damage.

n Indoor Regulators should be vented to the outdoors or be

equipped with a leak limiting device.

n Tee fitting upstream as sediment trap and not less than 10 pipe
diameters downstream both to allow for connection of pressure
gauge.
 Gas Pressure
Regulators
How to Order

1. Pipe size and model number

2. Screwed or Flanged connection
3. Mounting position
4. Orifice size and valve angle
5. Inlet pressure (Also Max. and Min.
if available)
6. Outlet pressure setting
7. Capacity required (SCFH)
8. Type of gas (Natural gas, propane,
etc.)
9. Spring part number
Meters
 Fuel Gas Pressure Conversions

Gas Pressure Conversion Chart

n 7 Inches of Water Column (WC) = 1/4 PSI
n 14 Inches WC = 1/2 PSI
n 28 Inches WC = 1 PSI
n 56 Inches WC = 2 PSI
Atlanta Gas Light Commercial Project Data Request Form
COMMERCIAL PROJECT
DATA REQUEST
This information is required to provide
natural gas service for your project.

Project Name: ________________________________________ Land District _____

Project Address: ___ ______________ Land Lot _____

(Street Number(s) & Street Name of Job Site as appears on Permit) (Please list all suites and/or addresses)

City __ _____ Zip Code __ ___

Architect: ____________________________ Phone #: _____________________

Engineer: ____________________________ Phone #: _____________________

Contractor: ___________________________ Phone #: _____________________

Site Contact: __________________________ Phone #: _____________________

Property Owner: _______________________ Phone #: _____________________

Address _______________________
(To mail contracts): _______________________ Contact Name: ________________

E-mail Address

Number of Meters needed: ______ Date Service is needed: ____________

LOADS - BTUs/hour input (If the project requires multiple meters, load must be separated
for each suite/meter & suite identified):

ADDING (BTUs per hour input total for each category that applies)
Space Heating ______________ Clothes Dryers ______________
Water Heating ______________ Standby Generator ______________
Cooking Equipment ______________ Other (specify)________ ________________
TOTAL LOAD _______________

Delivery Pressure (Important!)*: _______ ( 7 W.C. (7 W.C.=1/4 PSIG is normal pressure), 2 PSIG, 5 PSIG, 10 PSIG)
*We can only provide certain standardized delivery pressures. Additional regulator(s) may
need to be provided by the customer to deliver the desired pressure.

PLEASE SEND SCALED SITE PLAN with PREFERRED METER LOCATION MARKED
TO: Lane Woodall, Account Executive
170 Paradise Blvd.
Athens, GA 30607
Your project will be sent to our Engineering Department upon receipt of all requested information.
Allow for a minimum of 45 days for installation.
County inspection on fuel line must be obtained before a meter is set.

Thank you for using Natural Gas on your project.

Phone Number (706) 425-8448, Fax # 706-425-8431
E-mail lwoodall@aglresources.com
PVF
Piping
 Natural Gas Pipe Material

n Black Steel (Schedule 40) ASME B36.10, 10M or ASTM

A53 or ASTM A106
n Polyethylene (PE) ASTM D2513 Pipe shall be marked
Gas. Underground outside building only
n Stainless Steel (CSST) ANSI/AGA LC 1 / CSA 6.26.
n Copper (Not recommended if gas is more than 0.3 Grains
of Hydrogen Sulfide / 100 CF)
n Aluminum ASTM B241 (Alum. Alloy 5456 is Prohibited)

(All piping material selections should meet the local codes approved materials list.)
 Underground Gas Piping Installations

Clearances - Far enough from U.G. structures to avoid contact

and provide protection against damage. U.G. plastic piping
shall be clear of or insulated from heat sources. (U.G. Steam
mains, Htg HW pipes Etc.)
Protection Against Damage - Unstable soil, Foundation Walls,
Heavy vehicles: Provide sufficient depth of cover or a pipe
sleeve.
When gas piping is buried in planting areas, bury piping
sufficiently below cultivating depth.
Warning Tape/Wire - Always put a tracer wire with plastic
piping and bury WARNING BURIED GAS LINE tape in
trench above all gas piping to warn excavators of pipe below.
 Underground Gas Piping Protection

Protect Against Corrosion - Ferrous metal piping that is in

contact with earth should be protected from corrosion by
asphalt coating and wrapping piping below grade.
Protect Against Freezing - If the fuel gas supplier indicates,
hydrates or moisture is high, the gas piping should be
protected from freezing. Freezing of water in drip legs or low
points in the piping can split piping and lead to gas leaks and
possibly explosion or fire.

Wet gas condenses Locate Gas line below frost line or

water to this point in a heated space.
Freezing can
crack pipe If Gas line is subject to freezing
allowing gas to Boom provide heat tracing and insulation.
leak out of pipe
 Gas Pipe Through Foundation Wall Below
Grade Not Allowed in Many Areas!
2006 IFGC: Piping through foundation walls below grade should have a sleeve
with the annular space sealed from the building.
2012 IFGC: Gas piping shall not penetrate building foundation walls at any
point below grade. Gas piping shall enter and exit a building at a point above
grade and the annular space between the pipe and the wall shall be sealed.

Gas Meter/ Void space

Regulator
Sealed sleeve

Expansive or
Foundation Wall Clay Soil
Gas Pipe

Section at Foundation Wall End view U.G. Pipe

Gas Pipe Must Enter Building Above Grade!

Piping walls should have a sleeve sealed from inside

the building.
Sealed sleeve

Gas Meter/
Regulator M

Building Wall

Section at Foundation Wall

 Gas Pipe Inside Buildings

Gas Piping Prohibited Locations:

In or Through:
Ducted Supply, Return or Exhaust
Clothes chutes
Chimney or Gas Vent
Boom
Dumbwaiter or Elevator Shaft
Through any townhouse unit other than
the unit Served by such Piping.
Leaks in concealed
locations can allow
explosive gasses to
accumulate unnoticed
 Gas Pipe Inside Buildings
Gas Piping in Concealed Locations:
Should have a casing or chase for solid walls
No unions, tubing fittings in concealed spaces
No compression couplings
No bushings
Boom
No swing joints made by multiple fittings
Exceptions:
Brazed Tubing
Fittings listed for concealed locations Leaks in concealed
locations can allow
explosive gasses to
accumulate unnoticed
 Fuel Gas Valves

n Valves must be of an approved type

n Valves above 0.5 psi should meet ANSI/ASME B16.33

n Valves below 0.5 psi should meet ANSI Z21.15 (Plug, Ball, Etc.)
or ANSI/ASME B16.33

n Union connection between valve and appliance

n Access should be provided to each valve

n Protect valves from Damage

n Remote valves must be identified, indicating appliances or equipment

that are isolated with valve
 Gas Valve Locations

n Prior to the Gas Meter (Typically by Gas Utility Company)

n Shut off valve locations:
Each building or tenant
n Main building valve after the Gas Meter or Regulator
n A listed shut-off valve should be installed ahead of each
regulator.
n Equipment shut-off valve should be installed upstream of the
union and within 6 feet of gas equipment. (There are exceptions
for vented decorative appliances and gas fireplaces)
n Identification of service should be on each shut-off valve
 Gas Valve Locations Cont.
n Prohibited Locations:

2006 IFGC: Prohibited in concealed locations and furnace plenums

except allowed in room containing electric heating or air handling
equipment when such room is a plenum.

NFPA 54: Gas piping shall be permitted to be installed in accessible

above ceiling spaces, whether or not such spaces are used as plenums.
Valves shall not be located in such spaces.
 Emergency Gas Shut-off Valve
(Earthquake valve)
n Some seismic areas of the country require an Emergency Gas
shut-off valve that automatically closes when there is an
earthquake.
Natural Gas Distribution Pressures

n Three Pressure Classifications

High Pressure (100s PSI to 1,000s)
Medium Pressure (5 PSI to 100s PSI)
Low Pressure (Less Than 5 PSI)

High Pressure gas is in typically only

utilized in utility distribution lines, so
most plumbing engineers will deal with
only Medium or Low Pressure Gas
 Natural Gas High Pressure

n High Pressure - 100 to 1,000s PSI

Transmission mains from pumping stations to
Local utility distribution mains.
Typically High Pressures are utilized over long
distances to reduce pipe sizes.
Pumping Station

PRV Medium press. 60 psi +-

PRV Well
Low press. High press. 900 psi+-
1/2 psi +-
 Natural Gas Medium Pressure

n Medium Pressure
Local Utility Distribution
Large Industrial users.
Typically 5psi to 100s of PSI
Pumping Station
Medium press.
PRV 60 psi +-

PRV
Low press. High press. 900 psi +- Well
1/2 psi +-
 Natural Gas Low Pressure

n Low Pressure
Commonly used inside buildings
Commercial and residential users.
Typically less than 5 PSI (code requirement
indoors with exceptions)
Pumping Station

Meter Medium press. 60 psi +-

& PRV

furnace
PRV
Low press. High press. 900 psi +-
1/2 psi
+/-
 Local Gas Leak

Source: WSBTV
 Determining Gas Loads for Sizing

n Gas pipe sizing is accomplished by converting

the gas input loads for HVAC, domestic water
heating, cooking equipment and process
equipment from BTUH to CFH of gas.
n Gas equipment ratings decrease 4%/1000 ft. of
altitude above 2000 ft.
n A delivery pressure and acceptable pressure drop
are selected and the proper calculation or sizing
chart can be used to size the pipe.
Multipliers for Gases other than .6 Specific Gravity

Convert CFH in Gas pipe sizing tables to CFH for a fuel with a specific gravity other than 0.6

Propane
Nat. Gas

Butane
 British Thermal Unit (BTU)

One pound of water

1 pound of 60 will increase by 1
degree water degree F when 1 BTU
is added.
Example: One pound
1 BTU of 60 degree F water
plus 1 BTU = one
1 pound of 61
pound of 61 degrees F
degree water water.
 Natural Gas Properties
= 950 to 1,150 Btus depending on
1 Cubic Foot of Natural Gas elevation and fuel quality

All fuel have a heating value - the heating value for gas is listed in Btu/Cu. Ft.

The heating value is often rounded to:

Natural Gas = 1,000 Btu/Cu. Ft.
At higher elevations, the heating value of gas drops. Denver uses a
heating value of 850 Btu/Cu. Ft.

Specific Gravity of Nat. Gas = .60 - .65 (Air =1.00)

Natural Gas is Lighter than air. (It will rise.)

Gas Heating Value

(BTU/Cu. Ft.)
Natural Gas 950 to 1150
Propane 2550
Butane 3370
 General Assumptions
n Natural Gas is assumed to have a
heating value of 1,000 BTU / Cu. Ft.
n Appliances have an input rating in
BTU/Hr
n 1000 BTU/Hr requires 1 cubic foot
per hr of natural gas
n Gas piping is sized by using cubic
feet per hour (Convert BTUH into
CFH by dividing by 1000 for
Natural Gas
n Example: 500,000 BTU/H divided
by 1000 = 500 CFH
 Input Rating to Gas Demand
n Appliance has an input
rating of 250,000 BTU/Hr

n Example: 250,000 BTU/H

divided by 1000 = 250 CFH

n Natural Gas Demand would

be 250 Cu. Ft. / Hr. (CFH)
Approximate Gas Input for Typical Gas Appliances

Source: IFGC Table 402.2

 How Do I Size Gas Piping?

n Determine the input ratings of gas fired

appliances in Btu/hr.
n Convert to Btu/hr to Cubic Feet of Gas per hour
(CFH)
n Select a delivery pressure and determine allowable
pressure drop. (0.3 - 0.5 in w.c. for low pressure and
up to 10% for medium pressure)
n Size the piping based on the CFH of gas required
using the appropriate table.
 Fuel Gas Pipe Sizing

n Sizing of Gas Piping by:

- Equation for exact sizing
- Table for inexact quicker sizing using:
1. Longest Length Method
2. Branch Length Method
3. Hybrid Method
Sizing Example 1 Longest Length

RTU-1 Gas Meter

250,000 BTU/H
250 CFH

150
Sizing Example 1 Longest Length

RTU-1 Gas Meter

250,000 BTU/H
250 CFH

150

1-1/2

Sizing Example 2 Branch Length

RTU-1 Gas Meter

250,000 BTU/H
250 CFH

150

C
B 90
RTU-2
150,000 BTU/H
150 CFH
D
 Sizing Example 2 Branch Length
RTU-1
250 CFH
RTU-2
150 CFH

B-C = 150
A-D = 90
Sizing Example 2 Branch Length

RTU-1 Gas Meter

250,000 BTU/H
250 CFH

1-1/2

150

C
B 90
RTU-2
150,000 BTU/H
150 CFH 1
D
 Sizing Example 3
400,000 BTU/H Each
400 CFH Each

RTU-1 RTU-4
Gas Meter

250
RTU-5
200 RTU-2

RTU-6
RTU-3

350
Sizing Example 3
 Sizing Example 3
400,000 BTU/H Each
400 CFH Each

RTU-1 RTU-4

2-1/2

250
RTU-5
200 RTU-2

RTU-6
RTU-3

350
Sizing Example 3
 Sizing Example 3
400,000 BTU/H Each
400 CFH Each

RTU-1 RTU-4

2-1/2

250
RTU-5
200 RTU-2

RTU-6
RTU-3

350
Sizing Example 3
 Sizing Example 3
400,000 BTU/H Each
400 CFH Each 5

RTU-1 RTU-4

2-1/2

250
RTU-5
200 RTU-2

5
3

4
4
RTU-6
RTU-3

350
 Sizing Example 4 (2 PSI)
400,000 BTU/H Each
400 CFH Each

RTU-1 RTU-4

250
RTU-5
200 RTU-2

RTU-6
RTU-3

350
Sizing Example 4 (2 PSI)
 Sizing Example 4 (2 PSI)
400,000 BTU/H Each
400 CFH Each

RTU-1 RTU-4

250
RTU-5
200 RTU-2

RTU-6
RTU-3

350
Sizing Example 4 (2 PSI)
 Sizing Example 4 (2 PSI)
400,000 BTU/H Each
400 CFH Each

RTU-1 RTU-4

250
RTU-5
200 RTU-2

1-1/4

RTU-6
RTU-3

350
Sizing Example 4 (2 PSI)
 Sizing Example 4 (2 PSI)
400,000 BTU/H Each
400 CFH Each 2

RTU-1 RTU-4

250
RTU-5
200 RTU-2

2
1-1/4

1-1/2
1-1/2
RTU-6
RTU-3

350
 Lessons Learned

n Gas pressure to boilers

n County requirements
Cobb County School District Req.
Cobb County School District Req.
Gwinnett County Code Compliance
 Lessons Learned

n Gas pressure to boilers

n County requirements

n Gas fired generators

Generator Information
Generator Piping
Generator Piping
Generator Piping
Generator Piping
Generator Piping
Generator Piping
Generator Piping
Generator Piping Schematic
Generator Installation Information
Generator Piping
The End
This presentation is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information for the
design and specification of the topic system. The publisher makes no guarantees or
warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the data and information contained in this
publication. All data and information are provided with the understanding that the publisher
is not engaged in rendering legal, consulting, engineering, or other professional services. If
legal, consulting, or engineering advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of
a competent professional should be engaged.
 Fuel Gas Pressure Conversions

Gas pressures in buildings are often given in Pounds,

Ounces or Inches. Make sure you convert to the
proper units for sizing.
Often a manufacturer refers to equipment pressure in inches or
ounces of pressure because it is a more accurate measurement.
Odor Added to Fuel Gas
Odor is added by gas companies so leaks can be detected.

The physical properties of natural gas include color, odor, and flammability. The
principal ingredient of gas is methane, which is colorless, odorless, and highly
flammable. Providers of natural gas include Mercaptin, a hydrogen sulfide
additive, it has a distinct and penetrating sulfur or Rotten Egg odor, and a few
parts per million is sufficient to impart a decided odor in the gas.
 Domestic HW Load Calc.

n Determine HW demand in GPH or GPM:

n For the following sizing examples we will assume

500 GPH demand of 140 degree HW
 Calculating HW Demand (step one)
1. Multiply: (Gallons Per Hour) x (8.33 pounds per gallon)
= (pounds of water/hr.)

Example: 500 GPH x 8.33 pounds per gallon = 4165 Pounds of

HW per hour.
Calculating HW Demand (step two)

2. Multiply pounds of HW per hour by

Temperature Rise
(40 Degree to 140 degree rise = 100 degree rise)
to get BTUs/Hr

Example:
4165 Pounds of HW x 100 degree rise =
416,500 BTUs/Hr
Calculating HW Demand (step three)

1. Convert BTUs to
CFH
Example:

416,500 BTUs/Hr = 416.5 CFH

1000 BTUs
Sources of Combustion Air

n Inside air, outside air, or combination

n Inside air must be from unconfined space.

Inside Air Requirements

Amount 50 cu ft of area 1000 Btu/hr

Openings 2 Top and Bottom

Size of Openings 1 sq in 1000 Btu/hr

Depletion of Combustion Air

n You must consider make up for:

Kitchen Ventilation Equipment
Exhaust Fans
Clothes Dryers
Fireplaces
n Equipment cannot interfere with
combustion air.
Inside Combustion Air

n Design Requirements
12 From Top
12 From Bottom
Min 3 Opening
 Outside Combustion Air

n Two Horizontal
Openings
1sq in per 2000 Btu/hr
n Two Vertical or Direct
Openings
1 sq in per 4000 Btu/hr
Inside and Outside Air

n Both inside and outside

air to be used.
n The combined ratio
must be greater than or
equal to one.
Single Opening to Outside
n Alternative One Opening

n 1 sq. in per 3000Btu/hr

Direct Connection
n Direct Connection for Combustion
Air

Follow Manufacturers Instructions

Ventilation Air As
Combustion Air

n Ventilation rate-
Approved Engineered
Design
n Must be
interconnected to
appliances
Sizing Exercise #1
1/2 PSI
Example:
 250 feet includes equivalent length
Gas Pipe Sizing allowance for fittings and valves.

Total developed length = 250 feet.

Regulator
Water
Furnace
Heater

400,000 BTUH / 2,000,000 BTUH / Meter

400 CFH burner 2,000 CFH burner

Determine length of piping from farthest appliance to gas pressure regulator

and refer to sizing chart column that exceeds that length. (2,400 CFH total
load @ 250 feet)
Equivalent Lengths in Feet of Straight
pipe. For fittings and Valves Source: NFPA 54 Handbook
 Nat. Gas Pipe sizing Table - 1/2 psi
CFH of Gas at .6 specific gravity, Press. drop = 0.3 in WC
Pipe Length of tubing, Feet
Diam. 50 100 250 500 1000
1 215 148 90 62 43

1-1/4 442 304 185 127 87

1-1/2 662 455 277 191 131

2 1275 877 534 367 252

3 3594 2470 1505 1034 711

4 7330 5038 3069 2109 1450

6 21472 14758 8990 6178 4246
5 PSI
Example:
 250 feet includes equivalent length
Gas Pipe Sizing allowance for fittings and valves.

Total developed length = 250 feet.

Regulator
Water
Furnace
Heater

400,000 BTUH / 2,000,000 BTUH / Meter

400 CFH burner 2,000 CFH burner

Determine length of piping from farthest appliance to gas pressure regulator

and refer to sizing chart column that exceeds that length. (2,400 CFH total
load @ 250 feet)
Nat. Gas Pipe sizing, Table - 5 psi
CFH gas at .6 specific gravity, Press. drop = 10% or 1/2 psi
Pipe Length of tubing, Feet
Diam. 50 100 250 500 1000
1 1989 1367 833 572 393

1-1/4 4084 2807 1710 1175 808

1-1/2 6120 4204 2562 1761 1210

2 11768 8101 4934 3391 2331

2-1/2 18785 12911 7865 5405 3715

3 33209 22824 13903 9556 6568

4 67736 46555 28358 19490 13396