Excess Flow Valve Notification for Customers
As required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Mt. Carmel Public Utility Co. (MCPU) is hereby notified that an excess flow valve ("EFV") which meets the minimum DOT performance standards is available for installation on your natural gas service line. Please note that such a device is not required for the normal, safe operation of your service line, but could help to mitigate the consequences of a service line failure (i.e. break, rupture, etc.).
Safety Benefits
An EFV is a safety device that is designed to automatically stop the flow of natural gas when (if) the flow of gas through the device exceeds a pre-determined rate. The device is normally installed at (near) the service line's connection to the gas distribution main, and protects against the uncontrolled escape of natural gas should the downstream line be broken/severed. It should be noted that these devices generally do not protect against slow leaks such as those caused by corrosion, loose fittings, or leaks beyond the gas meter (house piping).
The use of EFVs has been primarily precipitated by service line incidents caused by accidental digging by excavators. Such incidents account for about 1/3 of the natural gas pipeline incidents in the United States. While the use of an EFV may help to limit the effects/damages of such an incident, the best prevention against such incidents is to ensure that those who may have reason to be excavating on your property to call 811.
Installation of an EFV
- An EFV will be installed in your new, or replacement, natural gas service line if these requirements are met:
a. The service line operates at a pressure of 10 psig or greater throughout the year and the meter(s) have a capacity of 1,000 cfh or less;
b. MCPU has no prior experience with contaminants in the gas stream that could interfere with the EFV’s operation or cause loss of service to a customer;
c. An EFV would not interfere with necessary operation or maintenance activities, such as blowing liquids from the line; or
d. An EFV meeting the required Code of Federal Regulations performance standards is commercially available to MCPU.
e. The installation cost will be included in your estimate for gas service when made.
- If you would like to have an EFV installed in an existing natural gas service line, the average cost is $500.00, but the actual installation cost will depend on the difficulty of installation. The actual cost of the installation of an EFV will be the responsibility of the customer requesting the EFV. We will inform you of the actual cost before you make the final decision that you want an EFV.
- EFVs cannot be installed on some service lines due to high gas flow, low pressure or other factors. If you request an EFV but your service line cannot accommodate an EFV we will let you know.
- If it becomes necessary to replace the EFV on your service line due to the customer’s addition or upgrading of gas appliances, for example, a pool heater, emergency generator, cooking ranges, hot water heaters, etc. you will be billed for the cost of installing a new or replacement EFV.
- As with any mechanical device, an EFV may malfunction, thereby causing a temporary loss of natural gas service. Should such a malfunction occur MCPU will replace the EFV at no cost to the customer. Industry experience is that EFVs rarely malfunction.
- If you request an EFV to be installed that meet the conditions, we will install an EFV at a mutually agreeable date.
Questions may be addressed to Mt. Carmel Public Utility Co. at (618)262-5151.