Introduction
Currently, over 95 percent of natural gas used in the United States moves from well to market entirely via pipeline.
Natural gas pipeline networks are generally broken into three distinct systems:
Gathering systems carry natural gas from individual wells for bulk processing at a treatment facility,
Transmission systems carry the processed natural gas, often over long distances, from the producing region to local distribution systems around the country.
Local distribution systems deliver natural gas into our homes, businesses and power plants.
Natural gas pipelines are generally smaller in diameter than petroleum pipelines. Pipelines in the gathering and distribution systems range from 6" to 16" in diameter, with certain segments as narrow as 1/2". The pipes making up the interstate transmission system range in diameter from 16" to 48".
»nextSpecial thanks to the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) and the Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA) for helpful technical advice and assistance with this segment.