Obtaining the proper natural gas pipelines education and training is essential when working with an oil and natural gas pipeline. Natural gas pipeline design falls under the umbrella of petroleum and natural gas engineering. Various educational and training opportunities are available for those who wish to pursue a career working with natural gas pipelines, ranging from single introductory courses to masters programs.

Many natural gas pipeline companies provide in-house training, but some require their employees to obtain state certifications and earn continued education credits on their own time. For those who ultimately want to design interstate natural gas pipelines, a petroleum and gas engineering degree is required. If considering a career in the natural gas industry, know the following:

1. Earn a natural gas engineering degree to set yourself up for job opportunities and advancement

2. Increase your knowledge of natural gas pipelines with online continuing education classes.

3. Take advantage of training companies that cater to professionals in the natural gas industry.

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Gain natural gas pipelines education and training by completing an undergraduate program

An undergraduate degree in petroleum and natural gas engineering provides graduates with not only the ability to work with a pipeline for gas, but design, fabricate and oversee the pipeline. Undergraduate natural gas engineering students learn the theories and practices of natural gas pipeline design, as well as make professional contacts through coursework, seminars and internships.

I recommend: Study petroleum and natural gas engineering at Pennsylvania State University. Visit the University's website to learn more about the Bachelor of Science program. West Virginia University also offers a petroleum and natural gas engineering undergraduate program. The school's proximity to major coalfields allows students to gain hands-on experience with internships. Learn more about the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and the school's petroleum and natural gas engineering program by visiting its website.

Take online courses that focus on natural gas pipelines

Online classes are ideal for students who would like to study natural gas engineering in addition to their primary program and professionals who must meet continuing education requirements. Accredited online programs may satisfy state certification requirements for working on a pipeline for natural gas. A natural gas pipeline company may require its employees to complete a minimum of yearly continuing education credits.

I recommend: Bircham International University offers online classes in petroleum and natural gas engineering. Students can earn up to 36 credits in the module that can combine with other modules offered by the university. Earn continuing education credits online with Texas A&M University. These courses can fulfill requirements for employers and state certifications.

Utilize training programs designed for natural gas pipeline companies

Companies that specialize in training professionals for work in the gas industry typically offer individual classes, as opposed to a full program a university would offer. When seeking employment with natural gas pipeline providers, it may be useful to complete a few courses in natural gas engineering, even if the companies provide their own in-house training.

I recommend: The Gas Technology Institute offers classroom courses, self-study programs, on-site training, certification programs and conferences. Areas of training include gas distribution and transmission, as well as field operations. Industrial Training Services provides a training program designed specifically for natural gas pipeline operators. The Center for Professional Advancement offers several classes for professionals in the gas industry, including an introduction to natural gas processing and a course on piping design, analysis and fabrication.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Not all certification programs for natural gas pipelines can be used to earn credits toward a degree. Check with your advisor before registering for a certification program if you're a full-time student.

The natural gas pipeline network is an integrated grid covering 49 states transporting gas to and from nearly any location. This network involves 210 pipeline systems and over 300,000 miles of pipelines. It is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Many US agencies play a role in the transporting of natural gas, including setting rates, overseeing mergers and acquisitions and managing environmental issues. A natural gas pipeline company may work with oil, too.

Natural gas is transported and stored in different storage areas around the country. Gas is transported interstate and intrastate. Engineering and construction is required to build a pipeline for gas. To understand natural gas pipelines better, remember that natural gas plays a big role in fulfilling our energy needs and is going to assume a greater role. Future gas pipeline projects are being developed world-wide.

1. Natural gas is considered a clean form of energy. It is made from oil remnants.

2. Natural gas pipeline systems are intricate because so much goes into sending gas through these lines. There are 1400 compressor stations and 11,000 delivery points.

3. The US imports and exports gas through Mexico. Natural gas pipeline providers continue to expand the network.

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Take a look at the natural gas pipeline companies

Moving gas through interstate natural gas pipelines is a complex process with many stages and components. From engineering to construction to controlling the pressure of the gas inside the pipe, it's a complicated process.

I recommend: The Energy Information Administration gives all the facts and numbers involved in transporting natural gas. Natural gas pipeline operators need manufacturers such as Simdex. It makes pipelines but is also a resource for future pipeline projects. Natural gas pipeline companies work with field crews to construct and deliver gas.

Research the natural gas pipeline operators

Natural gas pipelines require solid, experienced companies to run the gas safely through the networks.

I recommend: Kinder Morgan is a large transportation company with a significant presence in the natural gas industry. It transports gas through its pipelines and has several storage areas. El Paso Corporation has a good reputation as an employer and is expanding their pipeline.

Focus on natural gas pipeline design

The building of a pipeline for gas requires special contractors and natural gas pipe manufacturers. A pipeline for gas requires engineering and construction know-how.

I recommend: Forerunner Corp. is a full-service company that can engineer projects, manage and construct them. Emerson Process Management works in eight different industries including natural gas, and engineers the compressors used in a pipeline for natural gas.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The expansion of natural gas as a source of energy will only increase the number of natural gas pipeline operators here in the US and in other countries.

Natural gas is transported through a network of pipelines. The network in the United States covers 49 states, and involves 210 pipeline systems and more than 300,000 miles of pipeline. Natural gas is transported interstate and across the North America through these pipeline networks. Natural gas supplies almost a quarter of the energy in United States, and demand is expected to increase due to the cleanliness and efficiency of this energy source. To understand natural gas pipelines better, you must have an understanding of the basic terminology used in the industry.

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Interstate and intrastate pipelines

Interstate pipelines operate across state lines, while intrastate pipelines operate solely within state lines.

I recommend: The Energy Information Administration offers the official energy statistics from the U.S. Government, including information about natural gas pipelines.

Pipeline Performance Tracking System (PPTS)

The natural gas pipeline industry collects and analyzes spill data through the PPTS. Involvement is voluntary, but because safety is a high priority for the industry, the PPTS has collected spill data from operators who deal with up to 85-percent of all regulated pipeline in the United States. Any spill more than five gallons is reported.

I recommend: Learn about this tracking system at American Petroleum Institute.

Actuator

An actuator is a device that shuts off gas flow when there is not a person able to reach the pipeline. In certain circumstances involving equipment or pressure failure, the actuator is activated by simply pushing a button at a control station.

I recommend: PipeLine and Gas Technology has an article about actuators control flow in a natural gas pipeline.

Natural Gas STAR

This is a voluntary partnership of oil and natural gas companies, which are encouraged by the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt cost-effective technologies and practices to improve efficiency and ultimately reduce methane emissions.

I recommend: Find more information on this voluntary program from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Allocation capacity, or nomination allocation

There are times when a pipeline is transporting natural gas at capacity, but there is still more demand. Allocation capacity is the process used to distribute pipeline capacity amongst the companies that request it.

I recommend: Northern Natural Gas has a list of resources that pertains to allocation capacity.

Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)

A certificate that allows a company to purchase and operate necessary facilities involved in the transportation, sale or resale of natural gas. A CPCN is given out by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

I recommend: Find more information on this certification from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The Maryland Power Plant Research Program outlines its CPCN application process.