Oregon & Washington States Leader in Performing Gas Locates for Safe Excavation

CNI Locates Ltd. has the capability to locate natural gas pipelines, petroleum pipelines, oil pipelines, steam pipelines, hydrogen pipelines, alcohol (ethanol) pipelines, argon pipelines, methane pipelines, propane pipelines, oxygen pipelines, nitrogen pipelines, and more. Performing subsurface work around gas pipelines can be extremely dangerous, and we highly recommend calling 811 to have public utilities located and a professional utility locating service like CNI Locates to verify public marks and check for any private, unknown, or abandoned utilities in the work area.

Types of Gas Pipelines

Below are some of the common gas, vapor, and air pipes that we locate regularly. 

1. Natural Gas: Natural gas pipelines are commonly used for heating devices, cooking, power systems, and raw materials. These pipelines are extremely flammable, and accidentally striking one during subsurface work can cause serious injuries or damage to people, buildings, and equipment nearby. That’s why we recommend hiring a professional utility locating company like CNI Locates to locate natural gas pipes before performing subsurface work.
2. Propane: Propane pipes are typically used for the same purposes as natural gas (e.g., heating, cooking, power, etc.), but these pipes are usually fed from a refillable propane tank on site. These pipes are extremely flammable, and accidentally striking one could cause serious damage or injuries to buildings, equipment, and people nearby. That’s why we recommend hiring an expert utility locating company such as CNI Locates Ltd. to locate propane pipes before performing subsurface work.
3. Petroleum (Gasoline, Diesel, Aviation Gasoline, Jet Fuels, Crude Oils, Kerosene, etc.): Petroleum pipes are most commonly found at gas stations, but they are also used at airports, and industrial facilities, among other areas, and have pipelines that span across the country. Petroleum is extremely flammable, and if a pipe is struck during subsurface work, the outcome can be fatal, cause serious injuries, and cause damage to equipment or nearby properties. That’s why we recommend hiring a certified utility locating company like C-N-I Locates to locate petroleum pipes before performing any subsurface work.
4. Alcohol (Ethanol): Alcohol (Ethanol) is a fuel additive for gasoline and other biofuels. Ethanol is very flammable and could cause irritation to the skin and eyes if someone is exposed directly to it. We suggest using assistance from a professional underground utility locating service provider like C-N-I Locates LTD to locate ethanol pipes before performing any type of subsurface work.
5. Oil: Oil pipelines provide energy across the country. Oil pipelines cause fewer GHG emissions and are a more efficient and safer method to transport oil than the use of ships, trucks, or trains. Even though oil pipelines are a safer method of transporting energy across the country, they still pose extreme risks if they are struck or damaged during subsurface work. That’s why we recommend assistance from an expert utility locating company like CNI Locates to locate oil pipes before performing any type of subsurface work like excavation or drilling.
6. Hydrogen: Hydrogen is mainly used for refining petroleum, producing fertilizer, treating metals, and processing foods. Hydrogen is very flammable and can potentially cause explosions or fires if a pipe is accidentally struck during subsurface work. That’s why we suggest using assistance from a certified utility locating company like CNI Locates Ltd. to locate hydrogen pipes before performing any type of subsurface work like excavation, drilling, digging, etc.
7. Steam: Steam provides heating, cooling, humidity, and cleaning applications for many buildings. Steam pipes are more common in larger cities with high-rise buildings. Steam pipes are not flammable, but they are still very dangerous if they are struck during subsurface work. Striking a steam pipe can cause serious burns, injuries, or damage. That’s why we recommend assistance from a professional utility locating service provider like C-N-I Locates LTD to locate steam pipes before performing any type of subsurface work.
8. Argon: Argon is used for lighting, heat treatments, 3-D printing, metal production, shield gas in welding, and more. Argon is inert and is classified as a simple asphyxiant. Inhaling excessive amounts of argon can result in nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or even death. We recommend hiring help from a professional utility locating service provider like CNI Locates to locate argon pipes before performing any type of subsurface work.
9. Methane: Methane is primarily used as a fuel to make heat and generate electricity. Methane is a flammable gas that is colorless and odorless. We recommend using help from a certified utility locating company like CNI Locates to locate methane pipes before performing any type of subsurface work.
10. Nitrogen: Nitrogen is commonly used to make nitric acid, nylon, fertilizers, dyes, and explosives. Although nitrogen is not flammable, it is still dangerous because it can replace oxygen and lead to suffocation if you are exposed to it. That’s why we recommend professional assistance from an expert utility locating service like CNI Locates Ltd. to locate nitrogen pipes before performing any type of subsurface work.
11. Air/Oxygen: Compressed air is commonly used for power tools, as well as to atomize paint and propel vehicles. Airlines usually hold high pressures and cause serious injuries if struck during subsurface work. That’s why we recommend professional assistance from a certified utility locating company like CNI Locates to locate air pipes before performing any type of subsurface work.
12. And More!: CNI Locates identifies an array of underground gas, vapor, and air utilities, as well as any other type of utilities you may have in your work area. Trust our certified experts in Oregon and Washington to help identify any utilities in your work area by calling (253) 826-1177.