At Sunrise Engineering, natural gas pipeline design is more than just engineering—it’s a detailed, collaborative journey that begins with a vision and ends with a fully commissioned system ready to safely serve communities. With safety, compliance, and efficiency always top of mind, our process is designed to deliver both reliability and long-term value.
To better understand how it all comes together, we sat down with Marty Lunt, Natural Gas Design Manager, who walked us through each stage of a typical natural gas project—from feasibility to final inspection—and the critical collaboration that happens along the way.
Step 1: Feasibility & Planning
Every successful project begins with a solid foundation. Sunrise kicks things off with a feasibility study, assessing demand, site conditions, regulatory requirements, and environmental factors. This phase defines the project’s scope and ensures we’re designing a system that’s both functional and feasible.
Step 2: Design & Permitting
Once feasibility is confirmed, the design process begins in earnest:
- Preliminary Design outlines the proposed route and key system components.
- Permitting & Approvals involve coordination with local authorities and agencies to secure the necessary permissions and meet regulatory standards.
- Detailed Engineering Design finalizes layouts, performs technical analyses, and develops precise construction plans.
Sunrise engineers use industry-leading tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D, GasWorkS, and Google Earth to create robust, accurate designs that account for terrain, infrastructure, and system demands.
Step 3: Coordination & Collaboration
A standout feature of Sunrise’s natural gas projects is the deep collaboration between design, inspection, and GIS teams.
- The GIS team plays a vital role by transforming field data into usable models, providing pipeline details such as depth, pressure, material, and more.
- Inspection teams are involved from the pre-construction meeting through final testing, providing field verification and ongoing feedback that ensures designs match what’s being built.
According to Marty, “That communication loop between design and inspection is essential—it helps us catch issues early and keep everything aligned from start to finish.”
Step 4: Construction & Testing
With design complete, the project transitions into procurement, construction, and field implementation. Sunrise supports clients in selecting contractors and sourcing materials, then manages construction activities, including:
- Trenching and pipe installation
- Welding, coating, and backfilling
- Field inspections and quality control
Before the system goes live, it’s subjected to hydrostatic or pneumatic pressure tests to confirm safety and performance standards.
Step 5: Commissioning & Handover
Once testing is complete, the system is gradually brought online and handed over to the operating entity. Sunrise provides:
- Complete as-built documentation
- System training and maintenance plans
- Ongoing operator qualifications through our Training Services group, ensuring compliance and safety for the life of the pipeline
Keeping Quality Front and Center
From concept to commissioning, quality control is embedded in every phase. Sunrise conducts internal design reviews, field inspections, and non-destructive testing to ensure everything meets the highest standards.
Marty notes that even challenges—like unexpected site conditions, regulatory changes, or design revisions—are met with structured communication, flexible solutions, and a steadfast commitment to the project goals.
Design in the Real World
Recent projects like the Owens Corning MSA and Cow Lane Gate Station showcase Sunrise’s ability to manage full-cycle pipeline projects. These examples highlight not just technical excellence, but the real value of interdepartmental collaboration and client-focused planning.
Final As-Builts: Getting It Right
Field crews and inspectors maintain real-time redline drawings during construction. At closeout, those changes are incorporated into final as-built documents using data from GPS surveys, ensuring clients receive a precise record of what was built.
What Keeps It Interesting?
Marty summed up his passion for the work with a smile (and a few puns):
“Unlike water, if mistakes are made—ka-boom!
Natural gas never gets tired of being the spark that lights up the room.
It always rises to the occasion when things heat up—and brings the heat when others can’t.”
At Sunrise Engineering, our approach to natural gas design is built on precision, teamwork, and trust. From blueprint to pipeline, we’re committed to delivering systems that are safe, efficient, and made to last.