大多数公用事业公司认为配电系统的价值是理所当然的，但它们是防止小管道破裂发展为大系统停运的关键。本文展示了一种通过构建配电系统段图来研究配电/输电系统重要部分的方法，该图有助于理解阀门和相关管道之间的关系，尤其是在有多条管道或拥挤交叉口的街道上。现有系统中的许多问题都是由于系统发展的渐进方式造成的，因此，当管道安装时，管道上的足够阀门可能不够，因为管道中增加了许多其他客户。 绘制线段可以指出其中一些问题。在维护方面，阀门操作程序对于保持系统的可靠性至关重要。阀门训练计划的重点应该是阀门，其故障可能导致重要管道停止使用。

Most utilities take distribution system values for granted yet they are the key in preventing minor pipe breaks from growing into major system outages. This paper showed a way of studying important portions of the distribution/transmission system by constructing a diagram of distribution system segments which aid in understanding the relationship between valves and associated piping especially in streets with multiple pipes or congested intersections. Many of the problems in existing systems are due to the gradual way in which the systems evolved, so that adequate valving along a pipe when that pipe was installed may not be adequate after numerous other customers are added to a pipe. Drawing segments can point out some of these problems. In terms of maintenance, valve exercising programs are extremely important in keeping the reliability that is built into a system. The focus in valve exercising programs should be valves whose failure could take an important pipe out of service.