A Streamlined Approach for Pipeline Integrity Management

Formulating and implementing an integrity management plan (IMP) that satisfies Regulatory compliance requirements as mandated in the United States Department of Transportation (US-DOT, CFR 192 / 195) is a significant undertaking. The initial implementation step as defined in the regulations, is to identify high consequence areas (HCA’s or “covered segments”, and the integrity threats that could potentially impact the pipeline. These threats drive the data requirements, i.e. the minimal data sets required to address and evaluate these threats. This data must be gathered, aligned, integrated and technically analyzed (i.e. use of threat models) in a consistent and systematic manner. A baseline / risk assessment is then conducted using this data with the integrity threat models — to identify potentially higher risk areas within a system, individual lines, pipe segments, joints or specific points on the pipelines. The pipeline analysis normally includes time dependent, time independent and stable threats. Integrity management decisions are made based on the outcome of this initial assessment. This leads to selection of integrity assessment tools such as In Line Inspection (ILI) technologies, Direct Assessment (DA), Hydro Static testing, other methods, or combinations thereof. The outcome of the integrity assessment is used to develop an optimal, prioritized repair & mitigation program. In both regulated and non-regulated environments, there is critical need to prioritize and address immediate and near term repair situations a tactical approach. In order to effectively implement an IMP, a management system is normally required that captures the work process of the integrity team and delivers rapid, accurate, and economic decision support. Efficiencies can be realized with a well coordinated approach to data acquisition, management, and analysis. Tuboscope provides an integrated pipeline solution (TIPS) approach to streamline these processes, and an Integrity Management Vehicle LinaViewPRO™, to manage, analyze and present the results of the integrity analysis. In the quest for regulatory compliance and subsequent maintenance of the line, this paper will present an integrity process overview, implementation, results, and benefits from operating hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines integrity projects.