Pond Ingenuity V26 I1 - Winter 2022

Pipeline Integrity is becomingmore important in the Oil, Gas and Chemical industries, and this is set to continue, with the ultimate aimof increasing pipeline safety and reducing the risk of loss of containment to the environment. The Importance of Aging pipelines in the US, and the PHMSA Mega Rule requirements, Parts 1 and 3, have recently put greater emphasis on pipeline integrity. In the US, there are more than 2.4 million miles of natural gas pipelines and 190,000 miles of liquid pipelines. Most of this infrastructure is aging with more than half of the pipelines more than 50 years old, and in some cases, greater than 100 years old. The high mi leage of pipel ines and increased risks due to the their advanced age present real challenges. As such, there is greater emphasis for Pipel ine Integrity Programs and this can be part of Mega Rule compliance, Fitness-for- Service (FFS) evaluations, remaining life assessments, and life extension. Pipeline integrity is effectively about getting more life out of the pipeline in a safe and efficient way. Main Components of Pipeline Integrity There are many factors involved in Pipe l ine Integr i t y and, as demonstrated in the figure, the primary themes interact to a certain extent and can be very helpful when making assessments. Data Analytics A growing area of interest, data analytics is now being used more frequently in the Oi l and Gas industry. Data Analytics is part of Machine Learning, also referred to as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Digital Twin. Data Analytics can allow a user to screen a significant amount of data quickly and efficiently. Also, the adoption of a self-learning algorithm can then be used to make informed decisions, such as to predict failure mechanisms, like corrosion, and can be part of a predictive maintenance strategy. Advanced Structural Analysis The use of advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to model global interaction of pipeline with internal loading and external loading from geotechnical effects is an efficient way to understand how the pipeline will perform. These FEA models assess pipeline stress, strain, and fatigue. The output can be used to undertake Engineering Criticality Assessment (ECA) to assess flaw size cracks and defects. Examples where FEA is helpful include when assessing the effects due to ground movement, geo hazards, liquefaction, lateral spreading, and permafrost loading on the pipeline. Material &Welding Engineering The material properties of the pipe (yield and tensile strength, Charpy strength, chemical make-up, etc.) are important. As the pipe may have a longitudinal weld, and potentially pipelines have girth welds every 40 feet, weld region is also very important. Hence, it is important to assess the levels of strain in the pipe to assess the integrity of the pipe. Risk The ability to reduce risk of pipeline fai lure to acceptable levels is important. Risk can be evaluated by running risk analysis models (probabilistic and deterministic) to review factors that make up the system and look at Probability of Failure. Corrosion Corrosion is one of the major failure mechanisms for pipelines, and there are many types, including internal, external, graphitic, and under- the-coating corrosion. Cathodic protection and pipeline coatings are key to ensuring that corrosion does occur, but unfortunately cathodic protection issues and coating defects can lead to integrity issues. Importance of Pipeline Integrity Based on the PHSMA Mega Rule requirements and the need to comply with these regulations from a cost-effective standpoint, Operators must reconsider their Pipel ine Integrity Plans. A carefully crafted Pipeline Integrity Plan can ensure safety and reliability while adding significant value to an Operator or Owner in the form of reduced operating costs, reduced pipeline maintenance costs, and proactive evaluation of integrity with a realistic risk model based on engineering expertise. Older pipel ines were instal led without the benefit of current pipeline regulations and standards. As pipelines age, they can become more susceptible to corrosion, material and welding defects, third-party excavation damage, geohazards, and may other threats. Given the extensive mileage of pipelines of advanced age throughout the country, careful inspection and assessment is critical. For operators and owners, it is very important to consider Pipeline Integr i ty, and to l ink this wi th the proper Design, Fabrication, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, and Life Cycle of the pipel ine. Developing and devising a clear and concise Pipeline Integrity Plan can help. Pipeline Integrity effectively saves lives and prevents unauthorized releases by reducing pipeline incidents. The requirements of PHMSA, high mileage of pipelines, and aging infrastructure, are drivers for the need for Pipeline Integrity. The use of the latest methods in Pipeline Integrity, such as Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Advanced Structural Analysis, can only complement and take the assessment to a greater level of understanding. It is impor tant that Operators embrace the latest methods and technology to accurately evaluate Pipeline Integrity. Paul Jukes, PhD, MBA, BEng, CEng Pipeline Integrity Program Director for Aging Pipelines Pipeline Integrity Figure 1 Risk Data Analytics Advanced Structural Analysis Material & Welding Engineering 1 2 3 4 5 Corrosion Coatings Survey Pond Ingenuity Winter 2022 5

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