The challenges of keeping integrity management systems relevant

摘要

Pipelines containing and transporting hazardous products are subject to regular statutory inspections, verifications and re-certifications. The risks associated with the operation of these facilities must be routinely assessed and operators must take all the necessary measures to mitigate the consequences of any failures. This often dictates the need to have comprehensive integrated pipeline integrity management programs. These programs are designed to assist in various facets, including but not limited to operations, safety assurance, periodic inspections and maintenance activities, regulatory and environmental compliance, and engineering support & planning. This paper focuses on the pipeline operations monitoring and modeling aspect of integrity management and presents a few project cases. One involves the challenges in cross-border systems, improving the economics based on design and subsequent operations. This high-profile case covers the innovations considered in maintaining integrity and how operations has progressed to date and future plans. The other examples involve a journey over the last 15+ years, as pipeline network operators had development and expansion plans in mind. A key component of those plans is having a means to monitor the operational and physical integrity of their expanding networks.