Pipeline Liquids Safety Record Reflects Inroads, Areas of Concern

摘要

Nearly 98% of barrel miles in the United States are governed by pipeline safety management systems, according to the American Petroleum Institute (API). That, combined with greater public awareness, means that pipeline integrity and safety are under a greater degree of scrutiny than ever before.Since the incident in Bellingham in 1999 that claimed three lives, the industry and regulators have responded vigorously. API's Pipeline Safety Excellence Performance 2019 Annual Liquids Report, released in April, highlights some positive news from over the last five years:1. Pipeline incidents impacting people or the environment decreased 20%2. Total pipeline incidents dropped by 11%3. Incidents related to the pipeline itself, such as corrosion, cracking or weld failure, were down 35% in areas impacting people or the environment4. Incidents in public spaces were down by 15%5. Incidents in high-consequence areas were down by 13%6. 74% of pipeline incidents occurred within operators' own facilities.