Assessment of Arctic Offshore Pipelines

摘要

State-of-the-art Arctic pipeline technology is discussed with emphasis on offshore applications in the Beaufort Sea. Environmental conditions, physical hazards (excluding military and sabotage damage), unique requirements, modes of failure and countermeasures are described. Existing US pipeline regulations are reviewed to identify potential gaps in regulations for Arctic offshore applications. Regulations of Canada, Great Britain and Norway are also reviewed. Changes to US Title 49 Parts 192 and 195 are recommended and include addition of contingency plan requirements, low-temperature material characteristic requirements, and revised procedures for installation, testing and monitoring.