Integrity Of Pipelines Transporting Hydrocarbons

This book describes technical and practical aspects of pipeline damage. It summarizes the phenomena, mechanisms and management of pipeline corrosion in-service. The topics discussed include pipelines fracture mechanics, damage mechanisms and evolution, and pipeline integrity assessment. The concept of acceptable risk is also elucidated and the future application of new knowledge management tools is considered.

This book describes technical and practical aspects of pipeline damage. It summarizes the phenomena, mechanisms and management of pipeline corrosion in-service. The topics discussed include pipelines fracture mechanics, damage mechanisms and evolution, and pipeline integrity assessment. The concept of acceptable risk is also elucidated and the future application of new knowledge management tools is considered.

This book presents the results of the research project G5055 'Development of novel methods for the prevention of pipeline failures with security implications,' carried out in the framework of the NATO Science for Peace and Security program, and explores the lifecycle assessment of gas infrastructures. Throughout their service lives, pipelines transporting hydrocarbons are exposed to demanding working conditions and aggressive media. In long-term service, material aging increases the risk of damage and failure, which can be accompanied by significant economic losses and severe environmental consequences. This book presents a selection of complementary contributions written by experts operating in the wider fields of pipeline integrity; taken together, they offer a comprehensive portrait of the latest developments in this technological area.

First Published in 2017. Pipeline integrity is key to maintaining operational success, safety and security and minimising harm to the environment. Corrosion is a dominant contributory factor to failures, leaks and integrity threats in pipelines. Therefore, its optimum control within an integrity management framework is paramount for the cost-effective design of facilities and ensuring continued, uninterrupted and safe operations within the expected design life. This recommended practice (RP) is a compendium of current best practices and state-of-the-art knowledge by major operators, engineering contractors and service companies involved in hydrocarbon pro-duction and transportation. The RP incorporates some minimum operational requirements and practices to ensure that when man-aging corrosion in pipelines, fundamental principles are followed. It covers management of corrosion for pipelines carrying hydrocarbons, injection water and/or produced water from design to decommissioning. It is structured to follow the logical steps of a basic corrosion management process and makes references to relevant and available international standards and/or recommended practices. It is intended for use by personnel from the petroleum industry having knowledge of corrosion and materials. It is hoped that this RP will prove to be a key reference document for engineers, suppliers and con-tractors working in the oil and gas industry, paving the way for corrosion-free operation of pipelines with the ultimate goal of improving safety, security and minimising the impact on the environment

This book is an introduction to managing threats in pipelines. Everyone working in the pipeline industry - and anyone concerned with safe and reliable operation of pipelines - needs to be aware of threats and must understand how the resulting risks are managed. The book opens with an introductory overview and a chapter on 'Pipeline Engineering Principles, ' which introduces the reader to the infrastructure that transports our energy around the world: crude oil and natural gas pipelines. It also gives basic principles in pipeline engineering and explains some pipeline design concepts. Pipelines are made using steel tubes called 'line pipe, ' and Chapter 3, 'Line Pipe Principles, ' covers the manufacture of this line pipe and the standards used to ensure high quality. Chapter 4, an 'Introduction to In-line inspection, or ILI - the use of inspection tools inside a pipeline - reviews the in-line inspection tools available today for inspecting all the types of high-pressure pipelines. Chapters 5 through 12 cover some of the main threats to pipelines: corrosion, cracking, mechanical damage, geohazards, material and construction defects, theft, and specific threats to submarine pipelines. Chapter 13, 'Pipeline Defect Assessment Basics, ' introduces the reader to methods for assessing the significance of pipeline defects such as corrosion and dents. Chapter 14 is devoted to 'Pipeline Integrity Management.' Integrity management is part of asset management and includes the many and varied activities pipeline operators must undertake to ensure that releases of products from their pipelines do not occur. In the final chapter several eminent figures in the pipeline industry share their thoughts on the state of current technology and the needs and promise of the future.