Abstract

Abstract This paper is a case study relating to the development and implementation of a pipeline integrity management system (PIMS) for a major pipeline operator in the Middle East. This paper provides an overview of the project and underlines the practical steps and systems adopted by the operator in order to maintain the integrity of their pipeline network. A successful and effective integrity management requires a comprehensive support system. As a minimum, that system must address people (organized teams of various disciplines contributing to the overall objective i.e. pipeline integrity management), process (standards and policies on how to achieve the objective) and tools (resources to achieve the objective such as software) to manage the pipeline integrity. This paper describes the development and implementation of a geospatial pipeline data model, supported by a software system which fulfils the PIMS support requirements and is aligned with pipeline integrity management industry best practices and international codes and standards. The paper explains the importance of gathering accurate data in the development and implementation of PIMS. The paper highlights the challenges faced during the PIMS implementation stage and how these were resolved through collaboration with the various stakeholders. For example, the paper discusses data completeness difficulties commonly faced for older pipelines and provide practical solutions for data maintenance and information reliability (e.g. interviews of personnel, documentation of methodologies and engineering judgments agreed by stakeholders, etc.) which provides consistent application of integrity procedures. The paper further details how the PIMS assisted the operator in maintaining the safe operation of their pipeline network in compliance with international codes (i.e. ASME B31.8S and API 1160) and industry best practices. The paper explains the practical steps adopted and could be used as a road map for development and implementation of PIMS by other operating companies.

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