Application of Improved Kent’s Pipeline Risk Scoring Method Based on Fuzzy Mathematics in the Risk Assessment of Embedded Petroleum Pipeline

Abstract

Numerous risk factors exit in the petroleum transmission process of embedded pipelines. Using scientific risk assessment technology to distinguish various hidden perils of pipeline accidents and the corresponding impacts is of significant value in the risk controlling of embedded petroleum pipelines and thus insure their normal operation. The common used Kent’s scoring method can systematically evaluate the relative risk of pipelines, but it has some shortcomings in reflecting the impact differentiations of various influencing factors on the pipeline risk due to the identical assignment of weights for four categories of factors. In this work, we first systematically make risk identification for the embedded petroleum pipelines and further propose a kind of improved Kent’s scoring method, i.e. the Multilevel Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (MFCE) method based on the fuzzy mathematics theory, in which the fuzzification between various influencing factors are considered. Using the MFCE method, it is able to make semi-quantitative risk assessment, as well as risk classification and grading for the embedded petroleum pipeline network in a specific urban area. Finally, with the assistance of the Geographic Information System (GIS) platform, the risk evaluation results of the embedded pipelines with the MFCE method can provide scientific aid decision making basis for the early warning of risk and the emergency plan compilation for the pipeline accidents.