Integrity Management of Pipelines Transporting Hydrocarbons: an Integrated Approach

Abstract

Abstract Pipeline integrity is a challenge for Oil Companies since number, length and age of pipelines is increasing worldwide, and people are increasingly aware about environmental protection. A project aimed at a safer and continuous service of such components is underway in eni, with attention to implement innovative technologies. The objective of this paper is to describe how PIM (Pipeline Integrity Management) project can be effective towards a safer pipeline management. The engineering and the operation team are activated To establish a pipeline integrity strategy To define an inspection strategy issuing an Inspection & Maintenance Plan To execute a Baseline Inspection as a benchmark to future inspection strategy To implement a Data Management System for pipelines in service. Programmed inspection are performed and the pipeline integrity is evaluated. A proper requalification/life extension process is started if: Operating conditions do require special care Design life is exceeded Data are collected and analysed, hazard are identified and criticalities examined. Inspection plans are specified and implemented to maintain pipeline integrity and to prevent failures. A growing data base is implemented, containing all kind of data about production lines transporting different classes of fluids, as for instance construction data, geometry, materials characterization and so on; the data base is implemented with information about active damage mechanisms, inspection results, failure analysis, production and fluid characteristics, flow dynamic modelled with numerical codes and more. The number of in inline inspection (ILI) reports implemented is growing. Unfortunately, not all portions of a pipeline – especially when quite old - can be inspected, due to geometrical constraints; this is why part of the effort is directed towards innovation and studies, as for instance: To obtain a better understanding of damage evolution To model the thickness loss of the components To apply innovative techniques for inspection. Collected data allow to perform a sensible engineering risk analysis, and to better plan further inspection activities. Examples of cases will be discussed in the paper and the decision tree for selected situations will be presented. The paper will show how data records are important and how an integrated approach to inspection and maintenance can be beneficial to the Oil & Gas Business. An integrated approach between Engineering and Operation allow to develop "integrity friendly" solutions, implementing existing inspection and maintenance plans.