NEW Oil and Gas Pipeline Integrity Management Program

Oil and Gas Pipeline Integrity Management in Western Canada  

The situation:

Regulators in Western Canada, (ERCB, OGC, SRI and NEB), require that operators of oil and gas pipelines -whether small inch gathering system lines or big inch transmission lines - have formal programs in place to maintain the integrity of these lines. The stated purpose of these programs is to ensure that pipelines are capable of transporting product safely, without short-term or long-term negative effects on public safety or the environment. Historically, oil and gas companies were required to have only a Pipeline Operating Manual (POM).

The POM was basically a manual that outlined how the operator was planning to do all the necessary pigging, inspections, corrosion assessment and on-going monitoring and mitigation, etc. More recently, there has been an additional requirement in Alberta for a Pipeline Integrity Management Program (PLIMP). This is an elaborate, cradle to grave integrity program - similar to that required for pressure vessels - which include all aspects of a pipeline from design to de-commissioning. Many oil and gas operators do not have the in-house expertise to develop and manage such programs or to properly assess the efficiency and adequacy of their programs leaving them vulnerable to enforcement action from the regulator.

The Challenge:

Most mid-sized and smaller oil and gas companies do not have the luxury of being able to afford dedicated, experienced and qualified staff to handle pipeline asset integrity issues. In some companies, senior staff members look after pipeline integrity and although capable, maybe they could be much more productive in other areas.

Often times, manuals and programs are developed that are not practical, do not reflect the actual practices of the operator and they mostly just sit on a shelf and collect dust. Without expertise or feedback, operators tend to operate blindly - sometimes spending thousands of dollars needlessly - either doing too much or not enough. Sometimes, operators assume that they are well protected and well served by their current operational practices until a pipeline failure or audit spurs on a more in-depth review. Then, the extent of non-compliance and corporate exposure comes to light and leaves them exposed to regulator action.

Our Solution:

RAE Engineering and Inspection Ltd., a total asset integrity management firm in business since 1972, has developed a unique, scale-able, flexible, practical and very cost effective approach to deal with this pipeline issue; a program that acts as a bridge between the level of compliance that is mandated and assumed to be happening at the boardroom level and with what the field realities actually are.

Program outline:

1. Assess the current manuals/programs and make them fit for purpose if possible and if necessary develop new ones that are in compliance with the standards.
2. Set up a proper electronic data base with current mapping that contains an exact and up to date picture of the pipeline inventory, with correct flow direction and proper licensing etc.  
3. Set up a simple but effective automatic work order system that ensures all pipeline maintenance field activity is conducted as required and the data is properly tracked and stored  in auditable condition.
4. Conduct regular field level reviews to ensure that your pipeline program is being followed and that mitigation and monitoring is reflecting any changes in actual operating conditions.

Giving you the confidence that:

• Your program protects you from regulator enforcement
• You are compliant with the Pipelines Act, associated regulations and the Z662 Standards
• You are operating as safely as possible
• Any money you are spending on corrosion monitoring and mitigation efforts - chemicals, in-line inspections, digs, etc. - is being spent wisely and with purpose
• Your pipeline field operators are doing what they are supposed to be doing, when they are supposed to be doing it
• In the event of an audit there will be no unwelcome surprises forthcoming
• In the event of a pipeline failure you can be assured that you will have done everything possible to prevent it
• Because of the efficiency of our solution, you will have achieved all of the above. While at the same time significantly reducing your current pipeline integrity costs

If you would like us to do an assessment of your current pipeline program and practices and offer our recommendations, feel free to contact us!