Pipeline Integrity Management

This course has been evaluated by the QPPI and its contents is aligned to their competency standard set out in the Competency Standards Manual for Pipeline Integrity Management. Visit the website

It will be necessary to bring a laptop to this course.

The seminar provides a sound review of Pipeline Integrity Management strategies, in compliance with regulatory requirements, including self assessment. It is highly interactive and takes the form of lectures and case studies. On completion of the seminar, participants will have a solid understanding of the procedures, strengths, limitations, and applicability of the main issues that comprise a Pipeline Integrity Management Program.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

To provide attendees with the latest techniques used to develop a comprehensive integrity management program covering both pipelines and their associated facilities. The necessary elements of such a program are described in detail with examples of typical program content including an overarching view of where detailed Risk Analysis and Defect Assessment fits in the Program.

COURSE NOTES

All delegates will receive a PDF containing detailed lecture notes totaling more than 500 pages, providing an invaluable reference document. The course notes are written in such a manner as to provide a starting point for a company in either developing its own integrity management plan or updating its current plan.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Supervisors, engineers and technicians responsible for ensuring the adequate protection of pipeline assets; maintenance planners, regulators and service-providers to the pipeline industry will also benefit from attending the course. On completion of this course you will be able to understand:

• Codes used in developing Integrity Management Plans
• The elements of an Integrity Management Plan
• Threat assessment
• Critical aspects of risk assessment.
• Prevention and mitigation measures
• Characteristics and limitations of different inspection methods
• A risk- based approach to maintenance

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS

On completion of the course, participants will be eligible to receive 1.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

INSTRUCTOR

Chris Bullock is Director of Regulatory Compliance at Enstor Gas, LLC in Houston, Texas, with over 30 years in oil and gas. Chris specializes in pipeline safety, regulatory compliance, and integrity management, having led programs that set industry standards for major operators. Known for clear communication and practical solutions, Chris has guided clients through complex compliance and risk management challenges. Chris has delivered numerous webinars, technical training, and conference presentations for industry stakeholders, further establishing his reputation as a trusted voice in regulatory strategy and pipeline safety. He is a Professional Engineer (Louisiana), holds an MBA and BS in Mechanical Engineering, and has served in leadership roles with ASME, API, INGAA, and the Southern Gas Association.

This course was originally developed by Dr. Alan Murray.

Dr. Alan Murray is a consulting engineer with Principia Consulting in Calgary, AB. Prior to forming Principia in 2010, he was Chief Engineer at the Canadian National Energy Board. Dr. Murray’s industry experience has included a number of senior management positions with a large pipeline operating company in North America with responsibility for system planning, construction, maintenance and contracting functions. His 42 years of work experience spans research, regulation, third-party assessment, design and development in pipelines and offshore structures. He was the founding chairman of the ASME Pipeline Systems Division and is the co-author of the ASME Press text books Pipeline Design and Construction – A Practical Approach and Pipeline Integrity Assurance and is a Fellow of the ASME.

SYLLABUS

Introduction

• Overview of codes used in developing Integrity Management Plans
• DOT 49 CFR 195 and 192
• Onshore pipeline regulations and CSA Z662 Annex N
• NACE Recommended Practice 102
• Brief history of the requirement for Integrity Management Plans
• ASME B31.8S “Managing System Integrity of Gas Pipelines”
• API standard 1160 “Managing System Integrity for Hazardous Liquid pipelines”

Elements of an Integrity Management Plan (IMP)

• Threat identification –ASME B31.8S threat categories
• Baseline assessment plan
• Direct assessment plan

Conducting an assessment

• Gathering, reviewing and integrating data
• Data base: types, GIS software compatibility and risk analysis
• Data integration: common systems of reference
• Cartographic information
• Record keeping provisions and communication plans
• Performance plan
• Management of change process

Case study

Approaches to Risk Assessment Analysis

• Objectives of risk assessment
• Understanding pipeline failure causes – PRCI’s 21 common causes
• Data elements for a prescriptive integrity management plan
• Data requirements for a goal oriented (performance-based) approach to IMP
• High-consequence areas
• Risk to the environment
• Quantitative and qualitative methods of risk assessment
• Advantages / disadvantages and limitations of each approach
• Combined approaches based on the relative importance of different threats

Prevention and Mitigation Measures

• Third-party damage
• Coating damage and repairs
• Cathodic protection close interval surveys
• Pipeline patrols, aerial surveillance

Inspection Methods: Characteristics and Limitations

ECDA (External Corrosion Direct Assessment

• ICDA (Internal Corrosion Direct Assessment)
• Practical worked examples of corrosion and crack growth rates

Case study

Integrity Management Plans for Facilities

• Determination of re-inspection Intervals
• Risk-based approach to maintenance
• Failure modes, fault trees and root-cause analysis
• Use of historical data on incidents and spills
• Risk-based inspection (RBI)
• Resource allocation
• Reliability-centered maintenance (RCM)