Analysis of the Safety of Functioning Gas Pipelines in Terms of the Occurrence of Failures

Abstract

The development of appropriate methods by which to assess the functioning of gas pipelines helps limits the consequences of disasters, in that way protecting users better. Assessment methods of this kind are presented in this paper, which advocates the integrated risk area identification method. The risk taken account of is understood to be a function of the probability or frequency of occurrence of undesirable events, and comes with parameters defining the consequences of these events, should they arise, in terms of their magnitude. The level of system vulnerability to events of these types is a factor considered, and the risk calculation is of a kind that encompasses both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The approach taken is regarded as a quick and simple risk-assessment tool applicable to the daily operation of gas networks for a gas company. Specifically, the framework of the research carried out extends to: (1) Estimation of the average cost of failure of gas pipelines in the case of an urban agglomeration in SE Poland; (2) assessment of the level of integrated risk facing the gas-supply subsystem, by reference to the risk area identification method; (3) failure forecasting by way of regressions with delay; and (4) conclusions regarding failure risk assessment in a gas-supply network, as well as a consideration of prospects. The framework referred here, thus constitutes the basis for both analysis and assessment of the safety of a gas-supply system.

A Grey-System Theory Approach to Assess the Safety of Gas-Supply Systems

“…The average value for the failure rate index was λ av = 0.02555 failure/(km•year), assuming F = 1. We used the failure rate index limits indicated in [26][27][28][29] as reference thresholds in the absence of a standard value regulating the admissible limits. As the failure rate indices obtained in our case are lower than the reference thresholds, the studied gas-supply network can be considered in a good technical condition.…”

Functional Safety Concept to Support Hazard Assessment and Risk Management in Water-Supply Systems

“…More specifically, the multi-barrier systems for WSS are monitoring, controlling, and warning systems, [25]. They are designed to reduce the occurrence probability of a hazard and/or eliminate/reduce/mitigate its consequences [26,27]. Safety barriers can be active or passive.…”

Consumers’ Perceptions of the Supply of Tap Water in Crisis Situations

“…A survey may form part of the water safety plan (WSP) that synthesises all important information on the construction of water-supply systems, and the principles by which they operate and are maintained [26,27]. The result is a positive impact on proper functioning -in regard to consumer safety in particular [9,28,29]. Likewise, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [30], surveys can be helpful tools because they facilitate evaluation of customer satisfaction and allow for better gauging of opinions.…”