Enhancing Pipeline Integrity Management by Integrating Advanced Geoprocessing Models

Abstract

Pipelines are recognized as one of the safest methods of transporting hazardous products, however unwanted incidents still occur. With many kilometers of the pipelines interacting with different environments, they are exposed to various threats and risks. Any record of leak or rupture along the pipelines can have devastating consequences; for example extreme environmental impacts, huge economic losses in addition to its national and international operators’ images. To prevent pipeline failure and adhere to the regulations, the risk of an incident to occur should be continuously assessed and evaluated throughout the pipeline’s operating life-cycle. Risk management has been a critical component of the Integrity Management Process (IMS) for a number of years. With the increasing availability of geographic information and improved inspection technologies for pipeline networks, there is an on-going expectation from both pipeline regulators and operators worldwide to access a more quantitative approach for risk management along the pipeline using GIS or geoprocessing models. Amalgamation of geoprocessing models with integrity management allows to precisely identify the risk areas along the pipeline with a rich visualization on the map. This is one of the most critical element underpinning the decision-making process. In this paper, a review of geoprocessing tools that have been implemented within a pipeline integrity management system is presented. Examples of these geoprocessing tools include: (1) Class Location, (2) High Consequences Area (HCA), (3) Gas Dispersion and (4) Electrical Interference. After successful implementation of these tools, the output of the tools have been used to carry out more detailed analysis of risk assessment and aid in decision making. Additionally a WebGIS platform was also implemented to facilitate the visualization of the results.