Objective
Provision of Guidance on the most cost effective repair programme for damaged pipelines
Issues
When pipeline defects are detected they must be evaluated using damage assessment techniques as part of a fitness-for-purpose analysis. This analysis will determine if the damage needs to be repaired and when. The aim of repair works is to restore the damaged pipeline to safe operating conditions by use of a recognized method. Guidance on repair strategies is given in both company procedures and international standards such as API 1160 and ASME B31.4.
Repair Recommendations can include the following components:
- A review of the pipeline’s design, construction and operational history
- Categorization of the damage according to size and pipeline operating conditions using guidance from standards such as ASME B31
- Assessment of the necessity to conduct further inspection (e.g. for more accurate sizing or crack detection at the bottom of gouges)
- Assessment of the necessity of immediate pressure reductions to avoid the possibility of time-related failure and to avoid stress-related failure while the pipe is being inspected or repaired
- Detailed defect assessment, if required
- Determination of how long it would take for feature to grow to a critical size based on detailed growth analysis
- Determination of the necessity to repair damage and the point in time when repair works should be carried out
- Advice on appropriate repair strategies and techniques
Deliverables
A recommendation on the most appropriate repair program for damaged pipelines.
