Our world is moving and so are the pipelines

In a nutshell:

Landslides, seismic events, settlement, and erosion are some of the many examples of geotechnical hazards that can impact buried pipelines. Geohazards often result in significant external loads or loss of support, which bends the pipeline and shifts it from its original position. Significant external bending loads and the associated high strains can pose an integrity threat to the pipeline, as it may rupture or buckle. For this reason, the monitoring of external loads through strain assessments and pipeline movement assessments is crucial to the safe operation of a pipeline. Bending strain assessments identify areas where the pipeline is deformed beyond allowable code limits. Pipeline movement assessments can utilize repeat inertial measuring unit runs and geo-spatial data to identify areas of active bending movement, making it possible to calculate a rate of change in bending strain. This article presents a 2017 validation case in which these assessments provided an operator with the information needed to identify and mitigate potential geohazards.

The data for bending strain or pipeline movement assessments is captured using an inertial measuring unit (IMU). IMU technologies are often paired with magnetic flux leakage (MFL) or caliper technologies on combo in-line inspection (ILI) tools. While IMU is most often used to locate the pipeline and provide GPS coordinates, a true strength of this technology lies in its ability to quantify bending strains and pipeline movement. While almost all operators request GPS coordinates for their tool runs, many operators do not take advantage of post-ILI bending strain calculations. Fortunately, once the data from an IMU is collected, it can be used at a later time (even years after the initial run) to perform a bending strain assessment. If data is available from multiple tool runs, then it is also possible to perform a pipeline movement assessment. Advanced pipeline movement assessment can also leverage the integration geo-spatial data into the assessment.

This was the case in late 2017 with an operator in the US who completed an inspection in 2015 using a combo ILI tool. After experiencing a product release associated with settlement related issues, the operator decided to perform a bending strain assessment on the available IMU data. The assessment identified high bending strains in the area of the failure. In addition, the bending strain analysis identified an additional location on the pipeline with strains exceeding the reporting threshold.

With this information and after reviewing the results of the bending strain analysis, the operator was able to act proactively and decided to excavate the high-strain location and replace the affected portion of the pipeline. As part of this rehabilitation effort, the operator requested that ROSEN collect in-situ strain measurements for comparison with the reported bending strains. This data would be used to verify the accuracy of the data and the bending strain assessment process. The in-situ strains would be measured using strain gages placed on the pipe near the locations where the pipeline would be cut.

ROSEN provided data-collection support prior to and during the excavation efforts. Prior to the excavation, ROSEN evaluated the site to identify a suitable location for initial excavations based on site conditions and the bending strain data. Choosing the initial excavation site proved to be challenging because the bending strain area was located below a business driveway dividing a swamp. It is desirable to excavate as little as possible prior to the placement of strain gages to avoid relieving any in-place strain. However, equipment access and personnel safety are also factors that must be considered when selecting the location for gage installation. ROSEN’s input into selecting the initial excavation location was critical in ensuring that quality data was gathered.

During the excavation, ROSEN provided on-site direction once the pipe was uncovered.

• Figure 1 shows a photograph of the excavation area once the pipe was uncovered. ROSEN provided guidance for installing the strain gages once the actual location had been reconciled with the expected line alignment and the bending strain calculations.
• Figure 2 shows a photograph of the strain gage installation. ROSEN continued to provide support throughout the excavation process, including recommendations for the final cut location.
• Figure 3 shows a photograph of the pipes immediately after the cutting was complete. The pipe experienced significant movement after the cut, confirming the presence of external loads.

ROSEN processed the collected strain gage data to provide comparisons with the bending strain data. Figure 4 shows an image reconciling the field observations with the strain gage placement and bending strain data. The bending strain calculations indicated a total bending strain of approximately 1,000 microstrain (0.1%). The data gathered from the strain gages indicated a total strain of 800 microstrain (0.08%). The difference between the measured strains is attributed to some stress relief occurring during excavation prior to the placement of the gages. Nevertheless, the measured strains are within the reported accuracy of 0.02% for the bending strain calculations, confirming the excellent performance of the IMU tool.

This data provided valuable confirmation to the client regarding the performance of the IMU technology and the bending strain data. In addition, ROSEN’s in-the-ditch expertise with strain gage measurements was valuable in ensuring that quality data was collected.