ROSEN and ADV Integrity have entered into an industry partnership to manage critical assessments for crack-like features through
Method 3-Engineering Critical Assessments (ECA).
The Challenge
Many operators have identified ECA using in-line inspection (ILI) as the preferred method for some of their pipelines to reconfirm a maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP). However, the complex requirements in CFR §192.632 combined with the uncertainties can lead to inefficiencies, inaccurate assessments, and over conservatism.
ROSEN and ADV Integrity have demonstrated in previous IPC publications that performing an ECA using ILI data, fracture mechanics, and full-scale validation tests can effectively meet the requirements in §192.624 while also reducing risk and inefficiencies. However, the demonstrated approach was based on data collected from a single operator and on a limited number of pipeline segments. ROSEN and ADV Integrity see clear benefits in operators working together to address these challenges, rather than addressing them individually. In particular, more work is needed to improve failure predictions based on ILI data and fracture mechanics to develop an efficient ECA procedure for the threat of cracking as part of the MAOP reconfirmation.
The Solution
In response, ROSEN and ADV Integrity have formed a Joint Industry Program (JIP) to formalize the development of an ECA procedure for evaluating crack-like features in natural gas transmission pipelines. The JIP will leverage ROSEN’s technology, ADV Integrity’s full-scale testing facility, and subject matter experts (SME’s) from both organization to address over conservatism and implement industry experience to achieve MAOP reconfirmation in accordance with the new Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) gas regulations. These improved procedures will allow operators to protect asset integrity without compromising safety and operational efficiency.