Pipeline Integrity Solutions

Overhead crossings entail the pipeline being laid or placed over the feature being crossed. It was commonly used for deep ditch crossings whereby the pipe would emerge from the bank at the depth it was buried in the adjacent field and cross unsupported over a length of not more than 4 to 5 m, before being buried in the far bank. This technique is not often used now due to the potential for damage and the inactivity of a cathodic protection system both for the exposed portion and the initial sections buried into the banks. A pipeline overhead crossing Other overhead crossings still feasible involve specially constructed pipe bridges to bridge gaps, generally across rivers. Their use has diminished in recent times, primarily due to the availability of directional drilling, the potential for damage and corrosion as mentioned above and the cost of maintenance and repair to the bridge itself. They are in general not recommended. Source: https://www.americanrivers.org

HOW TO PREVENT PIPELINE LEAKAGE The three methods used to prevent gas pipeline leakage are (1).   Design and construction (2). Operation and maintenance (3). Education and training These methods are explained below (1). Design and construction a.     Specify the technical specification for each pipeline. b.     Ensuring good construction practices, such as hydrotesting prior to pipeline operation c.     Increasing the protective technology (eg. coating) to further protect the pipeline d.     During the pipeline design, there is the need to evaluate the geography, topography, and geology of the terrain surrounding the pipeline. Avoid seismic, earthquake zone, and areas prone to natural disasters like landslide, swampy, and rocky areas. Perform topographical and geological survey, aerial photography, etc. e.     Perform hydraulic studies and size correctly pump or compressor f.      Accurately size surge su

ADJUSTMENT OF GAS QUALITY To ensure that the gas does not interfere with the integrity (corrode or damage) of the pipeline or other appliances and also meet gas quality regulations such as       a.  Gas Safety (Management) Regulations, 1996     b. European Association for the Streamlining of Energy Exchange – gas, (EASEE-gas) For gas, that does not meet the specified gas quality regulation or specifications; I recommend any of the following measures should be accepted to assure the integrity of pipelines or other appliances. (1) Blending Gas quality adjustment within the network, known as gas mixing or blending. Gas blending is the process of mixing gases for a specific purpose where the composition of the resulting mixture is specified and controlled. a.    Within networks not possible if risk of off-specification gas to customers b.    At beach sub-terminal possible-availability/security of supply (2) Gas treatment a.    Derichment of high Wobbe index ga