Pipeline Risk Management

For Owner/Operators of Pipelines, adequately designed, installed and maintained pressure relieving systems (and their documentation) should be a critical part of a mechanical integrity program that ensures the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the piping system(s). Even if specific facilities are not required to comply with OSHA 1910.119 Process Safety Management, good engineering practice demands that a relief device integrity program be established that documents the relief system design basis, manages changes as they affect the Pressure Relief Device (PRD) installations, and provides an optimized inspection plan for testing and overhauling relief devices. Documentation should include calculations based on generally accepted good engineering practice and industry standards.

Also, in order to facilitate a comprehensive and efficient PRD inspection and testing program, an Owner/Operator may utilize an assessment of risks associated with their pipeline systems’ operation relating to overpressure scenarios.

E2G can address these needs and concerns by providing the following solutions:

  • A review of Owner’s relief device integrity program for conformity with latest guidelines and generally accepted good engineering practice (OSHA 1910.119)
  • A review of Owner’s pressure relief device standard for current compliance with DOT, ASME and API requirements and/or guidelines
  • Perform or review calculations based on ASME/API requirements and guidelines, including PRD sizing and installation assessment (inlet/outlet pipe sizing and routing)
  • Review existing surge analysis or perform new analysis, as required
  • Develop a database platform (e.g. SharePoint) to collect, store and maintain project data including a comprehensive record of existing PRDs with sizing and installation information that can be customized to fit management and operational needs. This also enables project management of the program workflow
  • Perform VCERelief Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) assessment to determine intervals for servicing each PRD
  • Provide project management services delivering a complete package of supporting documentation and an RBI inspection plan

If needed, E2G can also provide engineering consulting and support for process design issues relating to overpressure protection.

Note that if further services related to aging infrastructure are required, E2G has the resources to accomplish the following support tasks for the Pipeline Industry:

  • Perform Suitability-For-Service (SFS) assessments on vessels, tanks and piping systems that lack adequate documentation
  • Perform Fitness-For-Service (FFS) assessments on vessels, tanks and piping including determination of damage mechanisms
  • Perform site-wide storage tank audits, including remaining life and inspection plans
  • Perform structural assessment of piping and pipeline systems for compliance with ASME codes, when subjected to surge induced forces

Download Pipeline Risk Management Fact Sheet (PDF)

Copyright 2009 | The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.