Technical Support Improves Performance of Pipeline System

For the past two years, Battelle has been assisting a major integrated oil company, operating almost exclusively in Mexico, with a major program to improve the performance of its pipeline system. The first phase of the program was conducted throughout 2004 and 2005, and focused on identifying the areas where the company most needed to direct its improvement effort. The two major areas identified for improvement included: the company’s ability to manage risk and the organizational processes needed for effective pipeline operation.

Direct Assessment
As is the case with many aging pipeline assets, system design, operational weaknesses, and incomplete maintenance and testing data all lead to unknown, but potentially significant, risks associated with non-piggable lines, where in-line inspection (ILI) is not practical. For piggable pipelines, the ILI provides data characterization of the pipeline’s physical condition, locating and sizing defects such as corrosion. Risks due to such defects cannot be simply assessed for non-piggable pipelines, which led to Battelle’s participation in developing the technical basis for risk management through the application of Direct Assessment techniques. The application of Direct Assessment techniques to a sample of non-piggable lines developed a basis for estimating the risk associated with these lines and for adapting the emerging Direct Assessment methodologies and strategies to the client-specific challenges. Based on this work, Battelle’s clients are in a stronger position to anticipate where best to apply Direct Assessment techniques in the future.

Risk Analysis of Pump and Compressor Stations
As in the case of non-piggable lines, many pump and some compressor station operations did not allow for a clear and current understanding of the risk basis of operation. This resulted in the material and operational conditions of pump stations contributing to significant pipeline-related accidents. Battelle, along with its local partner, is assisting the client in re-establishing a risk baseline at these facilities by conducting HAZOP studies and integrity assessments at high-priority stations. These analyses will help identify and resolve some of the most significant operational weaknesses in the stations.

Process and Organizational Improvement
Battelle is leading an effort for its client to identify weaknesses in core pipeline-related processes and make specific recommendations for addressing these weaknesses. This involves our identifying changes in process design, roles and responsibilities of key positions, and the skill requirements associated with the redesigned processes. Battelle is also making recommendations for improvements in the overall design of its client’s pipeline organization to be more consistent with the pipeline value creation process. The effort will result in safer and more efficient processes and structures.

For additional information, contact Dr. Brian Leis at (614) 424-4421, leis@battelle.org.