Pipelines are used as the safest, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly method of oil and gas transmission. Though it is the safest compared to other transportation methods, pipelines can cause severe environmental damages if not well-maintained. Therefore it is crucial to understand the causes of pipeline accidents, predictions, and prevention of such accidents for safety operation.
Pipeline inspection is an integral part of pipeline integrity management to ensure pipelines are in good condition. The inspection includes both internal and external inspection. Government regulations provide that industry standards and codes are observed to ensure pipelines are well designed, constructed, installed, and maintained. A NACE-certified coating inspector from a reputable industry painting company is responsible for essential and non-destructive inspections. For the best corrosion and coating inspection in Ontario, visit torontoindustrialpainting.com.
The oil industry is giving great attention to safety and reliability during the construction, installation, and operation of pipelines. However, environmental damages associated with pipeline transportation happen very often. Such accidents damage the environment, property, and people in the area. It also causes a high cost of material for the pipeline operating companies. Therefore such companies need to minimize the probability of emergencies on the main oil pipelines. Among the main factors contributing to pipelines' leakage are mechanical impurities in oil that cause abrasion of pipelines, harsh climatic conditions, and high amounts of explosive and flammable substances. For the best NACE-certified inspectors to perform a pipeline failure analysis, click here.
The top causes of pipeline failure include:
Operational failures can be caused by system malfunction of control devices or overpressure. These failures can also be due to human mistakes such as failure to observe operating instructions.
Corrosion is the most common cause of pipeline failure. Pipelines are subject to internal and external corrosion. Corrosive crude oils and oil products cause internal corrosion mainly when they combine with water. Internal corrosion can happen when pipelines are not in use for an extended period.
External corrosion happens when the pipeline coating is inadequate or the cathodic protection is inefficient.
Most pipeline failures that result in spillages are due to accidental damages caused by people excavating around the pipeline vicinity. Inspection and surveillance procedures are utilized to minimize third parties damage.
Landslides, floods, earthquakes, and ground subsidence are common natural hazards that cause pipeline failure. The choice of pipeline route is mandatory in ensuring the protection of the environment and public safety.
According to NACE International studies, the costs related to pipeline corrosion, which includes monitoring, replacing, and maintaining transmission pipelines, are estimated to be $7 billion annually in the US alone. NACE International has equipped corrosion control professionals with relevant knowledge and skills to benefit the corrosion control industry. NACE qualified inspectors are well-qualified to survey coating conditions and paint inspections, helping to save billions of dollars in costly errors.