Hazardous Liquids Transmission

IMD provides a fully integrated integrity management solution for hazardous liquids pipeline companies following criteria provided in API 1160 and OPS regulations. As a participant in the development of the API 1160 standard, we understand the full spectrum of the integrity management solution including HCA (high consequence area) identification through liquid spill modeling, baseline assessment plan development, data integration and alignment, threat and consequence analysis, software licensing, integrity management program documentation, data mining and other engineering services.

Our objective is to provide a defensible, engineering solution supporting this process, ensuring optimal use of resources. The cornerstone of the OPS' new safety regulation is the implementation of the integrity management program for pipeline operators. This program requires operators to identify and quantify potential risk, thus allowing them to take a proactive approach to pipeline integrity maintenance. This rule stipulates that pipeline operators "develop and follow an integrity management plan that provides for continually assessing the integrity of all pipeline segments - through internal inspection, pressure testing, or other equally effective assessment means."

IMP was designed to facilitate the proactive maintenance of potential problems before accidents occur. With this program, pipeline operators are required to develop improved management and analysis processes that integrate all available integrity-related data and assess the risks associated with segments that can affect HCA’s. Furthermore, operators must implement additional risk control measures if needed to protect HCA’s. Examples of these measures include: enhanced damage prevention programs, reduced inspection intervals, corrosion control improvements, leak detection enhancements, installation of Emergency Flow Restricting Devices and emergency preparedness improvements.

Initially the rule, which became effective May 29, 2001, applies to all operators of hazardous liquid pipelines with more than 500 total miles. These 500 miles need not be contiguous. Every pipeline segment that can affect an HCA, regardless of length, is covered by the rule. Similarly operators of less than 500 miles of total pipeline became subject to the rule on February 15, 2002. The ultimate goal is that all 2.2 million miles of U.S. oil, gas and hazardous liquid pipelines are operated in conjunction with an integrity management program.

Operators subject to the initial rule were required to complete the identification of segments that could affect HCAs by December 31, 2001, and prepare the Baseline Assessment Plan and Framework by March 31, 2002. Operators who own or operate less than 500 miles of jurisdictional pipeline must identify segments by November 18, 2002, and complete the Baseline Assessment Plan and Framework by February 18, 2003.

Assessment (top of page)

The Baseline Assessment Plan must:

• Identify all pipeline segments that could affect HCAs.
• Specify the integrity assessment method or methods for each segment that could affect an HCA.
• Provide a schedule for assessment of each segment.
• Explain the technical basis for integrity assessment method(s) selection and risk factors used in scheduling the assessments.

Operators subject to the initial rule must complete all baseline integrity assessments by March 31, 2008. At least 50% of the line pipe affecting HCAs must be assessed by September 30, 2004, beginning with the highest risk segments. The corresponding dates for operators of smaller jurisdictional piping systems are February 17, 2009 and August 16, 2005 respectively. An operator may use assessments completed since January 1, 1996 (December 18, 1996, for operators of smaller piping systems) to satisfy the baseline assessment requirement.

Integrity Management Process Based on API 1160

An operator's integrity management program must include the following elements:

• Process for determining which pipeline segments could affect an HCA,
• Baseline assessment plan,
• Process for continual integrity assessment and evaluation,
• Analytical process that integrates all available information about pipeline integrity and the consequences of a failure,
• Repair criteria to address issues identified by the integrity assessment method and data analysis,
• Process to identify and evaluate preventive and mitigative measures to protect HCAs,
• Methods to measure the effectiveness of the integrity management program,
• Process for review of integrity assessment results and data analysis by a qualified individual.

Identify Potential Pipeline Impact to HCAs (top of page)

IMD has developed a best-in-class solution for HCA identification for hazardous liquids pipeline systems. More than 30% of all US hazardous liquids pipelines have used this solution to support their integrity management process. The HCA analyses are performed using RiskCAT, an ESRI based spatial solution developed by AI IMD. The analyses include direct and in-direct, terrain, direct and in-direct watershed, spread and pool fire as shown in the images below.

Data Integration and Risk Assessment (top of page)

Powerful data integration applications and expert engineering resources support the full process of data integration, initial risk assessment and baseline plan development. IMD applications are designed to operate stand-alone or integrated with GIS or ERP. We have developed baseline plans for thousands of miles of pipeline using our software technology.

Inspection, Repair and Mitigation (top of page)

IMD manages the whole process through inspection, repair, mitigation and program reassessment. The software applications support the program lifecycle ensuring that appropriate history is managed for the life of the pipeline.

Fact Sheet & Presentation (top of page)

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