Application of Leak Detection on Pipelines that could effect HCA

1
Application of Leak Detection on Pipelines that
could effect HCAs
Integrity Management Workshop July 23-24, 2002
2
Leak Detection Requirements

• Part of the Preventive Mitigative evaluation
  element of Integrity Management Program - f(6)
• Requirements outlined in section - i(3)
• Evaluate capability of current system/s and the
  need for modifications

3
Leak Detection Evaluation Process

• Risk factors and Risk Assessment
• Comparison to LD capabilities on non-HCA pipeline
  segments
• LD capability can not be dismissed by making
  changes to operating parameters
• A documented process is essential

4
Operators Personnel, a Critical Factor

• Established procedures and response plans
• Reasonable expectations for discovery and prompt
  reactions
• Authority and responsibility guidance for
  operating personnel
• Emergency response procedures and incident
  mitigation plans

5
Leak Detection Process Review

• Established periodic update and revision of
  process
• Routine performance evaluation
• Quality review/assurance requirements
• Decision criteria for system improvements

6
Design Criteria for Improvements

• Threshold criteria to prompt refinement,
  modifications or additions
• Determining consequence reduction for
  modifications
• Prioritization for highest risk areas

7
Analysis does not always mean change

• Considering system improvements
• Analysis may validate current techniques
• One size does not fit all
• Changes or additions to source data, rather than
  process changes, may result in higher performance

8
Leak Detection Operators Evaluation

• Periodic documentation review
• Application of Leak Detection evaluation process
• Managing Change Control
• Additional risk factors considered, beyond base
  requirements

9
Leak Detection Operators Evaluation

• Required evaluation factors
• Length and size of the pipeline
• Type of material carried
• Proximity to HCAs
• Swiftness of leak detection
• Location of nearest response personnel
• Leak history
• Risk assessment results

10
Leak Detection Operators Evaluation

• Additional evaluation factors (FAQ 9.4)
• System operating characteristics
• Current leak detection method in HCAs
• Use of SCADA
• Thresholds for leak detection
• Flow and pressure measurement
• Procedures for idle lines under pressure
• Consequences related to sole source water
  supplies
• Testing of leak detection systems
• Particular characteristics of the resident leak
  detection system

11
Quantifiable Consequences

• Spectrum of leak scenarios
• Range of operating modes
• Catastrophic Loss verses most likely types of
  leaks
• Actual operating history of pipeline
• History of operators other similar pipelines
• Quantifiable consequence reduction analysis

12
Challenge for Inspection

• Wide range of leak detection systems in industry
• Changing weight of risk factors for each pipeline
• Capability of systems during transitional
  operating modes
• Balancing risk assessment results with other data
  and judgments

13
Inspection Expectations

• Rigorous and documented process for leak
  detection systemevaluation
• Application of leak detection process
• Assessment of current system capability
• Documented evaluation of system improvements
• Justification of chosen techniques
• Adequate justification to discount certain
  criteria
• Risk analysis a key input