Pipeline safety

Application

Mobile and stationary audio and video surveillance systems are there to protect and monitor pipelines and other important infrastructure.

Power requirement	Between 600 and 2400 Wh/day

The challenge

Important infrastructure such as pipelines have to be protected from vandalism and theft. So that CCTV systems can be positioned flexibly in any location where surveillance is required, they need to be equipped with a reliable power supply for off-grid operation. This can be very expensive if the location has to be connected to the public power grid, combined with a high administrative effort and long-term planning.

More oil and gas applications

SCADA systems
Chemical injection pump

Pipeline safety

An Overview of Pipeline Safety

The safety of oil and gas pipelines is very important for our environment. Pipelines perform the crucial role of delivering gas and oil energy to millions of businesses and homes. It is not only the most efficient way to transport these products but also the safest way to transport these commodities. However, due to the nature of gas and oil as hazardous materials, pipeline safety is a rising concern. Pipeline safety regulations are part of the operational procedures of pipeline transport worldwide.

Advantages of Pipeline Transport

Pipelines are the most preferred method of transporting natural gas and petroleum products. Some of the advantages of pipelines include:

• Pipelines can be constructed and laid even in the most challenging terrains. This makes it ideal for transporting liquids across long distances.
• They are an energy-efficient mode of transport. Pipelines consume little energy and have a lesser effect on the environment compared to other forms of transportation.
• Pipelines require little maintenance. Modern devices are used to detect blockages or leakages along the channel.
• Pipelines are generally safe from interference.^[1]

Pipeline Safety Guidelines

Pipeline safety is the sum of all processes designed to ensure pipelines are accident-free. Regulatory requirements in pipeline safety are frameworks created by stakeholders in the gas and oil industries. Gas pipeline safety is defined through industry best practices set by energy regulatory boards, environmental bodies, and players in the gas sector. Observing oil pipeline safety guidelines is critical because pipeline accidents may create adverse consequences. The following guidelines help to ensure oil and gas pipeline safety:

• Continuous safety training – Regular training is vital to reinforce a cautious culture in pipeline safety. Pipeline employees should be trained frequently on these safety regulations using a hands-on approach. Pipelines handle hazardous materials across many kilometers, which puts many people at risk in case of an unfortunate incident. Pipeline safety should be a joint, organization-wide mandate to create a safe and reliable system.
• Proper pipeline infrastructure – All exploratory and extractive activities should be governed by laws and operational procedures. Gas and oil exploration involves locating potential sites for extraction. A multi-stage framework ensures the proper equipment and expertise are employed. Poor infrastructure in pipeline design creates an unreliable and often hazardous pipeline safety system. A chemical injection pump and other machinery used in gas and oil areas should be used by the designated personnel.
• Personal safety and accountability – Pipeline safety starts with a personal commitment to pipeline safety regulations. Gas and oil exploitation personnel are usually provided with a handbook containing rules of action. Wearing personal protective gear as required breeds a culture of overall pipeline safety that creates a safe environment for everyone. Oil regulators should ensure pipeline safety by collaborating with governments and employees in the oil industry. Continuous audits should be carried out routinely to ensure oil companies comply with pipeline safety standards.^[2]

On-Site Principals for Pipeline Safety

The UN safety guidelines and good pipeline practices maintain that pipeline safety is essential to realize the benefits of pipeline transport. Where pipelines are well-constructed and maintained, they can become a safe and reliable mode of transportation. The UN stipulates the following provisions for pipeline safety in oil-producing nations:

• Governments should provide administrative structures to oversee the development of environmentally-conscious pipeline systems.
• Responses to leaks should be swift and precise. Additionally, administrators of pipelines should have measures to detect leaks before they occur.
• Pipeline operators should ensure pipeline safety throughout the life of the project.
• Emergency measures should be accessible in case of an incident in the pipeline safety system.
• Authorities should ensure there is no interference from unqualified third parties as this is one of the leading causes of pipeline-related incidents.
• Information pertaining to pipeline safety should be made available to all persons involved in the extraction and transport of oil and gas.
• There should be regular communication between pipeline authorities and oversight bodies in charge of pipeline safety.
• Clear legislative procedures around the exploitation of gas and oil to ensure pipeline safety.
• The governing authorities should carry out impact assessments and issue permits to operators who fulfill the stipulations of pipeline safety.[3]

Pipeline Safety Management System

The pipeline management system should cover the internal structure, resources, and procedures for accident prevention. The components of the pipeline safety management system include:

• Personnel and organization – This defines the roles of the personnel involved in mitigating hazards in the pipeline infrastructure. Any training gaps present in the organization should be identified and addressed to facilitate a swift response in the event of an incident.
• Flagging and evaluation of risks – It is necessary to have predictive systems to identify looming hazards. Pipelines are generally low maintenance, but every possible hazard should be documented.
• Operational procedures – Formulating and application of manuals for the safe use and care of tools and machinery in the pipeline infrastructure.
• Adjusting to change – Creating measures to streamline the adoption of new processes, including using new systems. Technologies like SCADA systems used for high-level monitoring of pumps and motors increase operational efficiency for pipelines.^[3]

Conclusion

Pipelines power the economy on a large scale. Historically, any disruption in the global supply chain of oil due to pipeline efficiency has resulted in price spikes and delays in essential services. Pipelines ensure energy is availed to various personal and industrial uses. Pipeline safety is the sum of all the processes and practices designed to provide a safe environment which is crucial to keep pipelines running smoothly and efficiently.