More informative, since they produce the same output as the classic QRA but are more accurate. Easy, because they directly capture our understanding of pipelines and what can cause them to fail. The word ‘directly’ is key here – previous methods relied on inferential data and/or scoring schemes that tended to interfere with our understanding.
Posts from October 2015
What are the newest pipeline RA methodologies like?
They are powerful, intuitive, easy to set up, less costly, and vastly more informative than either of the previous approaches. By independent examination of key aspects of risk and the use of verifiable measurement units, the whole landscape of the risks becomes apparent. That leads to much improved decision making.
You note two categories of previous RA methodologies. What about others, like‘scenario-based’ or ‘subject matter experts’, which are listed in some standards?
I think that listing is confusing tools with RA methodologies. The two examples you mention are important ingredients in any good RA but they are certainly not complete RAs themselves.
The PHMSA has recently criticised how Integrity Management Plan (IMP) risk assessments (RAs) for pipelines are being conducted. Do you also see problems?
There is a wide range of practice among pipeline operators right now. Some RA is admittedly in need of improvement, not yet meeting the intent of the IMP regulation. However, I believe that is not due to lack of good intention, but rather incomplete understanding of risk. Risk is a relatively new concept, and is […]
Risk Management Resources
Articles <!– Where is the Risk Control Strategy? –> Is formal risk assessment helping me? Pipeline risk assessment as a tool for resolving conflict Pipeline risk assessment: risk profiling Full understanding of pipeline risk generates numerous opportunities to reduce that risk. So previous chapters have already identified risk mitigation opportunities. Reducing exposure, increasing mitigation or […]
Calibration of Risk Estimates
Resources to help validate, verify, and calibrate risk assessment results: Book chapter 3.7 phmsa pipeline failure investigation reports USA pipeline incident stats European pipeline accident stats Canadian Australian UK pipeline regulation, guidance, data
Consequence of Failure Estimations
Resources to assist in understanding and assessing potential hazard zones and associated damages from pipeline failures: PHMSA leak study (pdf file) PHMSA valve study PIR natural gas (pdf file) PIR other products Potential Impact Radius Final Report June 2005 (pdf file) Study of pipelines that ruptured at stress below 30pct SMYS PPIM 2013 (pdf file) […]
Resistance Estimations
Resources to help identify how much resistance each pipeline component has to each force that threatens its integrity: possible weaknesses (pdf file) vintage pipe possible weaknesses (pdf file) dent study (pdf file) wrinkle study (pdf file) pressure testing Spike Hydrostatic Test Evaluation Final Report July2004 (pdf file) Kiefner Publications ILI
Mitigation Estimates
Resources to help identify and estimate the effectiveness of each mitigation measure that blocks or reduces the amounts of exposure to reach the pipeline. Public Awareness Programs Call 811 before you dig Pipeline Corrosion FINAL REPORT (pdf file)
Exposure Estimations
Resources to help identify and estimate the frequencies and aggressiveness of everything that might be ‘attacking’ the pipeline. US natural hazards database Waters SCC (pdf file) Mechanical damage report (pdf file) NTSB pipeline recommendations PHMSA advisory bulletins Corrosion (pdf file) US Soils database Fatigue estimation software Publications Template enabled Excel spreadsheet