Significant insights into risk are routinely missed when certain risk assessment methodologies are used. This article examines some fundamental differences between QRA techniques in terms of how they catch—and potentially miss—important evidence. PIN_October_2019_Risk Management
Topic: Myths and Misconceptions
Problems With Industry Guidance Docs
Since 2011, there have been attempts to update the ASME B31.8s document with regards to threats and risk assessment. The lack of updates to this important guidance document has resulted in continuing confusion for industry practitioners and wastes of resources on non-issues such as ‘threat interaction’ (which is almost entirely caused by the B31.8S language. […]
Analyses, Applications, Myths and Misconceptions, Risk Assessment, Risk Assessment Methodologies, Risk Management, What's New?
“Don’t Worry — We did an ILI”
Many newbies in our industry have never been without the ability to ILI a pipeline. ILI is now considered a normal and essential part of owning and operating many pipelines. However, we should take a moment to make sure we are not losing perspective. Let’s recall our origins. When ILI first became a practical tool, […]
Avoiding Missteps: Risk vs Rate of Risk
Forming a strategy to mitigate pipeline risks can be complicated by how the length of an asset impacts the numbers. Data and statistics must be carefully considered and interpreted in light of the ‘length’ factor. This article discusses a subtle but critical aspect of understanding risk on a long, linear asset like a pipeline. Risk […]
Seduced by graphics: the myth of risk management by images
While there are a number of visual techniques that can help in interpreting large amounts of data, many graphical analyses provide little to no value for in-depth risk assessment. Here we explore some common graphical techniques and discusses why they can’t replace data analyses in risk management. Seduced by Graphics: The Myth of Risk Management […]
Interview
The Outlook for Pipeline Risk Assessment A 2014* Interview with W. Kent Muhlbauer *but still relevant! PHMSA has recently expressed criticism regarding how Integrity Management Plan (IMP) risk assessment (RA) for pipelines is being conducted. Do you also see problems? There is a wide range of practice among pipeline operators right now. Some RA is […]
Words Matter
Risk Concepts sometimes harbor challenges in understanding and communications. This means that we must employ extra care in our choice of language when discussing risk issues. Read the article (pdf file)
Updating guidance documents for pipeline threat identification and risk assessment
Unfortunately, the US guidance documents for pipeline risk assessment are still not up to date. This continues to be a source of confusion for some and frustration for others. Please click this link to read the pdf file of this article.
Troubles with Weightings
There is currently great disparity in approaches and level of rigor applied to risk assessment by pipeline operators. This is largely due to the absence of complete standards or guidelines covering this complex topic. The disparity leads to inconsistent and problematic risk management, as was discussed in a previous column. Most operators desire sound and […]
Pipeline Risk Assessment–The Trouble with Weightings
Tackling specifics of pipeline risk in bite-sized portions to make this challenging subject more approachable. Troubles with Weightings There is currently great disparity in approaches and level of rigor applied to risk assessment by pipeline operators. This is largely due to the absence of complete standards or guidelines covering this complex topic. The disparity leads […]