such accidents in future, analysing the risk of corrosion-causing bacteria in the fluid being transported, avoiding producing environments in the pipeline that may be conducive to the incubation of bacteria and reducing and monitoring build up of water in the line. Along with the increased frequency of maintenance pigs and inspections using smart pigs, operators are increasing the sensitivity of leak detection systems and employing overflight of the lines using infrared detectors. Furthermore, geo pig runs are used to evaluate geological risks. O&G. What are the knock-on effects for the industry of ageing and poorly maintained pipelines? B de LR. As the infrastructure ages, the potential for failure with safety and environmental implications clearly increases, with potential for soil contamination due to pipeline contents leaking to the ground from small leaks and the possible need for additional booster stations because of increased pressure drop with the corrosion of the pipeline internal surfaces. O&G. What is needed to improve vigilance when it comes to detecting and dealing with corrosion?
B de LR. Some have suggested that legislation to mandate the intelligent pigging of pipelines at regular intervals with increased regularity with pipeline age and condition would be helpful, along with regular on-line inspection programmes, over line surveys and a proactive response to acting upon the results of inspection data. Regular assessment of pipelines should be made not only from the corrosion and coatings aspect but also from the perspective of ground use and land development over time. This is seen as particularly true in some countries where it needs to be mandated by the codes. O&G. When it comes to corrosion, is it the case that prevention is the best cure, and what technologies are out there to make monitoring and maintenance easier? B de LR. The more accurate results of online inspection, coupled with GPS technologies, now make it easier to efficiently maintain the pipeline – for example by targeting corroded sections of pipelines for replacement rather than entire pipelines. Corrosion is a natural process and attempts to either prevent it or make allowance for its occurrence must be made if pipeline integrity is to be maintained. There are many proven methods of detecting pipeline corrosion. The
Bruno de La Roussière graduated as a mechanical and mining engineer from the Ecole des Mines in Nancy, France and after working for four years, three of which were dedicated to Middle-Eastern projects in remote locations, he went back to university and obtained an MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau. He then served as general manager of subsidiaries in various Middle-Eastern countries before returning to Paris and rounding off his management experience. In 2002 he participated in the management buyout of Entrepose Contracting and in 2006/2007 in the acquisition of Spiecapag. Bruno is closely involved in IPLOCA’s Novel Construction Initiative as leader of the Contract Negotiating and Risk Sharing Work Group. The mission of the initiative is to stimulate innovation in the technology and processes required for execution of onshore pipeline projects.
continuous development of existing detection and repair methodologies should yield continuous improvement in the detection and repair of corroded elements. Prevention is the best cure but a lot of lines which have been installed over the years have experienced less than perfect operations, resulting in the design conditions being exceeded for both coatings and cp. Modern GIS-based technology can make a lot of the monitoring and recording easier.
KEY OBJECTIVES OF IPLOCA • To promote safety and to develop methods for the reduction and elimination of accidents and injury to contractors, employees in the industry, and all those engaged in, or affected by, operations and pipeline work. • To promote, foster and develop the science and practice of constructing onshore and offshore pipelines, and associated works. • To promote the protection of the environment and contribute to social, cultural and environmental development.
IPLOCA recognises its members’ efforts in these specific domains by making the following awards: • Health and Safety Award, sponsored by Chevron, given each year to three members or associate members who have succeeded in improving safety regulation and decreasing the number of accidents. • New Technologies Award, sponsored by BP, given every second year to a member or an associate member who has made a significant contribution to innovation in onshore cross-country pipeline construction. • Environmental Award, sponsored by Shell, given every second year to a member or an associate member who has made a significant contribution to reducing the impact of pipeline construction on the environment.
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