Operations and Maintenance of Oil and Gas Pipelines

Introduction:

Pipeline systems within the oil and gas industry are crucial for industrial operations. This comprehensive training course targets middle managers responsible for efficient pipeline management across various engineering environments.

The course emphasizes the interaction between petroleum pipelines and flow-moving devices, such as pumps and compressors, focusing on their operational aspects and features related to pump and compressor stations.

Participants will gain valuable knowledge on pipe inspection and testing in line with API standards, and address deficiencies in pipeline systems, including maintenance procedures, cleaning methods, and repairs, to enhance operational safety and effectiveness.

Objectives:

By the end of the oil and gas pipeline maintenance and operations course, participants will:

• Plan for the efficient and safe operation of pipelines.
• Understand methods for pipeline flow control and measurement.
• Identify causes and reasons for material degradation, including aging and workload effects.
• Implement maintenance and cleaning procedures to ensure efficient pipeline operation.
• Schedule inspections and assess the remaining service life of pipeline systems.

Training Methodology:

• Interactive lectures
• Case studies
• Hands-on exercises
• Equipment demonstrations
• Group discussions
• Site tours
• Problem-solving exercises
• Technical workshops

Course Outline:

Unit 1: The Technical Attributes of Pipelines

• Pipeline selection and sizing: Flow rate, Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP), and pumping power optimization per ASME B31.3 codes.
• Pipeline and pipework choices related to working fluids.
• Mechanics of pump and compressor stations.
• Pipeline flow measurement and control, focusing on custody transfer.

Unit 2: Operation and Degradation of Materials

• Aging processes in pipeline materials: Wear and tear, corrosion, and stress corrosion.
• Corrosion Direct Assessment and E&I assessment of the line pipe.
• Anti-corrosion methods: Wrapping, coating techniques, and cathodic protection systems.
• Periodic metal loss inspection and ongoing NDT techniques like intelligent pigging.
• Evaluation of pipework fatigue, crack detection, seam defects, and rupture countermeasures.

Unit 3: Management & Operation of Safety

• Use of control valves and other safety instruments.
• Supervision of non-steady state operations and understanding water hammer effects.
• Design action plans to prevent pipeline penetration failure and conduct root cause analysis.
• Leak detection techniques and monitoring using SCADA systems.
• Management of inspection, Risk Based Inspection (RBI), and hydrostatic testing.

Unit 4: Pipeline Maintenance and Repair Measures

• Innovative improvements in pipeline restoration and maintenance, including plugged repair techniques.
• Assessment of pipeline vibrations and support system conditions.
• High-tech replacement methods: Welding pipe sleeves and segment weld-in replacements.
• Periodic maintenance of pipeline components: Valves, fittings, and hardware.
• Valve restoration methods: Stopple and hot tapping techniques.

Unit 5: Operational Tests & Control Monitor Logs

• Hydrostatic pressure testing: Determining operating pressures and specifications.
• Investigation of operational properties of active pipelines.
• Risk-based inspection for looped pipes.
• Fitness for service assessment.
• Estimation of remaining useful life of pipeline equipment.