Pipeline Integrity, Inspection, and Maintenance in the Oil & Gas Industry

Introduction:

In the current oil and gas operations, pipeline systems enhance operational efficiency. This training course on oil and gas pipeline integrity, inspection, and maintenance offers insight into the key characteristics crucial for effective pipeline operation across all engineering disciplines.

Participants will study how pipelines work with flow-moving devices, such as pumps and compressors, and explore the characteristics of pump and compressor stations.

The course will focus on critical inspection points for gas pipelines and the relevant API standards testing procedures. More detailed cleaning methods and other maintenance activities, such as component repair for failure prevention, will also be addressed. Ensuring reliability at all times is a constant concern within the oil and gas pipeline industry.

The main purpose of this course is to prepare professionals interested in advancing their knowledge of pipeline integrity, with a focus on the latest inspection and maintenance practices while encapsulating safety aspects within the industry.

Objectives:

At the end of this oil and gas pipeline integrity, inspection, and maintenance course, participants will be able to:

• Illustrate the operating rules and norms supporting the safe operation and maintenance of pipelines for various industrial applications.
• Acquire task knowledge and awareness of practical operation and maintenance activities.
• Apply the concepts explained and gain valuable practice in the development of these concepts.
• Adhere to instruction documents, standard operating procedures, and good industrial practices in the operation, control, care, inspection, and testing of pipelines.

Training Methodology:

• Lectures
• Hands-on workshops
• Case studies
• Group discussions
• Field visits
• Demonstrations of inspection techniques
• Interactive simulations
• Quizzes and assessments
• Video presentations
• Expert guest speakers

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Overview of Technical Characteristics of Pipelines

• Pipeline design and analysis criteria selection: Flow Rate, MAWP, and Pumping Power: ASME B31.3.
• Selection and choosing pipes material and its reaction with working fluid.
• Pump and compressor stations operation and management.
• Control of pipeline flow and quantity measurement: custody transfer.

Unit 2: Operation & Material Deterioration

• Ageing of the pipeline material, erosion, inner and outer corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking.
• Corrosion Assessment without Direct Measurements: Externally (ECDA) and Internally (ICDA).
• Wrapping, coating, cathodic protection, and other technologies: outer & inner surface.
• In-line inspection (ILI) for measurement of metal loss and smart pigging (NDT) for monitoring.
• Pipes and pipelines fatigue, cracks, seams, and other defects, including ductile ruptures.

Unit 3: Operation & Safety Management

• Instrumentation for Safety, Control Valves & Safety Devices and Accessories controlling.
• Describing issues such as transitory regimen and water hammer and its effects.
• Identifying pipeline failure causes and preventive measures.
• Methods of LDAR Leak Detection and Surveillance: SCADA.
• Inspection (RBI), Hydrostatic testing.

Unit 4: Maintenance Technologies and Processes

• Technologies for pipeline maintenance and cleaning; pipeline rehabilitation.
• Pipe support load bearing and vibration; pipe vibration monitoring.
• Pipe repair technologies – composite sleeve weld-on and segment replacement.
• Maintenance of valves, fittings, and units.
• Valve maintenance: hot-sap clay stop-off, temporary exclusion via hot tapping.

Unit 5: Functional Testing and Monitoring in Operating Conditions

• Hydrostatic pressure testing procedures, maximum allowable working pressure, and hydrostatic testing.
• Operational reliability and availability of gas pipeline facilities.
• Risk-based inspection.
• Fitness for service.
• Remaining life prediction.

Unit 6: Environmental Impact Assessment and Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Enhancement

• Impacts on the environment due to construction, operation, and decommissioning of pipelines.
• Application of ‘green’ practices in managing pipelines – reduction of carbon footprint and emissions.
• Environmental regulatory requirements relevant to pipeline operations.
• Use of green technologies and alternative energy sources in constructing pipeline facilities.
• Evaluation and management of environmental risks, such as spills, habitat destruction, and water pollution.

Unit 7: Advanced Technologies & Innovations

• Investigation of new methods of impact or development, such as robotics, drones, or AI-based control systems.
• Employment of reconnaissance and supervision solutions for in-house and outdoor data telemetry.
• Creating “smart pipes” capable of forecasting and predicting pipeline network breakdown.
• Embedding secure blockchain technology in pipeline operations and transactions.
• Use of improved materials and coatings for increased service life, corrosion protection, and preventing leakages.