An Investigation Into the Benefits of Employing Multiple Assessments Methods for High Risk Pipelines

Abstract

Selecting the appropriate assessment method for a pipeline system requires an understanding of the pipeline segment, the potential threats to the pipeline segment, and the various assessment methods and technologies available along with their performance capabilities. Each assessment method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages depending on the pipeline and threat being assessed. In most cases, the assessment of a pipeline segment using one method is sufficient for the management of that threat or threats. However, for high risk pipelines (driven by likelihood, consequence, or both), this paper explores the potential benefits of leveraging one or more assessment methods by examining a number of scenarios with a specific focus on the management of cracks within a pipeline segment. It looks at the benefits of multiple assessment methods employed at the same intervals but in varying order.