Program to Evaluate Readiness Levels of Pipeline-Oriented Technologies

Technology plays a critical role in the oil and gas sector, and the pipeline industry is no exception. Maintaining the integrity of high pressure oil and gas pipeline requires the use of advanced technologies. A challenge that confronts every pipeline operator is the risk posed in the deployment of unproven technologies, especially those associated with the inspection, assessment, monitoring, and rehabilitation of their systems. Use of unproven technologies and concepts puts pipeline operators at risk. The concept of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), commonly used in the aerospace and defense industries, provides the pipeline industry with a proven means for evaluating and assessing technologies used to enhance integrity management efforts. This paper presents details on technology readiness levels ranging from Proof of Concept to System Operation. The adoption and implementation of the TRL approach will minimize operator risk and foster the deployment of advanced technologies, thus enhancing the safe operation of high pressure pipelines. Three TRL-oriented case studies will be included evaluating the monitoring of pipelines using fiber optics, inspection using three-dimensional imaging, and reinforcement using optimized composite technologies.