An Analytical Approach for Pipeline Geohazard Management

Contamination of waterbodies as a result of hydrocarbon releases is one of the most undesirable events in our industry. Unfortunately, over the past few years, several major events have occurred around the globe, and geohazards have played a major role in many of these. Indeed, Pipeline Geohazard Management is a complex, multi-disciplinary process, heavily dependent on data integration and expert judgment. The current work presents a methodology that allows the identification of critical zones by assessing potential hydrocarbon release mechanisms that could affect waterbodies and adjacent areas, including: channel section pipeline failures, approach slope pipeline failures and spill path effects. The geological model is constructed based on datasets such as a digital elevation model (DEM), surficial geology and route geometry form. Additional datasets can also be derived to represent features such as drainage basins and slopes. The entire framework is being implemented on a data and integrity management platform that not only supports the integration of spatial, geological and general integrity management data (including multiple ILI data sets) but can also execute processes, such as stability analysis, and provide visualizations of results within a GIS (Geographic Information System) environment. Execution of semi-quantitative and quantitative risk assessments is also facilitated, as well as the elaboration of rehabilitation plans. To illustrate the methodology application and the platform capabilities, an anonymized, but real, case study is presented.