W
hat causes integrity managers and corrosion supervisors to lose sleep
at night? Uncertainty. Uncertainty about the true condition of the
pipelines they are charged with protecting from corrosion failures;
uncertainty about the thoroughness of past inspection techniques
used to monitor the pipeline system; uncertainty about the ageing coating systems
on pipelines; and uncertainty about the true effectiveness of the cathodic protection
(CP) system.
CPCM inspection
Although pipeline safety regulations are periodically re-evaluated to ensure
the safe transportation of hazardous products, protecting the public and the
environment from pipeline safety-related incidents, is that enough? Knowledge
is the key to minimising uncertainty, resulting in better decisions regarding the
integrity of pipelines. Technological advances have provided the necessary tools
for assessing the condition of pipelines. Inline metal loss inspections and rigorous
integrity management plans provide greater confidence in the condition of a
pipeline than hydrostatic testing ever did. Yet, when it comes to the CP side of
Dennis Janda and David Williams, Baker Hughes
Process and Pipeline Services, USA,
offer an
enhanced strategy to help eliminate the uncertainty
of pipeline cathodic protection and integrity
evaluations.
43
