Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMS) links processes of pipeline management and an Integrity Management Program (IMP). The aim is continuously improving pipeline integrity and sustaining risk reduction. The focus is to establish a program that followsindustry best practices, gives a long-term decision support toolto the pipeline owner and the operator, and instils confidencein public about the safe operations of pipeline passing throughtheir neighbourhood.
The PIMS process typically begins with a review of the risksassociated with the specific pipeline systems or a segment ofthe system, compares it with the risk management concepts and methodologies, and then focuses on the most effective techniquesthat can be applied.
PIMS process can be structured so that it is appropriate forapplication, either to a new or an existing pipeline system.LifeTech PIMS program consists below tasks as minimum:
- Assess and verify the current level of the pipeline integrity
- Assessment and verification based on the current conditions and future foreseeable conditions
- Verify the effect on Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP), Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) and Operating Pressure (OP) over the period of time.
- Establish a corrosion monitoring and mitigation system
- Assist in preparing operation manual for pipelines
- To provide a series of pipeline Repair & Rehabilitation elements that support Company with the identification and integration of workflow, the supervision of task completion and the review of incremental progress toward pipeline management Goals and Objectives.
PIMS program aims to combine the concepts describe in differentinternational codes and standards, best practices or procedures to clean, safe and economic operation of the pipelines. Some of main documents which are used in PIMS program are listed below:
- – API 1160, Managing System Integrity for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
- – ASME B 31.8S, Managing System Integrity of Gas Pipeline
- – DNVGL RP F116, Integrity Management of Submarine Pipeline System
- – DNVGL RP F206, Integrity Management
- – API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, Fitness for Service
- – API 1173, Pipeline Safety Management Systems
- – API 1178, Integrity Data Management and Integration Guideline
- – ASME B 31G,Manual for Determining the Remaining Strength of Corroded Pipeline
- – NACE SP 0102, In-Line Inspection of Pipelines
- – DNV RP F103, Cathodic Protection of Submarine Pipeline by Galvanic Anodes
- – ANSI/NACE SP0502-2010, Pipeline External Corrosion Direct Assessment Methodology
- – SP0206-2016, Internal Corrosion Direct Assessment Methodology for Pipelines Carrying Normally Dry Natural Gas (DG-ICDA)
References:
- Singh, Ramesh. Pipeline Integrity: Management and Risk Evaluation. Gulf Professional Publishing, 2017.
- Mora, R.G., Hopkins, P., Cote, E.I. and Shie, T., 2016. Pipeline Integrity Management Systems: A Practical Approach. New York: ASME Press.