Pipeline Service Management

Integrity Management:
Any company operating oil and gas facilities has an ethical (and usually statutory) obligation to protect people and the environment.

To ensure continuity of supply, Operators must have in place comprehensive systems to prevent degradation, damage or failure of the asset, and to reduce the consequences of any loss or failure. This process is termed Integrity Management and BPA can help you develop systems to address mitigation of the five basic causes of failure:

Mechanical, Operational, Corrosion, Natural Hazards, and Third Party activity

Should the worst occur, BPA can ensure that appropriate emergency response systems and plans are in place (including the definition of repair methodologies) and that operators are trained to react effectively.

This aspect is examined in more detail here.

System Modification:
Many pipeline facilities are in safe and economic operation beyond their original 'design life' thanks to the development and implementation of sound Pipeline Integrity Management programmes. Most, over their life will also be subject to changes in configuration, due to the need for diversions, extensions, rehabilitation, enhancements, and even for a complete change of use. BPA has significant experience in implementing these changes, managing both the engineering and operational issues, and specialising in works on 'live' facilities.

Performance Enhancement:
Operators need to be sure that their systems are functioning at optimal efficiency - and BPA can offer you participation in its international performance benchmarking process. This is designed to indicate relative operating performance compared against other pipeline systems using key performance criteria.

As a result of this unique service, we have been involved in many projects that have improved the operational performance, or increased capacity of client systems, including cost reduction programmes, technical and organisational optimisation, and the research and development of the usage of 'Drag Reducing Agents' (DRA).

Decommissioning:
Once a decision is made to cease an operation, the most appropriate method must be chosen for decommissioning or 'mothballing' the facility.

Cost considerations may drive decisions to leave the asset in the ground - though longer term environmental liabilities will need to be considered. For example, thought needs to be given to the possibility of future corrosion allowing the ingress and egress of water, causing groundwater contamination.

If there is potential for future use for the pipeline, the owner should ensure that adequate corrosion protection schemes are employed in order to minimise the costs of future re-commissioning.

For all of these scenarios, BPA can provide experienced advice and recommendations.