Technology …

Can It Save Us?

- Toolbelt Evolution -

J. A. Drake, P.E.Director, Technical SerivcesDuke Energy Gas Transmission

The “Original” Toolbelt

• ASME B31.8 Gas Pipeline Code early 1950’s, defined standards for Design – Materials – Construction – Operations - Maintenance

• State of Technology in 1950– Corrosion managed with CP– Tar based coatings applied over the ditch– Hydrostatic testing very new – not consistently applied– X grade materials achieved strength via chemistry– Manufacturing capabilities limited– TPD managed by depth of cover, line markers and ROW

• Code developer recognized limitation of technology and imprecise tools

• Addressed by embedding conservative safety factors– Ramped up safety factors in higher consequence areas to

accommodate imprecise tools

Technology Evolved

• High pressure hydrostatic testing (1950’s)

• Materials technology

• Coating Technology

• In-Line Inspection –

• Direct Assessments (2000’s)

- High frequency welding(1960’s)- Fracture mechanics –

toughness (1990’s)- Controlled roIled steels – lower

chemistry (1980)- Milled applied coatings- FBE 1980’s- Standards Res (1980’s)- Hi – Res (1990’s)- Slope deformation/Hi Res Dent

(2000’s)- Crack Tools (liquids) (2000’s)

New Toolbelt• ASME B31.8 IMP

– Guidelines on maintenance & operations part of lifecycle– Provide clarity on threat criteria and tool applicability

– Define threat classes, - Time Dependent, Time Independent, Stable – better tool deployment

• IC/EC - Better biocides, piggability in designs, high resolutions ILI, better coatings, DA

• SCC - Better understandings of drivers, FBE coatings, temperature controls

• Materials - Higher pressure testing, chemistry controls, continuous cast/ controlled rolled steels, fracture toughness, mill inpsection technology

• Construction - Better welding, NDT, coatings, Hydrostatic Testing, Post Construction ILI

• Third Party Damage/Outside Force - Puncture resistivity, fracture control, One Call System, Public Awareness Programs, Surveillance, ILI

Toolbelt Users Manual• Safety performance statistics analysis defined:

– Stress is not primary determinant in failure frequency – More rigorous practices more them compensated for less conservative

safety factors

• No Silver bullets– Hammers and screws– Toolbelts diversity essential– Apply right/appropriate tool for this job– Multiple tools on single threat to address different dimensions or work as

fabric/multiple layers

• IMP Standards provide guidance/clarity– In place on maintenance and operations– Working to update balance of lifecycle

• Rules have a role in ensuring practice in deployed– But over prescription has a downside

• Technology is a part of the solution – Continue to define gaps in the toolbelt

• But, effective applications is essential