Technology …
Can It Save Us?
- Toolbelt Evolution -
J. A. Drake, P.E.
Director, Technical Serivces
Duke 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 - High frequency welding(1960’s)
- Fracture mechanics –
toughness (1990’s)
- Controlled roIled steels – lower
chemistry (1980)
• Coating Technology
- Milled applied coatings
- FBE 1980’s
• In-Line Inspection – - Standards Res (1980’s)
- Hi – Res (1990’s)
- Slope deformation/Hi Res Dent
(2000’s)
- Crack Tools (liquids) (2000’s)
• Direct Assessments (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