Any Pipeline Rupture is a failure in risk management. BEAR engineers are on the ASME Piping Code Mechanical Design Committee. We have performed the most recent fracture assessment of the Alaska Pipeline and continually perform tests in our laboratory in Berkeley, California on all types of pipes and pipe materials to assess their strength and structural integrity.
Risk Process
Risk modeling typically starts with an event tree analysis that is supported by data collection, inspection and design re-appraisal (right). This allows key operating and damage events to be assessed individually and for their risk. The graph below shows the general risk failure rate of pipelines as a function of time.
Inspection Methods Depend on Damage Mechanisms
Damage Mechanism
Inspection/Detection Methods
Weld Fatigue, Incomplete Welding, and Cracking
Hydrostatic pressure test
Corrosion
Pigging, direct inspection, hydrostatic pressure testing
Third Party Damage, i.e. backhoe strikes and solid movement especially with older pipes.
Hydrostatic pressure testing
Note: only hydrostatic pressure testing can be used to detect and mitigate all common damage mechanisms
Testing Pipe Integrity in the BEAR Lab
BEAR engineers have the ability to set up unique tests to assess both normal and unusual operating conditions. The photograph below-left shows a fatigue test machine BEAR engineers built specifically to test refinery piping elbows with thin spots. The video below-right shows a high pressure burst test conducted at BEAR to confirm over-pressure resistance.
