Best Practices and Challenges for Pipeline Design and Construction in Populated Area

Abstract

Pipeline Design and Construction in populated areas to ensure Safety and Integrity of Pipeline System as well as Public Safety in the pipeline vicinity is a major challenge. GASCO is one of the largest gas processing companies in the world, and it is considered as the major energy and feedstock supplier for the majority of the power, hydrocarbon, and petrochemical industries based in the UAE. GASCO operates pipelines network having total length of approximately 3,500km, and supplies Sales (fuel) gas to the various consumers such as ADWEA, EMAL, ICAD, UAN Refinery etc. in UAE. GASCO Sales Gas Pipelines pass through populated/industrial/city areas such as Mussafah, Maqta, Yas-Island, Khalifa City, Al Raha and Shahama, etc. This paper presents the challenges and best practices adopted for Pipeline Design and Construction in GASCO Projects to ensure safety of the people in the vicinity, enhance process safety, improve integrity/reliability of the pipelines, minimize impact on normal operation and maintenance and reduce the risk of business interruption. Major challenges faced in populated area are the finalization of pipeline route in city area, proper and adequate design to protect the pipeline and subsequently ensuring public safety, minimum impact to the environment, consideration of future developments, construction activities in congested area/ crossings, protection of existing utilities/facilities and third party activities in the vicinity of pipeline. In GASCO Projects, during pipeline design in populated areas, it is ensured that minimum spacing requirement between pipeline and populated/residential area is as per GASCO Standard Practice, International Standards and QRA recommendations. Selection of Pipeline Location Class/Design Factor, maximum distance requirement between Sectionalizing Valves are complied with Pipeline Codes. Increasing Pipeline cover, Corridor Fencing, Markers and installing slabs for the pipeline protection from third party activities are other measures are taken into an account. The pipeline integrity is enhanced by considering remote operated block valves and pipeline leak detection system, increasing the frequency of Patrolling. Also conducting Pipeline Constructability review to identify the hazards during construction activities is very important. As a proactive approach, future developments in the vicinity of the pipeline is also considered. GASCO best practices are based on the requirements of Pipeline Codes, International Standards, industry practices, and GASCO Specifications/Standards and experiences from previous pipeline projects. The Best Practices followed in GASCO projects have ensured the safety of the public and GASCO pipelines for their safe, efficient and reliable operation. Confidence level in assuring integrity of pipelines is boosted. Similar approach will benefit the oil and gas industries for protecting pipelines and ensuring public safety in populated areas.

Modal Analysis and Flow through Sectionalized Pipeline Gate Valve Using FEA and CFD Technique

“…Tey concluded that the geometry of the relief valve is crucial to its performance, such as the coaxially of the disk. Pipeline codes have complied with a selection of design factors, pipeline location, and maximum distance requirements between sectionalized gate valves [6]. Switching valves enable the piping systems to be turned on and of.…”