Reliability engineering application to pipeline design

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the application of reliability engineering to oil and gas (O&G) pipeline systems with the aim of identifying means through which reliability engineering can be used to improve pipeline integrity, specifically with regard to man-made incidents (e.g. material/weld/equipment failure, corrosion, incorrect operation and excavation damages). Design/methodology/approach A literature review was carried out on the application of reliability tools to O&G pipeline systems and four case studies are presented as examples of how reliability engineering can help to improve pipeline integrity. The scope of the paper is narrowed to four stages of the pipeline life cycle; the decommissioning stage is not part of this research. A survey was also carried out using a questionnaire to check the level of application of reliability tools in the O&G industry. Findings Data from survey and literature show that a reliability-centred approach can be applied and will improve pipeline reliability where applied; however, there are several hindrances to the effective application of reliability tools, the current methods are time based and focus mainly on design against failure rather than design for reliability. Research limitations/implications The tools identified do not cover the decommissioning of the pipeline system. Research validation sample size can be broadened to include more pipeline stakeholders/professionals. Pipeline integrity management systems are proprietary information and permission is required from stakeholders to do a detailed practical study. Originality/value This paper proposes the minimum applied reliability tools for application during the design, operation and maintenance phases targeted at the O&G industry. Critically, this paper provides a case for an integrated approach to applying reliability and maintenance tools that are required to reduce pipeline failure incidents in the O&G industry.

Reliability centered maintenance (RCM): literature review of current industry state of practice

“…Oil and gas pipelines are the safest and most efficient and effective mode of fluid transportation when compared to rail or road transport; however, the consequences of failure can be extreme. Omoya et al (2019) found that pipeline incidents on the US cost an average of $414 Million each year, not accounting for injuries or fatalities. More than 80% of pipeline incidents are the result of human actions with causes including: material, weld, and equipment failures; corrosion; incorrect operation; and excavation damages.…”

“…The application of reliability tools can reduce the number of pipeline incidents. Survey and literature data indicate a reliability-centered approach can be successfully applied to improve oil and gas pipeline reliability (Omoya et al, 2019). An RCM approach includes: (1) reliability centered designwhere an engineer can determine the root causes of failure and quantitatively determine which failure events are most likely to occur and thus focus on them during design with the aim of preventing them; (2) condition monitoringwhere monitoring of identified critical components and data gathering occurs; and (3) reliability centered maintenance which focuses on reducing the number of maintenance tasks that and ensures the reliability of the system.…”

“…Oil and gas pipelines are the safest and most efficient and effective mode of fluid transportation when compared to rail or road transport; however, the consequences of failure can be extreme. Omoya et al. (2019) found that pipeline incidents on the US cost an average of $414 Million each year, not accounting for injuries or fatalities.…”

“…The application of reliability tools can reduce the number of pipeline incidents. Survey and literature data indicate a reliability-centered approach can be successfully applied to improve oil and gas pipeline reliability (Omoya et al. , 2019).…”

Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) Study of an Ice Cream Industry

“…The application of reliability engineering to oil and gas pipeline systems was investigated by Omoya et al [30] to identify which reliability engineering can be used to improve the integrity of pipelines.Patil [31] identified critical human and organizational factors and their effects on the reliability and maintainability of computerized numerical control.Tsarouhas [32] investigated the implementation of six sigma (SS) strategy with RAM analysis in a bag sector under actual operating circumstances. Moreover, the time-dependent reliability of the harmonic drive was analyzed by Zhang et al [33].Jakkula et al [34] studied the reliability analysis of a load haul dumper in order to apply adequate maintenance management.…”