A relatively new, but growing market is monitoring and analyses of existing pipelines that have been in-service for some time. The goal of an effective pipeline integrity maintenance program is to ensure that the limited resources available are utilized most effectively in reducing the risks posed by pipeline failures to life, the environment and financial assets. The Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (IMR) philosophy is usually implemented within the framework of an Operational Integrity Management System. A key to the success of this type of approach is that an effective condition monitoring system in put into place.

IMR philosophy summarised below represents a pragmatic approach:

• Provision of a ‘fit-for-purpose’ design.
• Regular surveys during the early stages of the pipeline life.
• Reanalysis of the system based on the survey results and pipeline behaviour.
• Definition of remedial actions, if necessary.
• Implementation of remedial work, if any.
• Re-assessment of the survey requirements and schedule.

Other inspections of the pipeline system are required during the life to be joined with software (integrated database) tools capable to collect & organize data gathered during surveys and to analyse them in order to detect changes in the pipeline behaviour and evaluate trends both of the infrastructure and the concerned environment during the operational life.

SPS has extensive experience in developing inspection plans. Using reliability data collected from years of operation, our engineers recommend inspection methods and frequencies, and propose modifications and enhancements to increase system performance. We are able to generate work-scope with component’s identification and to built-up/manage dedicated software tools and/or using client’s ones.