Pipelines must be regularly inspected to ensure they are free of leaks and malfunctions. Such inspections are crucial because a damaged pipeline is a safety hazard that poses a threat to both people and the environment. Due to increases in cost and stricter government regulations, today oil and gas companies often hire an independent company to perform pipeline inspections. Such a company performs a multitude of tasks for a client.
Government Compliance
One of the primary tasks of an independent inspection company is ensuring compliance with the PHMSA. Known fully as the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, PHMSA performs routine inspections on the more than 2 million miles of pipeline that cross the United States, such inspections are known to be extremely rigorous. Furthermore, the penalty for violations can be harsh. The administration’s website states fines range from $500 to $50,000.
Pipeline Integrity
A key part of government inspections is, of course, checking for cracks and leakages. In addition to government compliance, damages to the integrity of the pipe are a safety hazard to both the environment and people, not to mention costly if left unchecked. Therefore, one of the primary responsibilities of pipeline inspection companies is pipe integrity. Generally, an inspection company will develop an integrity program which may include some of the following:
– The Documentation of PHMSA compliance
– Identifying HCA or “high consequence areas.” HCA’s are areas that a pipeline runs under that contain fragile environments or high concentrations of people.
– Identifying all defects such as leakages and cracks and determining the best methods for repair.
– Developing a plan of action in the instance of severe damage to the pipeline or the compromise of an HCA.
Pipeline inspection companies provide valuable services for all organizations utilizing industrial pipelines. Although often costly, they are able to perform many different tasks to ensure a company’s pipelines are operating efficiently. They often have the capabilities to perform routine maintenance and rehabilitation in addition to inspection. With the burgeoning of the oil and gas industry in North America and the increasing government regulation of the industry, more and more inspection companies will begin to appear.
