Pipeline Operation

The condition of a pipeline must be continually

monitored to
ensure that defects do not cause it to fail. This is
often done
through monitoring the pipeline using a
combination of
approaches:
. aerial surveillance;
. walking survey;
. intelligent inspection tools;
. SCADA system (supervisory control and data
acquisition
system);
. pipeline cathodic protection and coating surveys.
Typical frequencies of these types of survey are
shown in
Table 5.1. With the use of risk-based inspection
(see Chapter
3), inspection frequencies using intelligent
inspection tools
will vary between pipelines. Pipeline surveillance
involves
aerial surveillance using a helicopter to fly over the
pipeline
route, identifying any areas of activity that could
potentially
damage the pipeline. Foot patrol surveys are also
conducted,
to provide more detailed information. Both these
survey
methods can only tell the operator when there is a
risk of
third party damage. Damage due to internal or
external
corrosion is easily monitored through inspection
using
intelligent tools, or pigs.