General Operation of Pipelines

1. Explain one key difference between operating a pipeline and operating a pipeline
company.
Answer: Operating a pipeline involves technical aspects like design and construction
while operating a pipeline company requires understanding business-related aspects.

2. List three disciplines of engineers and technicians required to form a good team for
operating a pipeline.
Answer: Pipeline engineering, corrosion control, and automatic control.

3. How has the use of modern computers and automatic control systems impacted the
workforce needed to run a pipeline system?
Answer: The use of modern technology has significantly decreased the number of
technical personnel needed to run a pipeline system.

4. Provide two examples of strategic parameters that influence how a pipeline system
should be operated.
Answer: Pump speed and head, mean velocity.

5. Explain why the operational strategy and parameters of a pipeline may change over time.
Answer: Changes in the demands of the population the pipeline serves can lead to a shift
in the pipeline's purpose, influencing operational strategies and parameters.

6. What should an operation manual for a pipeline include?

Answer: An operation manual should include details on operational strategy and
parameters, equipment, and procedures for routine and emergency situations.

7. Define SCADA and briefly describe its components.

Answer: SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. It includes a user-
friendly console, a server containing the database, and the MTU (master terminal unit)
communicating with RTUs (remote terminal units).

8. What is the role of the MTU in a SCADA system?

Answer: The MTU contains the database needed for operating the pipeline and
communicates with the RTUs at various stations.
9. Why is the proper shielding, grounding, and isolation of signal cables important in an
automatic control system for a pipeline?
Answer: It prevents interference from electromagnetic noise, ensuring accurate data
acquisition by the computer and, consequently, effective automatic control of the pipeline
system.

10. In the context of pipeline operation, what is the purpose of a Programmable Logic
Controller (PLC)?
Answer: PLCs are used to perform complex tasks in a pipeline system, translating analog
signals from instruments or transducers into digital signals that can be analyzed by
computers for control purposes.

11. Why might the operational strategy and parameters of a pipeline change over time, and
how does this impact the ongoing operation of the pipeline?
Answer: Changes in population demands may prompt a shift in the pipeline's purpose,
leading to modifications in operational strategy and parameters. This dynamic nature
highlights the influence of external factors on ongoing pipeline operation.

12. Explain the relationship between pipeline purpose and strategic parameters, providing an
example of how a change in purpose can affect operational details.
Answer: The purpose of a pipeline determines its strategic parameters. For instance, if a
pipeline designed for crude oil transport is repurposed for natural gas, the operational
strategy and parameters, such as pressure requirements, would need adjustment to align
with the new purpose.

13. How do automatic control systems in pipelines rely on a multitude of instruments, and
what challenges might arise if these instruments are not properly maintained?
Answer: Automatic control systems utilize instruments like flowmeters and sensors to
collect data. If not properly maintained, these instruments may provide inaccurate data,
compromising the system's efficiency and potentially leading to operational issues.

14. Describe the role of the MTU in a SCADA system, emphasizing its significance in
ensuring effective communication with remote stations.
Answer: The MTU acts as the communication hub, connecting the SCADA system to
remote stations. Its role is crucial in maintaining seamless communication with RTUs.
Emphasizing its significance tests understanding of the SCADA system's architecture.
15. In what scenario might insufficient attention to detail in the installation of signal cables
adversely affect the automatic control of a pipeline system, and what could be the
potential consequences?
Answer: If signal cables are not properly shielded, grounded, and isolated,
electromagnetic noise can interfere with data acquisition. Poor data quality can lead to
suboptimal automatic control, potentially causing operational inefficiencies or even
safety risks.

Integrity Monitoring and Leak Detection

16. What are the most common causes of pipeline leaks and ruptures?

Third-party damage and corrosion.

17. Why is a leak in a high-pressure steel pipeline considered a serious problem?

High-pressure steel pipelines pose a significant risk in terms of safety and environmental
impact.
18. What are the main causes of pipeline leaks and ruptures, aside from third-party damage
and corrosion?

Aging pipes, material defects, and external forces.

19. How does the seriousness of a leak depend on the type of fluid transported?

Fluids like oil and gas pose a greater threat due to environmental and public health
concerns.
20. Which type of pipeline faces the greatest threat from explosion and fire in the event of a
leak or rupture?

Natural gas pipelines.

21. Name some common methods used for pipeline leak detection.

Mass-Balance Method, Pressure-Drop Method, Computational Modeling, Visual and

Photographic Observations, Ground-Penetrating Radar, Pigs, and Dogs.
22. What is the Mass-Balance Method used for in leak detection?

It calculates the amount of flow due to leakage or rupture but may not be accurate for
leaks less than 1%.
23. How does the Pressure-Drop Method detect pipeline leaks?

It identifies sudden pressure drops along the pipe using pressure transducers.
24. How can Computational Modeling of Pipeline Systems assist in leak detection?
 It incorporates mass-balance and pressure-drop methods into a computer program to
predict abnormal conditions in the pipeline system.
25. How can Visual and Photographic Observations help in detecting pipeline leaks?

Leaks can be observed visually in the pipeline surroundings, and photos can be taken for
further analysis.
26. What is Pigging in the context of pipeline maintenance?

Pigging involves using a device (pig) inside the pipe, often equipped with special sensors,
to detect leaks while in close contact with the pipeline.
27. How are dogs utilized in pipeline leak detection?

Trained dogs, similar to those used by law enforcement, can sniff out leaks by detecting
specific odors associated with pipeline substances.

Integrity Management Programs and Standard Pipeline Maintenance

28. What is the main objective of an Integrity Management Program (IMP) for pipelines?
Answer: The main objective is to issue effective regulations to improve safety in pipeline
operations.

29. Why can the application of safety regulations in pipeline operations be costly, and how
does it impact production costs?
Answer: Applying safety regulations can be costly, leading to a significant increase in
production costs.

30. What are high-consequence areas in the context of pipeline integrity management, and
what factors define them?
Answer: High-consequence areas include locations with a higher population, housing
areas, facilities with restricted mobility, or those near high-pressure pipelines.

31. Define risk-based management in the context of pipeline safety.

Answer: Risk-based management prioritizes attention to the riskiest items by evaluating
the probability (P) multiplied by the severity or consequence (C) of potential events.

32. Provide an example calculation of risk using the probability and consequence formula in
the context of a natural gas pipeline explosion.
Answer: Risk (R) = Probability (P) * Consequence (C). Example calculation: R = 0.01 *
$100 million = $1 million.

33. What alternative options might a pipeline operator consider to manage risk, and how does
economic life extension factor into the decision-making process?
 Answer: Alternatives may include improving pipe conditions to lower the probability or
considering infrastructure improvement. Economic life extension, as seen in an example,
can impact the overall decision-making process.

34. What are the two main categories of pipeline maintenance, and how does routine
maintenance differ from renovation?
Answer: Pipeline maintenance includes routine maintenance and renovation. Routine
maintenance aims to keep the pipeline functioning smoothly without necessarily
extending its useful life.

35. What does routine maintenance of pipelines entail, and which components are included in
the maintenance process?
Answer: Routine maintenance involves periodic checks of cathodic protection, pressure
testing, inspection of corroded or damaged pipes, and pigging. It also includes
maintaining pumps, motors, valves, flowmeters, and transducers.

36. Explain the purpose of renovation (rehabilitation) in pipeline maintenance, and provide
examples of measures taken for seriously corroded pipes.
Answer: Renovation involves more costly measures for both exterior and interior parts of
a pipeline. Examples include installing in situ linings or smaller new pipes inside the old
ones.

37. How has technology, particularly trenchless technologies, impacted the renovation of
corroded steel pipes used for transporting natural gas and petroleum?
Answer: Trenchless technologies, initially used for water and sewer pipes, are gradually
finding applications in renovating corroded steel pipes for natural gas and petroleum
transport. Ongoing research and development contribute to improving maintenance
solutions for high-pressure steel pipes.