Pipeline Integrity

	As an industry pioneer, Enbridge is proud of its role in helping to build Canada's reputation as a world leader in pipeline design, construction, safety and reliability.

From its inception in 1949, Enbridge Pipelines has invested heavily in pipeline safety though a branch of technology known as Pipeline Integrity management and maintenance, which encompasses all of the tools, technologies, and strategies needed to ensure pipeline networks have the strength and operating 'fitness' to do their job safely and reliably.

For Enbridge - as well as the landowners and communities along the right-of-way - this focus on pipeline integrity has enormous implications. It's a major step towards ensuring safe, incident-free operations on one of the longest and most complex liquid hydrocarbon pipelines in the world that transports more than 2 million barrels of liquid petroleum resources every day. Central to this focus are a series of integrated integrity management programs:

Prevention

Enbridge's integrity management program involves prevention measures including external coating and cathodic protection of the pipe in order to minimize the potential for corrosion. Regular training and rigorous qualification procedures for pipeline workers also help to ensure safe and efficient operation of the pipeline.
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Monitoring

Since the first inspection using high-resolution In-Line Inspection tools, referred to as "smart pigs", in 1972, more than 350 separate in-line inspection runs have been completed on different sections of the Enbridge Pipelines system using geometry, metal loss and crack detection tools. Enbridge Pipelines retains records and up-to-date databases in regards to inspection runs completed to date, along with long-range plans for subsequent inspection of each individual pipeline on the Enbridge system. Enbridge also operates a routine aircraft patrol providing regular visual inspections of the entire pipeline right-of-way.
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Mitigation

Defects identified through monitoring are categorized using comprehensive fitness-for-purpose criteria. The need for remedial action or repair work is based on the goal of ensuring a long-life asset and preventing failures. Defects that do not meet acceptance levels will be subject to maintenance activities.
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Trending, Analysis & Development

Enbridge integrity management policy and procedures are developed by applying engineering judgment that draws on operational experience to specify the types and frequency of required integrity activities. Data gathered from these activities is trended and analyzed in order to improve the effectiveness of the programs. Specifications and procedures are amended as needed, and key trends provide guidance for program development.
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