Trending, Analysis & Development
Strengthening the Database
In addition to detailed evaluation of the pipe, investigative digs provide an opportunity to study the area's topography, soil condition, land use, and water drainage patterns. Samples collected during excavations are later analyzed and become part of a database that allows for a more proactive approach to dealing with potential problems. With every year of operating experience and every bit of information added to the database, Enbridge Pipelines refines its long-term integrity programs.
Landscape Model
Since pipeline problems such as Stress Corrosion Cracking are known to occur under certain water drainage, topography and soil conditions, Enbridge Pipelines uses this knowledge to develop landscape models. Blending an awareness of the environmental conditions that have been shown to lead to SCC with data Enbridge has collected on soil conditions and pipeline coatings helps the Company predict where potential SCC conditions may exist.
^ top of page Corrosion Growth Trending
As a tool to predict corrosion growth rates and guide in-line inspection frequency, Enbridge employs a sophisticated statistical analysis called corrosion growth modeling. This process is a feature-by-feature "matching" of successive In-Line Inspection runs in order to ascertain historical corrosion growth rates and thus predict corrosion size at various times in the future.
Data Validation
As a means to constantly improve the quality and accuracy of the In-Line Inspection program, Enbridge conducts routine statistical assessments of the ILI data, comparing it to data collected during pipe excavation and repair. Any substantial variance between pipeline anomalies predicted by an ILI tool and those observed during field excavations are reported to the ILI vendor. This process enables accuracy of the tools to be constantly refined and ensures anomalies requiring investigation and/or repair are identified and addressed.
^ top of page Toward an Even Safer Future
Pipeline systems are one of the safest means of transportation. That conclusion is based on operating experience, and on comprehensive studies considering everything from the frequency of pipeline incidents and their consequences to the number of persons and environments exposed to such incidents. Working alone and as part of a joint industry program, Enbridge Pipelines continues to evaluate various alternatives to enhance safety by analyzing the benefits of the Company's inspection and maintenance activities.
Enbridge's goals for pipeline safety and reliability remain simple and straightforward. Enbridge Pipelines' integrity management programs are designed to ensure the safety and well-being not only of the pipeline system, but of the communities and the environment near the pipeline right-of-way.
Each year, Canada's pipeline industry invests millions of dollars in research and development. As an industry leader, Enbridge Pipelines will continue to investigate and adopt new products and techniques to help enhance the operational efficiency and safety of the Enbridge pipeline network. New pipe coatings, innovative diagnostic and maintenance tools, and increasingly sophisticated predictive models are just some of the advances that will help Enbridge meet its on-going commitment to pipeline safety and reliability.
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