Defect Assessment/Pipeline Integrity

Pipeline safety can be adversely affected by corrosion-caused metal loss, previous excavation damage, dents left over from construction, stress-corrosion cracking, pressure-cycle-induced fatigue, hydrogen blisters and cracks, and manufacturing defects. How do you know whether a particular pipeline is at risk from one or more of these problems? Is smart pigging needed? Is hydrostatic testing? Specialists at Kiefner and Associates, Inc. can help you define the extent of these problems. We have the knowledge and experience to help you choose the best solution for your particular needs. Typical studies we perform include:

• Assessing a pipeline to define the most important integrity issues
• Predicting the effects of pressure cycles on existing pipelines
• Ranking anomalies found by smart pigs by probability-of-failure methods
• Defining the safe way to evaluate and operate a pipeline comprised of pre-1970 ERW pipe or lap-welded pipe
• Recommending strategies for maintaining an acceptable level of pipeline integrity
• Evaluating particular defects or types of defects with respect to their effect on pipeline integrity.

Our experts include the developers of theB31G/RSTRENG methodology, an individual who has managed smart-pigging programs for a major pipeline operator, and individuals who have pioneered the concept of "operational reliability assessment" for a pipeline. Call us to discus your pipeline problem in confidence. We also provide a training course called Pipeline Reliability Assessment.