This paper will outline the framework of effective Pipeline Integrity Management as it is used in Shell. Pipeline Integrity Management is a holistic, multi - disciplinary management system designed to ensure our pipeline asset:
• is safe to operate today and till end of required life,
• does not harm people,
• does not pollute the environment,
• transports fluids effectively and efficiently, to the desired optimal level, to meet customers’ needs whilst being responsible to the communities we operate in.
The pipeline asset or system requires a careful definition to ensure that boundaries are well understood and interfaces between allied systems are clearly managed.
Pipeline Integrity Management requires a systematic, …show more content…
Pipeline Integrity initiatives are also closely linked to the wider Shell standard for overall Asset Integrity Process Safety Management (AIPSM) that was introduced in 2009, covering design, technical, operating integrity and associated leadership behaviours that ultimately aspire to demonstrate that “Our assets are safe and we know it”.
‘Asset Integrity’ is defined in Shell as the ability of the asset to perform its required function effectively and efficiently whilst safeguarding life and environment.
‘Process Safety’ is defined as the management of Hazards that can give rise to major accidents involving release of potentially dangerous materials, release of energy (such as fire or explosion) or …show more content…
Operating Integrity is achieved when the asset is being operated as intended, such that it can achieve the production target without attracting undue risk to personnel, environment or assets.
Technical Integrity is concerned with establishing and maintaining hardware (technical) barriers that prevent the release or mitigate the impact of major accident hazards that can harm people, environment, or asset value.
In comparison, operational integrity addresses operating within an asset's operating envelope, as defined by those technical barriers. Together design, operating and technical integrity constitute overall asset integrity.
The focus of Technical Integrity Management is therefore first to establish the technical integrity of an asset (through design, construction and commissioning) and then to safeguard technical integrity (through operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair) during the asset's