|
|
Enterprise utilizes numerous safety measures to ensure that its pipelines operate in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment. The Mid-America Pipeline (MAPL) is a natural gas liquids (NGLs) pipeline operated by Enterprise Products Operating L.P. that runs from southwestern Wyoming though Utah and Colorado to southeastern New Mexico. Each of the measures listed below is a component of Enterprise’s overall pipeline safety program. Hydrostatic testing: This test will be used to ensure the integrity of the newly installed segments of pipeline. In this test, the new looping segments MAPL will be filled with water and pressurized to at least 125 per cent of the pipeline’s maximum operating pressure. During the test, pressure and temperature inside the pipeline are monitored and recorded to verify the system's integrity. Radiographic Inspection: Welds are made to join the ends of pipeline sections. Each new pipeline weld is radiographically inspected to ensure no defects exist. If weld defects are found, they are repaired and re-radiographed.
Supervisory control & data
acquisition (SCADA) Supervisory control & data acquisition (SCADA): SCADA remotely collects operating data from satellite communication units located along the pipeline. The data collected includes pressures, volume, and flow rate, as well as the status of all pumping equipment and remotely operated valves. This data is sent to the Enterprise control center's SCADA system. SCADA collects the data 24 hours a day, providing Enterprise with comprehensive information on every aspect of its pipeline. The SCADA system data is used to detect any changes in flow rate or pressure that might indicate a leak. The system automatically sends an alert to the controller if these changes are detected. (Return to top) Cathodic protection system: Cathodic protection is utilized to prevent external corrosion by applying a small electrical charge to the pipe. Required by federal pipeline regulations, cathodic protection reduces and prevents electrochemical reaction that can cause corrosion. Enterprise uses cathodic protection systems on its pipelines to protect them from corrosion. Regular testing is done and compared against industry standards and regulatory requirements. (Return to top) Close interval surveys: In close interval surveys, pipe-to-soil potentials are evaluated and adjusted to achieve the proper level of cathodic protection. The pipe-to-soil potentials are collected at intervals of approximately every three feet along the pipeline. These surveys assure that the protection systems are functioning properly along the entire length of the pipeline. Close interval surveys are not a regulatory requirement but are recognized as a state-of-the-art practice for corrosion control monitoring and are conducted as needed on Enterprise’s pipeline systems. (Return to top) Smart pig: A smart pig is an electronic instrument that is cylindrical in shape that is pushed through the pipeline. It contains sensor instrumentation that detects and records any irregularities in the pipeline. “Pigs” were originally developed to clean and swab the inside of the pipeline. Smart pigs employ technologies capable of detecting imperfections such as internal and external corrosion, changes in wall thickness, dents, gouges, and deformities in the pipe. Enterprise repairs irregularities that meet criteria outlined by federal law that are found during smart pigging. (Return to top) Depth-of-cover: Depth of cover refers to how deep a pipeline is buried as measured from the surface of the ground down to the top of the pipe. Depth-of-cover is determined by federal pipeline regulation and varies by terrain and the anticipated use of the right-of-way surface at the time of construction. (Return to top) Valve Spacing: Valves are installed along a pipeline system. Block valves are used to isolate segments of the pipeline or divert its flow. Check valves prevent reverse flow in the pipeline. Both types of valves are used to minimize release volume in the unlikely event of an incident. Regulations require that valves are located: in accessible locations, at pump stations, at storage tank areas, at mainline locations that will minimize impact from accidental discharge, at certain takeoff points, on each side of a water crossing that is more than 100 feet wide, and on each side of a reservoir holding water for human consumption. (Return to top) Right-of-Way Marking: Markers are used to alert the public and potential excavators to the existence of, and approximate location of, a pipeline. The NGL pipeline sits in a right-of-way corridor that includes other pipelines and utilities, all of which are marked. Above ground marker signs display a warning message, the product transported, the operating company's name and a 24-hour emergency phone number. (Return to top) Right-of-Way Monitoring: The pipeline right-of-way is the narrow strip of land, usually 50 feet to 100 feet wide, reserved for the pipeline and other utilities that may exist within the right-of-way corridor. Enterprise regularly inspects its pipeline routes by flying the pipeline rights-of-way at least 26 times a year. Enterprise also conducts navigable waterway inspections of underwater pipeline crossings utilizing divers and/or electronic methods in accordance with crossing permit requirements. (Return to top) "One Call" System: This is an underground facilities damage prevention program which is jointly sponsored by individual states, members of the pipeline industry, and other operators of underground facilities to alert excavators to the location of pipelines and utilities in an area before they perform digging or other excavation activities. Participation in One Call systems is required for operators of underground facilities. Outside force damage to pipelines by third parties is the leading single cause of releases. The goal of the One Call system is to prevent damage to the pipeline by third parties. An excavator calls the One Call Center prior to excavating and provides excavation location information. The center then alerts all underground utility companies and pipeline companies operating in the affected area. A pipeline operator receiving the alert notice will determine if their pipeline is in the impacted area and will show the excavator where the pipeline is located. Enterprise’s policy is to watch to make sure the excavator safely uncovers the pipeline and ensures that the pipeline is back-filled properly after the excavation is completed. Each state’s One-Call system provides a toll-free number so that excavators, constructors, landowners, and the general public can contact the center with certain information about a proposed excavation site. Enterprise distributes One Call information along with other pipeline safety information to right-of-way landowners and residents in its areas of operation.
Public Education and Damage Prevention ProgramsEnterprise has local, qualified technicians that perform routine maintenance and perform community outreach to keep landowners aware of the pipelines that cross their property. Enterprise, along with other pipeline operators, conducts annual meetings with emergency responders and excavators to provide updated information and participates in mock drills to ensure emergency response preparedness. (Return to top) |
|