Combined metal loss, dents and cracks are as a major concern for pipeline operators. They must constantly adjust their integrity management practices to keep pace with growing knowledge in the field of defect assessment, in which inline inspection tools are a major input.
TRAPIL, the French leader operator in the transportation of energy products via pipeline networks, has implemented a crack risk management integrity policy for many years.
Following the discovery of a few combined metal loss, dent and crack defects on its main line, TRAPIL conducted a series of analyses aimed at improving management of the risk associated with this type of combination. These analyses included various metallurgical examinations and a retrospective data analysis from previous inline inspections. This led to carrying out control excavations.
Subsequently, the integrity policy was updated following this feedback. Its implementation led to the selection of inline inspection tools specially adapted, along with an improved analysis process. This ultimately allows for more efficient detection of such defects.
This paper will detail how TRAPIL has improved its integrity policy, through a case study of combined defects detected on a pipeline in operation.