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Buried pipelines transport the energy needed to operate our businesses,
homes, and farms. There are over 2.5 million miles of pipeline in the U.S.
that lies beneath farmland, ranchland, and across our country. Pipelines
are the safest mode of transportation in the United States. A barrel of
crude oil or petroleum product shipped by pipeline reaches its destination
safely more than 99.9999% of the time.
Pipeline operators work hard to ensure that health, safety, security, and
environmental concerns are all addressed. Pipeline companies work to
prevent releases by evaluating, inspecting and maintaining pipelines in a
program call Integrity Management. Many of the activities you see out on
the pipeline right-of-way (ROW) are company personnel ensuring the safe and
reliable operation of the system.
You may be wondering, "Why is that plane flying low and slow over my
land?", "why are they cutting down brush and trees?" Or you
may have heard about someone "pigging a pipeline". Here are some
common activities you may notice qualified pipeline company representatives
performing on land near you.
Aerial Patrol
Pipeline company representatives fly over pipelines at regular intervals to
perform inspection. They look for discolored ground or dying vegetation, or
a sheen on the water as signs of a possible leak. Any nearby construction
is noted and a call to the local field office is made. Pilots look for any
buildings or obstructions on the ROW (called encroachments). Pipeline
patrol is an essential element of Integrity Management programs.
In-Line Inspection and Maintenance "Pigging"
For many years the pipeline industry has used devices to clean the inside
of their pipelines. These devices to clean the inside of their pipelines.
These devices called "pigs", scrub and scrape waxes and other
contaminants that can build up on the interior walls. The first such
devices were made of straw and wire, and made a squealing noise as they
traveled through the pipeline, thus earning the name "pigs".
Today, high-tech in-line inspection (ILI) tools travel through the pipe and
measure and record irregularities that may represent corrosion, cracks,
laminations, deformations, (dents, gouges, etc.), or other defects. Because
they run inside the pipe in a manner similar to the scrubbing and scraping
devices known as pigs, these in-line inspection tools are often referred to
as "smart pigs".
Right-of-Way (ROW) Clearing
The pipeline ROW must be kept clear of trees, tall vegetation, or any
structures. It is important that the pipeline patroller's visual inspection
isn't impeded by tree canopies, buildings, or other encroachments. It is
also important to keep the pipeline ROW free of trees because roots could
grow into and damage the protective coating of the pipeline, and in case of
an emergency, responders need to be able to access the area quickly.
Mainline Valve Inspections
Pipeline systems have valves located throughout their entire system. These
valves are used to isolate sections of the pipeline when conducting
maintenance and would be operated in case of an emergency. Routine
inspections verify that the valves operate properly.
Hydrostatic Testing
Hydrostatic testing can be an important part of the pipeline's integrity
management program. During the test the pipeline is filled with water
at pressures higher than normal operating pressures. The water is colored
using an environmentally safe dye, so that if there is a leak, it can be
identified and repairs can be made. Hydrostatic testing can last 8-12 hours
or more, and is a safe and effective way to proactively look for problems
that could result in a release.
Corrosion Inspections
In its natural state, all metals corrode at various rates depending on
make-up. Pipeline companies use a number of different methods to protect
against corrosion and ensure safe operations of pipelines. Pipelines use
sophisticated coatings and cathodic protection (electric currents) to fight
against corrosion. When a pipeline is properly installed and maintained it
can operate safely virtually endlessly. Pipe-to-ground and close interval
inspections ensure corrosion protection is operating properly.
These are a few steps pipeline companies take to ensure the safe operation
of our nation's pipeline infrastructure. The next time you see a white
pickup truck or one with a pipeline company logo working on or around your
land, stop and say hello, ask what they are doing. It is important we all
work together to keep your farm, and our environment, safe.
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