API delivers new safety standard to maintain pipeline structural safety

A newly developed safety standard released by the American Petroleum Institute (API) this week sets new safety precedents for maintaining pipelines’ structural integrity, targeting existing mechanical issues with new industry research.

“Assessment and Management of Dents in Pipelines” is meant for pipeline operators and engineers. Built on data from the Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) and others, it considers new technologies and research into materials integrity, inspection, and dent assessment and management to make a change. As a result, it offers screening tools to identify possible strains, pressure variations, and materials fatigue in pipelines.

“Today’s standard release is the culmination of new research and technology used to develop state-of-the-art safety practices for pipeline operators,” Debra Phillips, API Global Industry Services (GIS) senior vice president, said. “We are proud to have convened 75 subject matter experts, including representatives from government, industry, trade associations, and safety organizations to advance our industry’s commitment to safe and environmentally-protective pipeline operations.”

The new standard also builds a common terminology and methods for operators to enhance standardization of maintenance. Overall, API believes this should provide tools and resources to help maintain safe and efficient infrastructure while helping engineers identify stressors and get ahead of problems.

“The role that research plays in the development of standards and recommended practices is critical to ensure they are providing an objective basis for making sound decisions for the safe operations of pipeline systems,” PRCI President Cliff Johnson said.

In December, API will host a webinar on the new standard. This standard joins more than 700 others established over its century-old lifespan, affecting more than 600 members across the oil and natural gas industry.