{"id":13909,"date":"2016-09-06T11:07:44","date_gmt":"2016-09-06T16:07:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/?p=13909"},"modified":"2016-09-06T15:22:15","modified_gmt":"2016-09-06T20:22:15","slug":"new-technologies-deliver-data-that-can-make-gas-pipelines-safer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/2016\/09\/06\/new-technologies-deliver-data-that-can-make-gas-pipelines-safer\/","title":{"rendered":"New Technologies Deliver Data That Can Make Gas Pipelines Safer"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Virginia Palacios<\/a> and Holly Pearen<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\"Plastic
Plastic pipeline being placed in a trench.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The tragic 2010 San Bruno pipeline explosion served as proof of how a small pipeline leak combined with human error can cause a devastating disaster.\u00a0 This has led the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to propose new regulations for gas pipelines<\/a> across the country in order to prevent another major pipeline catastrophe.<\/p>\n

At the same time, utilities are beginning to adopt advanced technologies and methods that provide better data to experts — \u00a0helping to prevent accidents that threaten public health and safety. \u00a0If PHMSA requires operators to use these emerging\u00a0leak detection technologies and quantification and analytical methods, we could see improved utility safety programs and a decline in incidents related to human error.<\/p>\n

Qualitative intelligence + Quantitative data<\/strong><\/p>\n

A new study<\/a> by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) finds that readily available technologies can enhance the information available at pipeline operators\u2019 fingertips and reduce the opportunity for human error by using existing data on failure histories, customer calls, and condition-assessments to manage their pipeline system with more transparency. This, in turn, takes out some of the guess work that experts might use to make subjective recommendations about pipeline safety.<\/p>\n

Operators can also integrate spatial analytics with information about the pipeline\u2019s condition to get a scientifically rigorous snapshot of pipeline risks in near real-time to inform investment planning and better prioritize where pipeline replacement projects take place. \u00a0The PwC report also says data from advanced leak detection technology can be added to traditional utility data sets and analyzed to provide new information on the frequency of leaks in a given area.\u00a0 In fact, some operators like PG&E<\/a> and CenterPoint Energy<\/a> are integrating advanced leak detection and quantification data into predictive models that can help pipeline operators proactively repair or replace risky pipeline segments before they become a problem.<\/p>\n

Altogether, the PwC study concludes that spatially-attributed data from advanced leak detection technology can offer calculable data to improve risk assessment. The methods can help experts find more gas leaks faster, improve pipeline integrity and reduce risks to public health and safety.<\/p>\n

Improving pipeline safety nationwide<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some utilities have already started implementing spatial analytics, advanced leak detection, and leak quantification methods for infrastructure management to improve the safety and integrity of the gas systems \u2013 which should be the standard nationwide.<\/p>\n

PHMSA has deferred rulemaking on leak detection to a subsequent, as yet unscheduled process. But there are several places in the current proposed gas pipeline safety rules where the agency could incorporate leading leak detection and quantification practices:<\/p>\n