ASME B31.8S:2001 pdf download

ASME B31.8S:2001 pdf download.MANAGING SYSTEM INTEGRITY OF GAS PIPELINES
1.1 Scope
This Standard applies to on-shore pipeline systems constructed with ferrous materials and that transport gas. Pipeline system means all parts of physical facilities through which gas is transported, including pipe, valves, appurtenances attached to pipe, compressor units, meter- ing stations, regulator stations, delivery stations, holders and fabricated assemblies. The principles and processes embodied in integrity management are applicable to all pipeline systems. This Standard is specifically designed to provide the operator (as defined in section 13) with the information necessary to develop and implement an effective integ- rity management program utilizing proven industry prac- tices and processes. The processes and approaches within this Standard are applicable to the entire pipeline system.
1.2 Purpose and Objectives
Managing the integrity of a gas pipeline system is the primary goal of every pipeline system operator. Operators want to continue providing safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to their customers without adverse effects on employees, the public, customers, or the environment. Incident-free operation has been and continues to be the gas pipeline industry’s goal. The use of this Standard as a supplement to the ASME B31.8 Code will allow pipeline operators to move closer to that goal. A comprehensive, systematic, and integrated integrity management program provides the means to improve the safety of pipeline systems. Such an integrity manage- ment program provides the information for an operator to effectively allocate resources for appropriate preven- tion, detection, and mitigation activities that will result in improved safety and a reduction in the number of incidents. This Standard describes a process that an operator of a pipeline system can use to assess and mitigate risks in order to reduce both the likelihood and conse- quences of incidents. It covers both a prescriptive- and a performance-based integrity management program.The prescriptive process, when followed explicitly, will provide all the inspection, prevention, detection, and mitigation activities necessary to produce a satisfactory integrity management program. This does not preclude conformance with the requirements of ASME B31.8. The performance-based integrity management program alternative utilizes more data and more extensive risk analyses, which enables the operator to achieve a greater degree of flexibility in order to meet or exceed the requirements of this Standard specifically in the areas of inspection intervals, tools used and mitigation techniques employed. An operator can not proceed with the per- formance-based integrity program until adequate inspec- tions are performed that provide the information on the pipeline condition required by the prescriptive-based program. The level of assurance of a performance- based program or an alternative international Standard must meet or exceed that of a prescriptive program. The requirements for prescriptive- and performance- based integrity management programs are provided in each of the sections in this Standard. In addition, Nonmandatory Appendix A provides specific activities by threat categories, that an operator shall follow in order to produce a satisfactory prescriptive integrity management program. This Standard is intended for use by individuals and teams charged with planning, implementing, and improving a pipeline integrity management program. Typically, a team will include managers, engineers, operating personnel, technicians and/or specialists with specific expertise in prevention, detection, and mitiga- tion activities.
1.3 Integrity Management Principles
A set of principles is the basis for the intent and specific details of this Standard. They are enumerated here so that the user of this Standard can understand the breadth and depth to which integrity shall be an integral and continuing part of the safe operation of a pipeline system. Functional requirements for integrity management shall be engineered into new pipeline systems from initial planning, design, material selection, and construc- tion. Integrity management of a pipeline starts with sound design, material selection, and construction of the pipeline. Guidance for these activities is primarily provided in ASME B31.8. There area also a number of consensus standards that may be used as well as pipeline jurisdictional safety regulations. If a new line is to become a part of an integrity managernent program, the functional requirements for the line, including pre- vention, detection, and mitigation activities shall be considered in order to meet this Standard. Complete records of material, design, and construction for the line are essential for the initiation of a good integrity management program.