The Problem

The client sought support developing and implementing a new gas pipeline integrity management plan for a newly constructed pipeline in Texas and another gas transmission network acquired from another operator.  The newly constructed pipeline was scheduled for an integrity management program inspection by the Railroad Commission of Texas, and the client needed to prepare the new plan for their first IMP audit very rapidly.  Without having the internal staffing to handle the development and implementation of the new IMP, the client lacked the proper resources to adequately prepare for the inspection.  

Approach

Integrity EPC developed a multi-faceted approach to perform an internal gap assessment of the client’s processes, procedures and records, followed by facilitating an integrity summit with the client’s operations and maintenance contractors for IMP training, records review and implementation of the new plan.

Execution

Integrity EPC reviewed the client’s existing operations and maintenance processes, procedures and records which would be subject to inspection during the audit. This work included a thorough assessment of the class location and HCA analysis, hydrostatic test records, operator qualification, damage prevention, public awareness, management of change and corrosion records. Integrity EPC then facilitated a two-day integrity summit with the client’s operations and maintenance contractors to train them on the new IMP, establish the pipeline’s baseline assessment plan, information and risk analysis, as well as recommending risk reduction measures to achieve ongoing operational excellence.

Results

Integrity EPC successfully helped the client review and update all necessary documentation and procedures for the inspection, implement the new IMP and establish the baseline integrity of the pipeline. All of these efforts led to the successful completion of the IMP inspection without any significant findings. In the process, Integrity EPC also helped the client establish robust processes for continual regulatory compliance and operational excellence.