Comprehensive Study to Understand Longitudinal ERW Seam Failures

Under Development

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Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Threats and Integrity Management -- Pipeline Testing, Analysis and Repair

The project had the objective of integrating industry and PHMSA data to quantify vintage seam failure statistics, focusing on ERW pipes. Based on an understanding of longitudinal ERW seam failures, the analysis aimed at assessing the effectiveness and effects of ILI inspection tools, hydrostatic pressure tests, and spike pressure tests for various pipe material strength characteristics.

This project was a result of NTSB Recommendation P-09-001 to PHMSA to conduct a comprehensive study of ERW pipe properties and identify actions that can be implemented by pipeline operators to eliminate catastrophic longitudinal seam failures in low frequency (LF) ERW pipe. Results of this study will provide a comprehensive understanding of ERW pipe properties and actions that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the possibility of catastrophic longitudinal seam failures in ERW pipe.

Increased Safety - A comprehensive understanding of ERW pipe properties provides pipeline operators with a proactive approach to pipeline integrity and safe, reliable operation.

Greater Reliability -

National Transportation Safety Board, Safety Recommendation P-09-001, https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/Recommendation.aspx?Rec=P-09-001 PHMSA, https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/matrix/PrjHome.rdm?prj=390