Data integration and alignment--the key to pipeline integrity management in an urban environment

Pipeline infrastructure is a critical element of energy delivery systems. Its failure can affect both public health and safety directly and indirectly through impacts on the energy supply. With the passage of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act (PSIA) in 2002, the pipeline owners in the United States are required to invest significantly more capital to inspect and maintain their systems. The PSIA requires enhanced maintenance programs and continuing integrity inspection of all pipelines located within high consequence areas (HCAs) where a pipeline failure could threaten public safety, property and the environment. With over 165,000 miles of liquid transmission lines and nearly 300,000 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines operating in the U.S. today, the amount of effort necessary for pipeline companies to understand and manage the condition of their systems can be overwhelming. For this reason, it is vitally important that pipeline operators maintain accurate, integrated information on their pipeline system from construction and installation through operation, inspection and maintenance.