Course Introduction :
Pipeline systems in the oil and gas industry play a pivotal role in modern industrial operations. This course aims to present the fundamental characteristics for the efficient and safe operation of pipelines across various engineering applications.
The course covers the interaction of pipelines with flow-moving equipment, such as pumps and compressors, as well as the technical characteristics of operating pump and compressor stations. Participants will also be introduced to key inspection and testing requirements according to relevant API standards.
Additionally, the course enables participants to gain knowledge of different cleaning and maintenance methods, including preventive repairs to minimize failures and operational interruptions.
Overall Objective :
To equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to operate and maintain pipeline systems efficiently and safely, ensuring operational continuity, minimizing failures and risks, and improving asset reliability in accordance with best practices and recognized industry standards.
Course Goals :
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify the fundamental principles of safe operation and effective maintenance of pipelines across various industrial applications.
- Develop a practical, in-depth understanding of daily operation and maintenance activities.
- Apply technical concepts learned to real-world industrial cases.
- Utilize and follow best practices and industrial guidelines in pipeline operation, control, inspection, and testing.
Target Participants
- Process, chemical, and mechanical engineers in petrochemical industries, oil refineries, and gas production companies.
- Operation, technical service, and maintenance staff in various industrial plants and facilities.
- Engineers and consultants involved in planning new production lines or retrofitting industrial facilities.
- Technical professionals responsible for maintenance and repair of equipment.
Course Outline :
Day 1: Basic Technical Characteristics of Pipelines
- Overview of main components of oil and gas pipeline systems.
- Pipeline selection and design: flow rate, Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP), pumping capacity – per ASME B31.3 standard.
- Selection of pipeline materials and interaction with conveyed fluids.
- Operation of pump and compressor stations.
- Flow control and custody transfer measurements.
Day 2: Operations & Material Degradation
- Material ageing: erosion, corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking.
- External and Internal Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA & ICDA).
- Cathodic protection, coatings, and surface technologies (internal and external).
- In-line inspection (ILI) and smart pigging (NDT) techniques.
- Pipeline stresses, cracks, weld defects, and ruptures.
Day 3: Operations & Safety Management
- Safety instrumentation, control valves, and other protective equipment.
- Transient operations and water hammer effects.
- Pipeline failure prevention and root cause analysis.
- Leak detection methods (LDAR), monitoring, and SCADA surveillance.
- Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) and hydrostatic testing.
Day 4: Maintenance Technologies
- Pipeline cleaning, maintenance, and reconditioning techniques.
- Monitoring pipeline vibrations and support integrity.
- Repair technologies: composite sleeve welding and segment replacements.
- Maintenance of valves, fittings, and accessories.
- Valve repair: hot tapping and temporary plugging (Stopple).
Day 5: Testing & Monitoring During Operation
- Hydrostatic testing: allowable operating pressure and test pressure.
- Reliability and availability of pipelines during operation.
- Risk-Based Inspection (RBI).
- Fitness for Service (FFS).
- Estimation of remaining life of equipment.
- Course summary and final review.