Review and Analysis of Repair/Rehabilitation Methods for Natural Gas Pipelines

The integrity of pipelines during the transportation of flammable fluids requires the development or implementation of repair/rehabilitation techniques that ensure their performance over time in a cost-effective way, due to the high and potential costs that result from failure (loss of life, damage to property, and penalties from service interruption). In this work, a review of the typical defectology found in gas transport steel pipeline systems is described. As part of the review, the current status of technologies and techniques implemented for the repair and rehabilitation of pipes in the Oil & Gas industry is presented. Based upon the available solutions, a revision is proposed from the regulations and standards which define the implementation of these type of solutions for the natural gas transport pipelines. A comparative summary that includes mechanized or induced defects on pipes for further study and performance measurement of the implemented solutions is presented. Decision factors to be considered in the selection process are displayed according to a particular gas transportation operator’s requirements and general criteria. These factors take into account the required considerations with respect to the pipe material, effect on environments, skill requirements for installation, the in-service installation capability, and the final selected method.