Study of High Vapour Pressure Pipeline Safety

The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) recently initiated a study to examine and evaluate whether existing regulations and standards adequately ensure the safe operation of High Vapour Pressure (HVP) pipelines in Alberta. An engineering consultant was contracted to review the performance history of HVP pipelines, determine the predominant failure modes and causes, compare Alberta performance against other jurisdictions, and provide a report containing recommendations for improvements. The consultant concluded that the predominant cause of HVP pipeline failures has been interference from outside parties, followed equally by material deficiencies and corrosion. The report also concluded that HVP pipelines in Alberta have been operating at a failure frequency approximately 30 per cent less than the failure frequency of hazardous liquids pipelines in the United States. The paper first provides a brief description of the role of the EUB in Alberta, followed by a summary of HVP pipeline performance. A description of the methodology used to conduct the study follows, along with the conclusions and recommendations made by the consultant. A process for the verification of the proposed changes by the affected stakeholders is then described, followed finally by a description of how any proposed regulatory changes may be completed.