For decades, gas has been delivered worldwide through a network of underground supply and distribution pipelines to homes and industrial plants. Gas is considered the cleanest, safest, and most valuable energy source. Nowadays, it is one of the forms of energy on which we depend the most, which results in increased efforts of the gas industry in terms of ensuring high quality and maintenance of pipeline networks.

Regardless of the protection system and the material used in the construction of the pipeline, there is always a risk of corrosion and endangering the integrity of the pipeline. For corrosion management to be effective, proper detection of the operation errors, sizing and classification is required using appropriate technology to be aligned with business decisions, objectives and underlying threats to the pipeline network system.

Quality management of the pipeline system implies safe, reliable and cost-effective transport of fluids to consumers. Due to frequent repairs and frequent interruptions in the operation of older pipelines, the reliability of the system is very questionable, and their maintenance is extremely technically complex.

This article deals with the pipeline solution of problems for pipeline systems that could monitor the condition of the pipeline, indicate the necessary repairs, detect anomalies and generally improve the pipeline maintenance system.

Do you have control over your pipelines, or do they have control over you? In this article, we present the ways and solutions for better management of pipeline systems.

Pipeline solution for safe and efficient pipeline operations

The task of oil and gas pipeline engineers and operators is to ensure operational efficiency and cost-effective pipeline assets maintenance throughout the year. Nowadays, various innovative software solutions are of great help, which significantly facilitate the work and save time and money.

AYMO

AYMO is a system for monitoring all elements of the pipeline, organizing documentation and planning repairs. It is a future-oriented digital pipeline integrity management solution that provides customers with a secure, reliable, and uninterrupted pipeline communication system.

Software AYMO is a complete web browser responsive, cloud solution, globally accessible to operators and technical staff via any device connected to the Internet. It allows user to configure any data set regardless of the hardware vendor and data recording contractor. The system provides an overview and status of each pipeline, timely repair planning, as well as future corrosion growth simulation.

AYMO uses a modular approach that can be easily adapted to each customer’s needs and is an effective way to modernize pipeline systems.

Other functionalities of the AYMO system:

Vendor Neutrality: The system supports data entry from any third party involved in pipeline inspection and cleaning procedures.

Maintenance Plan: The system provides the possibility of creating work orders and maintenance plans in order to find optimal activities and ways to repair pipelines.

Simulation: The system uses advanced algorithms that simulate corrosion growth.

eLBC

eLBC (electronic Line Break Control) device is used for monitoring, safety and automatic blocking of the pipeline in case of leakage. The device works by detecting a pressure drop (as a result of which it concludes that something is probably leaking somewhere), after which it automatically closes a certain section of the pipeline. The eLBC product provides better quality measurements with an increased number of measuring channels, in order to ensure the safety of the pipeline or product in the event of a burst or pressure drop.

Providing pipeline protection services using the eLBC system for monitoring and automating pipeline blockage, using solar panels, in places without electricity supply. eLBC collects, processes, sends and stores various parameters, such as pipeline pressure, dynamic pressure changes, temperature, tap position, pressure drop gradient, number and analyses of alarm situations, battery status and many others, according to customer specifications and needs. Using solar panels, in places without electricity supply, the eLBC system provides pipeline protection services through monitoring and automation of pipeline blockage.

Both products have been tested in real-life environments and have so far achieved international recognition at gas and oil industry fairs and received numerous commendations for innovation.

Best practices for managing your pipelines?

Nowadays, we have at our disposal various methods, as well as advanced technologies of monitoring  pipelines and protecting them from leakage and corrosion. We bring you tips to help you transform the ways of managing pipelines, in order to make your business more successful.

Monitor pipeline data

Your pipeline is constantly changing (although it may be invisible to the eye) and can be affected by various environmental factors (corrosion, damage). For this reason, it is important to monitor and analyze the data so that you know at all times what is going on and detect irregularities in a timely manner. 

Carry out regular pipeline inspections

Pipelines need to be continuously monitored and inspected in order to avoid structural and operational problems, leakages and natural hazards. With the help of innovative monitoring technologies, such as Aymo software, engineers are given the opportunity to monitor potential threats and determine operational and structural needs for pipeline network maintenance.

Cleaning the inside of the pipeline

Keeping the inside of the pipeline clean allows the product to move smoothly through the pipeline, while preventing corrosion. For cleaning pipelines, the so-called intelligent cleaners (‘pigs’) are used, that provide information on the condition of individual parts of the pipeline, as well as the condition of the pipeline in general.

Pipeline protection

Corrosion protection plays a significant role in pipeline maintenance. Corrosive damage can be prevented by applying appropriate corrosion protection methods, which include, but are not limited to, protective coatings, cathodic protection, hot-dip galvanizing, etc.

Pay attention to natural processes

Geological processes such as landslides, earthquakes, or river erosion (so-called geohazard activity) can damage pipelines. Regular monitoring of the pipeline network can prevent any impact of geohazard activity on your pipeline.

The vast majority of pipeline operators take the safety maintenance process very seriously, investing significant efforts and resources in establishing efficient systems. Despite this, accidents still happen. Effective and adequate risk prevention and appropriate risk management are essential features of smooth, safe and profitable business.

How can we help you improve your pipeline systems?

Advances in the development of pipeline monitoring techniques and new technologies have facilitated access to complex data. The use of innovative pipeline monitoring solutions provides best practice for analyzing, reporting, reviewing and sharing monitoring information, delivering more successful results in the long run.

The company Feromihin specializes in complex consulting, procurement, installation and maintenance of high-quality elements for main gas pipelines or product pipelines.

For almost three decades, we have been focused on the installation and maintenance of safety blocking stations for gas and product pipelines, as well as on machining of high-quality spare parts for high-pressure piston or centrifugal pumps. Our team of highly trained professionals has extensive experience working with pipelines in different terrains and environmental conditions.

We provide measurement, testing and analysis of pipelines in accordance with the needs and expectations of your business. Our mission, as experienced pipe experts, is to provide innovative, reliable and durable software solutions that enable efficient pipeline network management. To learn more about the services we provide, contact our team. Our leading experts will help you find the right solution.