Pipeline Integrity

TEPPCO has a comprehensive pipeline integrity program to maintain the reliability and safety of our pipeline systems. Proper inspection and maintenance is critical to safe and reliable pipeline operations.

Oil pipeline operators generally use a combination of direct assessments, internal inspection tools, and/or hydrostatic tests for ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of our nation's most vital natural resource.

Integrity Management Plan
In December 2001, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Pipeline Safety  (OPS) issued a new regulation requiring hazardous liquid pipeline companies to identify pipeline segments impacting high consequence areas - areas with high population density or environmental sensitivity.

The Integrity Management Plan (IMP) has four primary objectives:

• Accelerating the integrity assessment of pipelines in High Consequence Areas
• Improving operator integrity management systems
• Improving government's role in reviewing the adequacy of integrity programs and plans, and
• Providing increased public assurance in pipeline safety.

TEPPCO enhanced its existing company policy for inspections of our pipeline systems to comply with the IMP rule.

Direct Assessment Methods
Using direct assessment methods, pipeline operators can determine the integrity of a pipeline through visual and physical (internal and external) observation. Direct assessment methods include various types of cathodic protection surveys, such as close interval surveys (to ensure that the pipe is not corroding) and physically uncovering the pipeline and examining the external coating as well as the steel pipe.

The pipeline right-of-way may be assessed by ground and aerial surveillance to look for any discoloration of plants and grasses as well as to observe unusual activity in the area of the pipeline (for potential outside force damage).

Internal Inspection Tools - "Smart Pigs"
Internal inspections of pipelines involve the use of sophisticated technological tools, known as "smart pigs." Smart pigs are cylinder-shaped electronic devices used to detect loss of metal and in some cases deformations in the pipeline. Inserted into the pipeline and propelled by the flowing liquid, smart pigs record certain physical data about the pipeline's integrity as it moves through the pipeline. Evaluation of smart pig data allows the pipeline operator to make integrity decisions about the pipeline and to find and mitigate potential problem areas.

Pressure Testing
Pressure testing involves pressuring the pipe with water to a level 20 percent above its normal operating pressure. This ensures each pipeline has a safety factor incorporated into the maximum operating pressure. A hydrostatic test is used to conduct strength tests on new pipes while in the manufacturing process, as well as at the completion of pipeline installation in the field prior to being placed in service. In addition to establishing the pressure capacity of a pipeline, a pressure test may identify defects that could affect integrity during operation.

Monitoring
TEPPCO's pipeline systems are monitored 24-hours-a-day, 365 days a year. Our pipeline systems are operated from computerized control centers, which coordinate operations throughout the system - everything from rate of flow, to pressure, to opening and closing valves.

The control centers also monitor devices that can alert operators to abrupt changes in operating parameters, providing a way to detect an emergency condition. Satellite and telecommunications links connect control centers with facilities along pipelines to ensure rapid response and constant monitoring of pipeline conditions.