Gathering systems have both a cost and value. In my experience, I have seen others make many “simple” pipeline choices that became extremely expensive due to a lack of planning. The lifespan costs and ROI of gathering pipelines are normally the result of choices up front. As the industry accountability for pipelines is increasing, failures are being criminalized and landowners are forgiving less. The PHMSA identifies how we should make pipeline choices and account for the risks of any pipeline.
In today’s industry, even gathering systems should be designed to PHMSA considerations. These should be reasonably straightforward in most situations, but care is needed to account for each detail. A checklist can help. The complexity of hydraulic modeling should fit the system and its expected growth. The materials choices should fit the needs of the worst case occurring repeatedly.
Understanding the risks for the materials chosen may be simple or complex depending on the well fluid characteristics, elevation variations, pump choices, pressure controls, other complexities of the pipeline including both the inlet and outlet points of the pipeline. For example, some composite materials are highly sensitive to pressure cycling that varies with temperatures. While the pipe may withstand heavy pressure cycling at first, the lifespan may be only a few months in some cases before ruptures can be expected. Other factors such as H2S, aromatics, and gas voids can magnify those risks and create others. Keep in mind that cleaning methods must be taken into account, especially for paraffins.
Finally, the inclusion of other factors from how the manufacturer rates MAWPs (some manufacturers have not used ASME methods), to variations in manufacturing, to differences in joining methods, to anchoring requirements, to installation methods, to inspection methods all impact the risk evaluation for pipeline choices.
During my work in this industry as an owner, operator, engineer, and consultant, I have used good engineering judgment, compliance, and smart choices to create the “no failure” and highest-value scenarios that most companies are looking for. I look forward to working with any company regarding high value gathering systems.
Bevan Collins
August 23, 2021
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This is a complex field–especially now since the new regulations of May 15, 2022 went into effect in the USA. It is critical to pay attention to the regulations, the fluid physics, materials, operational requirements, and then create a design that fits the company protocols. This changes quite a bit from company to company. A bid difference is in how that company calcuates return on investment for a new project. The time and environmental factors have varied quite a bit in my experience from company to company. The general rule is to always ask about the company policy for today, and then research today’s regulations before you proceed.