Pipeline Threats

We all face hazards or threats; for example, driving, crime, illness, etc. We can minimize the risk associated with the threats by: reducing our exposure to these threats (e.g., driving less); and, minimizing its consequences (e.g., always wearing a seat belt while driving). There are over 3 million kilometers of large-diameter, high-pressure pipelines around the world transporting crude oil, its products, and natural gas, and all are exposed to threats: threats such as corrosion, damage from machines or ships operating near the pipeline, etc. Part of their management is focused on preventing pipeline failure from the many threats the pipeline is exposed to during its service life. This chapter introduces the threats faced by oil and gas transmission pipelines, and how these threats are managed. Threats are not limited to engineering or “physical” threats: threats such as cyber-crime, political change, and theft must also be considered and assessed; therefore, this chapter highlights new and future threats to pipelines.