The detailed history and data of pipeline assets is integral in making decisions on matters such as maintenance planning, corrective measures, expansion, and managing encroachment. Here, pipeline owners and operators explain the management of data, to ensure the safe operation, structural integrity and longevity of Australia’s pipelines.

Jemena says “Organised information that is as accurate and as up-to-date as possible is the lifeblood of any business – because such information is the key to good decision-making.

“In our case, this ranges from prioritising repair and maintenance work, to measuring and managing the performance of pipelines, right through to minimising the impact of the ever-changing environment such as movement of building lines or changes in topography,” Jemena says.

What systems are used?

APA Group uses a number of different data recording systems for its assets. This ranges from hardcopy files, extensive use of Excel spreadsheets, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), drawings, alignment sheets and database software.

The company explains that different software is chosen for assets in different states. For example, APA’s Victorian office uses Maintenance Connection, which is a proprietary database and scheduling tool for maintenance activities that was amended for APA use. “It was selected as the most appropriate software to maintain pipeline assets and is easy to configure,” APA says.

In Queensland, the company’s operators store significant pipeline data on a Geographical Information System (GIS). This includes basic design data, location specific information and operational changes to the pipeline surroundings such as encroachments.

“Our risk assessment database, which is used for APA’s handling code compliant safety management system (SMS), is also linked to this system. However, aside from vendor-specific intelligent pigging software, the majority of integrity related data is managed using manual electronic systems such as spreadsheets,” APA says.

APA Queensland’s SMS database is provided by information management consultant, Mipela, who also use APA’s internally developed Excel systems.

ERM Power also uses Mipela for geographical information, as well as the site CMMS for above ground pipeline asset management.

Jemena says that its gas transmission assets, such as the Queensland Gas Pipeline and the Eastern Gas Pipeline, are managed in ESRI’s ArcGIS, with supporting drawings such as pipeline alignment sheets managed in AutoCAD where appropriate.

What data do the systems collect?

Those systems store a range of important information.

“All data collected is important, from corrosion and cathodic protection surveys to landowner liaison. All of these things can have an impact on the integrity of the pipeline,” says ERM Power.

APA says that there is a lot of data that is required to be maintained as per AS2885. Inspection data, pigging data and associated dig records, weld data and records of excavation are used extensively.

“Accurate alignment drawings are essential to ensure that excavations and development in the vicinity of the pipeline can be performed safely. Cathodic protection and in-line inspection results are essential to ensure that the pipeline wall thickness is suitable for its duty.

“Line valve maintenance ensures that valves are suitable for use in routine operations and in the unlikely event of an emergency,” the company says.

Intelligent pig data and associated dig records provide the most accurate understanding of a pipeline’s condition. This information can feed into refurbishment/repair programs for continued safe operation. Corrosion protection information is useful in providing a secondary level of understanding of pipeline coating condition and cathodic protection performance, to aid in more preventative integrity management measures.

Jemena says “All pipeline information is useful – regardless of its source.”

Why is it important?

ERM states that history and good records are important for decision making with respect to the integrity assessment of pipelines and any required corrective actions.

Jemena explains “The data we obtain from SCADA is useful for real-time monitoring of pressure and flows, modelling to improve crisis management planning, and for managing incidents such as third-party damage where our aim is to carry out repairs as safely and efficiently as is practically possible.”

APA says that well managed pipeline records are extremely important in making comparisons of data over time, especially in assisting in knowledge management as the structure of businesses change and the pipeline ages.

“Storing all critical information in an accessible area is important to understand the external characteristics of the pipeline and the environment that the pipeline traverses, and to take suitable proactive measures to ensure the integrity of the pipeline,” APA says.