From initial feasibility studies through to detailed engineering, construction and commissioning, SWIM - Pipeline provides the total solution for all aspects of a pipeline project.

Best of all, once the project is complete, the relevant geo-referenced pipeline data is available, providing ready access for the operator to all of the useful data that normally ends up gathering dust on a shelf somewhere. A comprehensive suite of analytical and reporting functions provides the ideal tool to efficiently manage all aspects of pipeline operation, maintenance and integrity management through the whole life of the pipeline.

SECON Surveys has a long track record in route engineering and pipeline surveys using GIS as a base tool for all of their work. Combining this capability with the engineering, project management and integrated services expertise of Worley has provided all the right ingredients for a comprehensive solution. With the modular structure of SWIM - Pipeline, it can be applied to manage existing pipelines without the need to purchase licences for the engineering and construction modules.

What is a GIS?

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are currently being used around the world in a variety of industries that require management of spatial data. A GIS is simply a database that stores information that is linked to various geographical locations. It is well suited to managing a pipeline that traverses long distances because, with today’s technology, there is an enormous amount of data associated with pipelines that needs to be analysed and readily retrieved at every location along the pipeline. For example, if a section of pipeline needs to be inspected by excavation, it may be useful to know the properties of the steel, the inspection records during construction, the exact location of the pipe, the depth of burial, the condition of the coating, the extent of corrosion previously recorded, the level of cathodic protection at that point, details of the land owner, any risks identified at that location and the list goes on. Rather than go to various archives and separately look up the old record books for each and every one of the parameters listed, all of this information can be accessed quickly by zooming in on the electronic map location in the GIS using a few mouse clicks. This can be done in central office or on a laptop in the field.

Route selection studies

SWIM - Pipeline is able to generate an optimised pipeline route from anywhere to anywhere as long as the base mapping data is available. Cost estimates and material lists are automatically generated allowing rapid evaluation of alternative pipeline routes.

As the pipeline project develops into a Front End Engineering Design, the system becomes the repository for all data associated with the project such as calculations, risk assessment, easement acquisition, environmental and topographical surveys, permits, safety plans and other customisable functions for specific project requirements.

Engineering pipelines efficiently

Using a graphical interface with drop-down menus for all data associated with each point on the pipeline, SWIM - Pipeline provides the perfect tool for the pipeline engineer to identify and analyse threats along the pipeline. As many features are common, SWIM - Pipeline is able to automate significant aspects of the engineering design, including generation of comprehensive alignment sheets and construction line lists from the Land Manager database. This approach ensures consistent application of the agreed design principles although the final check of each alignment sheet by an experienced pipeline engineer cannot be done by the computer. Data associated with each point along the pipeline can be easily edited by the pipeline engineer through the graphical display by drilling down to the area of interest and right clicking on the pipeline.

Tracking Materials & Construction Management

Procurement functions such as tracking of linepipe and capture of QA records can be managed on SWIM - Pipeline. It has been set up to automatically accept the data records provided by OneSteel and Bredero Shaw including coating records and barcodes for each pipe. Once construction commences, supervisors can capture quality records and progress by completing fields on palm top computers which are uploaded at the completion of each day through web enabled links. GPS units are attached to the palm tops to continually record the as-constructed position of the pipeline. This allows the pipeline owner to monitor progress from the office and have access to all data as it is generated without waiting for as-built records to eventually be delivered. Compilation of manufacturers data records is no longer a long and daunting task as it is done as the pipeline is constructed.

Do you have to ditch your existing Systems?

The flexibility of SWIM - Pipeline to integrate with existing company systems is one of its key advantages. If a pipeline owner already has a maintenance scheduling and vendor management system, SWIM - Pipeline can usually be customised to interface with this system so that maintenance records can be retrieved by drilling down through the graphical display. If your current GIS uses something other then the ArcGIS products as the base engine, than a simple data conversion function can be used to bring your existing database into SWIM - Pipeline.

Operators who currently do not have a maintenance management system benefit from the in-built functionalities of the system which allows them to manage all O&M activity independently. The system has powerful analytical capability to generate Key Performance Indices and support decision making.

SWIM - Pipeline can talk to other packages such as Rosen’s ROSOFT system allowing storage, analysis and simple retrieval of intelligent pigging data. Data can be imported into some pipeline flow modelling packages such as GasWorks avoiding the need to re-enter data and ensuring accurate inputs.

SWIM - Pipeline has a sophisticated HSE Manager module which allows operators to define and monitor HSE compliance including Emergency Response and Safety Cases. Spatial data and intelligent reporting allows quick identification of High Consequence Zones and coordination of emergency management activity.

Maintaining Worley’s reputation as a leader in technology and innovation is critical to the ongoing success of Worley. The Worley Mission Statement includes the “Use of Inventive Technologies” in order to be “The Leading Provider of Professional Services”. The addition of SWIM - Pipeline to the Worley toolbox for use on pipeline projects is a major step towards achieving the aims set out in the Worley mission statement and delivering the highest quality service to clients within Australia and around the globe.