Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2.0 OVERVIEW..................................................................................................................... 3
4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES.................................................................................................... 11
5.0 PLANNING.................................................................................................................... 12
5.1 Planning Horizons ...................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Planning Tools ............................................................................................................ 13
5.3 Planning Sequence ..................................................................................................... 13
6.0 PROGRAMS.................................................................................................................. 15
6.1 Prevention Programs ................................................................................................. 15
6.2 Monitoring Programs ................................................................................................ 16
6.3 Mitigation Programs .................................................................................................. 18
6.4 Trending and Analysis............................................................................................... 20
1.0 FOREWORD
From its beginnings in 1949, Enbridge Pipelines Transportation Group North has invested
heavily in the branch of technology known as pipeline integrity management and maintenance.
The Enbridge integrity management program encompasses all of the tools, technologies,
documents and strategies needed to ensure the transmission pipeline systems have the strength
and operating ‘fitness’ to operate safely and reliably. This focus on pipeline integrity is a
major step toward ensuring safe, incident-free operations on one of the longest and most
complex pipeline systems in the world. This document is a framework of all of the activities
that play a part in the program and is summarized as follows:
The Enbridge pipeline integrity management program involves a dynamic process where
continuous evaluation is conducted within the program design. This ensures that integrity
management techniques are progressive and the pursuit of enhancements is formally
conducted. The following diagram illustrates the underlying approach for achieving the
integrity management objectives:
Plan
Improve Integrity
Implement
Management
Measure
2.0 OVERVIEW
Enbridge transports a variety of liquid and natural gas products through a complex network of
transmission pipelines spanning North America. The pipelines are operated and maintained by
individual business units and companies. Portions of the pipeline system are relatively new but
the majority was built 30 or more years ago. Integrity management risk control programs are
incorporated within all stages of the pipeline lifecycle including system design, construction,
operation, and if required, decommissioning. This document summarizes the Enbridge
integrity management program.
Enbridge applies integrity management policies that are intended to meet applicable codes and
standards. These policies have been customized based on information and knowledge collated
over many years of operating experience. The focus of the Enbridge integrity program is to
prevent leaks or ruptures caused by duty-related deterioration such as corrosion and cracks.
Ongoing monitoring programs are employed to determine whether deterioration or damage has
occurred. Where it has, the pipeline condition is restored so that a constant-base integrity level
is preserved.
This framework document summarizes the approach within Enbridge to ensure essential risk
control measures are carried out with minimal operational disruption. The Enbridge process is
designed to formalize the following:
The Pipeline Integrity Department is responsible for implementing the integrity programs and
the following diagram describes the key activities related to the department role.
Welding
Non-destructive testing Pipeline Integrity Activities
Steel properties
Failure investigation
Fracture mechanics
Defect assessment
y
grit Integrity science
Inte rams (i.e., protective coatings,
g
Pro cathodic protection
Data management & trending
Risk assessment
rity Process audits & improvements
nt eg sis
I a ly
An
Other asset management programs within Enbridge that have an association with integrity
management program development but are the central responsibility of other Company
departments include the following:
• Route selection, facility design, and construction quality assurance and quality control.
• Selection and maintenance of rotating equipment.
• Management of appurtenances such as pressure relieving equipment, instrumentation and
control equipment.
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.
• Pipe strain assessments related to slope stability, spans and other geotechnical
phenomenon.
• Storage tank integrity.
• Water body crossing surveys.
• Third party damage prevention and depth of cover assessments.
• Emergency response.
The core goal of the integrity management program is to prevent leaks or ruptures caused by
duty-related deterioration of the transmission pipeline system. This goal is driven by the
corporate commitment to protect the health and safety of employees, the general public, and the
environment and is formalized within the Enbridge Environment, Health and Safety Policy.
This Policy summarizes and guides the Company’s overall approach to corporate commitment
and is implemented through programs such as those described further in this document. The
Policy is shown below.
In addition to the core integrity management goal, there are a number of objectives that
underlie all Enbridge integrity management activities. These objectives are an outward
demonstration of the prevailing values of the organization and are more subject to
evolution than revision. The objectives are developed to complement the corporate
vision, mission and values, which are explicitly expressed within the Company strategic
planning processes and documents. The integrity management objectives, which are
woven into all integrity management actions and decisions, are as follows:
Above all else, integrity programs will be developed and implemented to ensure
maximum protection for the public and the surrounding environment. Although the
organization exists for economic profit, this in no way compromises the ability of
employees to address pipeline integrity challenges. Enbridge views the maintenance of
pipeline reliability and the development of defensible, easily communicated integrity
programs as good business and key to future expansion of the system.
Pipelines are engineered and built with a balanced view to economic viability and safe
operation. By their nature, as manmade structures exposed to operating regimes that
cause deterioration and potential damage by outside forces, pipeline leaks are possible,
albeit rare; the risk associated with pipeline leaks is finite but, cannot be completely
eliminated. However, the commitment to use innovative technology is geared towards
continuously identifying potential integrity defects and treating them as needed. Further,
any known imminent problems are dealt with immediately. The overall commitment to
system reliability is expected to tend towards continuous improvement regarding failure
probability, as shown in the diagram below. Should a leak occur, emergency response
actions are implemented to minimize the impact.
2 Toda y
0 Future
Asym ptote = Risk diminishing but not eliminated
Resource Allocation
0 >0
The potential for pipeline system shutdown due to a breach in the pipe is minimized
through proper design, operation and maintenance. Prevention, rather than breakdown
maintenance, provides a better way to achieve product delivery commitments. Further,
maintenance activities are planned and controlled to ensure minimal disruption to the
pipeline throughout.
The occurrence of pipeline defects is related to the length of time the pipeline is exposed
to operating conditions. However, the Enbridge transmission pipelines are built, operated
and maintained with a view the asset will be required indefinitely, without an end point
design life. The transmission pipelines are maintained so that, regardless of age, they
meet applicable codes and standards for structural fitness. In other words, preventative
maintenance is continuously employed in a timely fashion to ensure that age is not a
determining factor in relation to the safety of the transmission system.
Enbridge Tolerance
3 3
4
2
1
Time
1 Benign defects in a new pipeline
2 Onset of defect growth
3 Pipeline is revalidated through monitoring & mitigation
4 Some duty-related defects will be un-repaired
Monitoring programs will define the type, location and extent of defects.
Enbridge takes a proactive approach to understanding the type, extent, and effect of
defects. As such, the intent is to identify defects using best technologies so that each
specific defect can be managed. Mitigative programs are implemented to address, in a
timely fashion, the risk associated with defects that exceed Enbridge tolerances. For
other defects not compromising tolerances, continued deterioration is arrested or
monitoring programs are set up to address the defects in a timely fashion. The aim of this
preventative program is to correct low-level damage and deterioration before major
repairs are needed.
x
Certain (Benign defects - monitored regularly)
x x x x
Design Pressure
x Likely (Low level deterioration - repaired in a timely
x x
x fashion)
x
Integrity programs and insights are applied at all phases of the pipeline lifecycle – design,
construction, operation, and if required, deactivation. At all stages of the lifecycle, the
integrity measures are employed with a long-term view of cost and function. For
example, advanced corrosion protection coatings may be used for new pipelines in
situations where other coating alternatives would result in lower pipeline installation
costs. However, the advanced coating may permit greater corrosion protection in the
long-term thereby requiring less maintenance resources during future operations.
Learnings from any stage of the pipeline lifecycle are applied to ensure the most
appropriate technology is utilized.
Budget
Capital
Year Operating
The most appropriate technology available worldwide will be implemented to prevent the
onset of potential concerns, to monitor existing conditions, and to mitigate the effects of
defects. Enbridge actively seeks to understand the inventory of available integrity tools
and potential benefits to the pipeline system. The most sophisticated or costly technology
is not always the “best technology” and the utilization of the technology must be properly
matched to the specific requirements of any given pipeline, as represented in the diagram
below. In all cases, the intention is to use sound engineering to ensure that the goals of
Enbridge’s pipeline integrity program are met and that adequate information is available
for planning decisions.
3
Very
lu e
High
le Va
cyc
Life
um
Technology Cost
6
p t im
High dO
4
5
aliz e
rm
No
Med
2
Low 1
Technology Precision
4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
The direct responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the integrity management
program lies with the following key organizational groups:
A schematic summarizing the Enbridge Pipeline Integrity Department structure and key
personnel is provided below:
Manager
Administrator
Does not include personnel from other departments also affiliated with integrity management activities (i.e., District Corrosion Technicians)
5.0 PLANNING
Integrity management activities involve the application of specific risk control measures at
each stage of the pipeline lifecycle beginning with pipeline need determination, then design,
constructing the pipeline, and then operation. While pipeline integrity measures are planned at
each stage, the major focus is on preventative maintenance programs, which identify potential
damage mechanisms so that failure risk can be minimized through proactive repair. The types
of damage that deteriorate the fitness of the pipeline system over time and are managed through
planned programs by the Pipeline Integrity Department fall into one or more of the following
categories:
The extension of pipeline life is achieved through planned rehabilitation in which defects and
damage that are not fit-for-purpose1 are repaired. Any pipe with defects that are not repaired is
deemed to have sufficient strength and is monitored in a planned approach, which considers
potential growth during operation.
The management of age- and duty- related damage mechanisms requires continuous
attention. Specific planning activities have the following goals:
1. Long-term plans (>2 years) that forecast the scale of required resources.
The intention is to build awareness and ensure alignment with other Company
initiatives for system utilization. The long-term view foresees potential fluctuations
from typical resource allocation trends, thereby prompting additional analysis
regarding the intended activity. The variables used as inputs to the plans can then be
reviewed or alternative activities can be considered (i.e., repair versus replace).
1
Fitness-for-Purpose – terminology representing engineering assessments which calculate the adequacy of the
structure for continued service under current conditions.
The Company has a vast bank of information that describes the construction, operation,
and maintenance of each transmission pipeline within the system. Information pertinent
to integrity management planning is collated, trended, and tabulated into reports specific
to each individual pipeline. These reports, or operational reliability assessments, serve as
a single-source reference guide for the integrity engineer or technician.
Planning Sessions
Budget Cycles
Plans for integrity management activities undergo rigorous review at various levels
within the organization. The budget cycle is a built-in forum for reviewing the
appropriateness of the strategy and enables a broad audience, including Senior
Management, to ensure the goals and objectives of the Company are met.
While the key components of risk management have long been in place, Enbridge is
taking steps to formalize its approach for risk assessment. The Company is continually
developing processes and information management tools which collate pipeline failure
probability calculations with consequential damage estimates in order to enhance
resource allocation methodologies.
The type and frequency of resource allocation applied to a particular section of a pipeline
is a reflection of the likelihood of deterioration or damage occurring at that location, and
is set at an appropriate level by qualified Engineers and Technicians. Operational
experience, industry fault data, and pipeline codes and standards are used to optimize
integrity procedures with the intent of ensuring an indefinite pipeline life at a constant fit-
for-purpose level. The activities are planned to ensure minimal disruption to the pipeline.
All phases of planning encompass the review of operational information collected from
previous implementation steps, as conducted by qualified Engineers and Technicians.
While planning steps must meet Company scheduling milestones, the plans can change at
any point in the work year to reflect newer information. Planning takes place year round
in various forms but the following demonstrates a typical format:
Implement plans
6.0 PROGRAMS
The Enbridge pipeline system is designed, built and operated to codes, standards, and practices
with a view to long-term need of the asset. Control measures are incorporated to prevent
defects from initiating and growing in the pipeline. The condition of the pipeline is constantly
monitored to identify defects that may occur and remedial action is undertaken in a planned
approach to ensure the continued, uninterrupted, safe and efficient operation of the pipeline
system.
The risk of pipeline failure is minimized through careful planning of pipeline routing,
selecting suitable construction materials, limiting operating stress through the design
factor, and ensuring a high quality pipeline installation. The pipeline integrity activities
related to these efforts are as follows:
Pipeline Integrity personnel participate in project development teams and provide input
regarding the integrity measures required to ensure a long-life asset based on the
proposed operating regime. The characteristics of the product to be shipped, the terrain
that will be traversed, hydraulics, pressure patterns and other properties that affect
pipeline deterioration are reviewed. Requirements for integrity measures are integrated
into the project economics. This early participation is a feature of greenfield projects as
well as system retrofit or expansion activities. The commitment from integrity personnel
carries through to the regulatory evaluation and approval phase.
• Define and endorse pipeline configurations, which minimize dead-legs in the system
where liquids can collect and create a stagnant environment that may initiate internal
corrosion.
• Identify modifications to pressure spectra in order to lessen the impact of cyclic
fatigue.
• Provide metallurgical expertise in the selection of pipeline steels and welding
procedures.
• Specify protective paints, coatings, and linings that serve to protect components from
corrosion.
• Design cathodic protection systems that work in conjunction with protective coatings
to prevent corrosion.
• Prevent the onset of corrosion related to shorted pipeline casings by filling casing
annulus with a dielectric material.
These activities are implemented for new facilities and for repair of existing facilities.
Further, Pipeline Integrity personnel are often called upon to review and authorize
“Design Basis Memorandum” documents. For all assets, the integrity requirements are
detailed within Company Engineering Standards, Pipeline Integrity Specifications and
Operating & Maintenance Procedures Manuals.
In-Line Inspection
In-line inspection is used to measure the size, frequency and location of defects.
Increasingly sophisticated inspection tools travel with the flow of the product in the
pipeline and gather information about the condition of the pipe on a millimetre by
millimetre basis. The tools detect corrosion, cracks, dents, gouges and other types of
defects that may occur on either the internal or external surface of the pipe. Most defects
that are detected are minor and do not threaten the integrity of the pipe. All are analyzed
and monitored through regular inspections to ensure that the defects are addressed prior
to compromising the structural strength requirements of the pipeline. The inspection
intervals are set based on the following parameters:
Of all monitoring techniques, in-line inspection provides the most detailed information
about the condition of the pipeline system. Virtually all of the Enbridge Transportation
Group North mainline piping is configured to allow access of inspection tools.
Cathodic Protection
The operability of the cathodic protection system is regularly monitored to ensure that the
cathodic protection equipment is functioning properly and that performance criteria are
being achieved. All buried, steel structures, including storage tank bottom plates, are
connected to cathodic protection. Typical surveys, which measure the electrical output of
the cathodic systems, are conducted monthly and yearly. In some cases, more in-depth
close interval surveys are conducted to gather further information. Specific attention is
also directed toward the cathodic protection effectiveness at casings, crossings, along
high voltage AC corridors, and at other potential interference structures. The data
gathered from the cathodic protection surveys serves as an indicator of external coating
damage and the onset of external corrosion in general.
Although the liquids transported by Enbridge are not particularly corrosive, the internal
steel surfaces of the system, other than storage tanks, are typically not protected with
barrier coatings or cathodic protection and can become susceptible to internal corrosion
in isolated areas depending upon characteristics of line elevation profile, flow regime,
and product corrosivity. The key method for monitoring internal corrosion activity on the
mainline system is the use of in-line inspection. Also, information regarding internal
corrosion activity is gathered through the use of corrosion probes and the analysis of
crude samples gathered during line cleaning operations. Corrosion probes most
commonly used on the Enbridge mainline system are installed on the external surface of
the pipeline at key locations and effectively measure the presence of hydrogen ions
generated as part of the corrosion reaction. The technology, known as “hydrogen foils”,
captures hydrogen that permeates through the steel to the external surface of the pipe and
provides an indirect measure of corrosion activity.
Hydrotesting
actually grow when exposed to the high pressures used in hydrotesting. Further, due to
the need to gather and dispose of large quantities of test water, the potential for
contaminated water to come in contact with the environment, and the extensive downtime
of the pipeline, this monitoring technique is rarely used.
Direct Assessments
Investigative Excavations
Repair
This is the most commonly used Enbridge remedial activity for treatment of pipeline
defects. Repair techniques are based on well-documented industry guidelines and
typically comprise one or more of the following activities:
Repairs are confined to bellhole pipeline segments and are used to address specific
defects identified during monitoring activities. The directed repair technique is generally
the most effective technique for Enbridge to revalidate the pipeline to a constant integrity
level while ensuring minimal operational disruption.
Pipe Replacement
Complete removal and replacement of pipe is undertaken in situations where the pipe has
been damaged beyond repair as in a rupture failure. Pipe replacement may also be an
option for repairing defects in general. For example, if the concentration of repair
requirements is high in a particular segment of pipeline it may be more economical to
replace the pipe than to repair.
Pressure Reduction
Pressure reductions are normally used as an additional safety measure by reducing the
stress level of the pipe with the aim of preventing the failure of a defect while under
investigation or repair. Pressure reductions are also used as a means of restoring the
target safety margin. For example, in some cases it may be preferable to postpone
permanent repair due to difficult site access, the need to ensure minimal operational
disruption, or the need to conduct more rigorous evaluations related to long-term repair
strategies. This approach ensures suitability for continued service at a revised integrity
target level. However, treatment of the defect is required if a higher pressure is desired.
Rehabilitation
In the past, Enbridge has conducted pipeline maintenance activities involving the large-
scale stripping of deteriorated external coatings and recoating with a new high-integrity
material. The aim was to correct low-level damage before major repairs were needed.
While this approach focuses on treating several contiguous kilometres of exposed piping,
rehabilitation concentrated at shorter bellhole-type locations may also be considered.
Rehabilitation techniques, other than coating removal and replacement, include the
installation of slip-liners into pipe to manage low level internal corrosion. While
Enbridge will continue to review the use of this approach for managing the pipeline
lifecycle, the overall cost-benefit analysis, as well as other parameters related to safety
and practicality, favours the continuation of defect management through repair.
Enbridge integrity management policy and procedures are developed through the
application of competent engineering judgement which makes use of operational
experience to specify the types of integrity activities needed and their optimal frequency.
Data gathered as a result of the integrity activities is trended and analyzed in order to
improve the effectiveness of the programs. Specifications and procedures are amended as
needed. Key trends provide guidance for program development in the following ways:
Remote monitoring
• On-line readings provided from the SCADA system record pipeline operating
conditions, such as pressure or temperature, which can be related to causal analysis of
pipeline defects.
• Communication links to integrity monitoring devices such as corrosion coupons or
cathodic protection components provide constant updates regarding the effectiveness
of integrity measures such as inhibitor injections.
Financial analysis
• Spending trends may reveal activities that should be bundled, or integrity materials
that would be more effectively purchased in bulk. Not only does this improve
profitability, it also frees up resources that can be better utilized elsewhere.
• Financial analysis assists in developing the engineering solution for the selection of
best technology and focuses on activities which optimize pipeline integrity value.
Failure investigations
• The possible failure modes are leak or rupture caused by damage to the pipeline.
Laboratory investigation of failed pipe, as well as forensic evaluation of the failure
site and related operating conditions, provide a causal analysis of pipeline failures.
The results of the analysis are reported to key stakeholders.
• Damage may originate during any stage of the pipeline lifecycle. The failure
analysis, which includes a survey of any similar previous occurrences, provides an
additional forum for evaluating the appropriateness of the damage prevention,
monitoring and mitigation activities. In order to minimize future failures, additional
control measures may be introduced based on the results of the failure analysis.
Vast amounts of data and information are gathered during integrity programs and, in
itself, the handling of the information involves detailed processes, technology, and
technical judgment. Maximizing the informative potential of collected data requires the
ongoing development of information technology tools and systems such as the following:
• Integrated Spatial Analysis System provides a means for managing the Pipeline
Integrity databases. The design of the system is such that key databases are
accessible through a single interface and selected information can be plotted on a
base mapping system that shows an overhead view of the pipeline right-of-way.
• Data collected during field maintenance activities is enhanced through the use of
palm pilots which enables the field technician to quickly enter the results of
observations and download the data to a central database that screens the information
for correctness. The information can then be sent directly to trending algorithms
providing the engineers and technologists with rapid field activity feedback.
Enbridge assesses pipeline integrity through monitoring and review of operational data
and ensures the safe and efficient operation of pipelines through a range of preventative
maintenance programs. The goal of management systems is to ensure events are
accurately documented, roles and responsibilities are defined, consistency is
maintained, decisions are easily communicated and justified, and continuous
improvement can be directly employed. The management systems are formalized
through implementation of the collective policies, procedures and practices that guide
the technical and administrative requirements for achieving the pipeline integrity
objectives. The facets of the integrity management system are summarized as follows:
The following elements ensure that personnel are qualified to address integrity
requirements:
Educational Background
Work Experience
Prior job history with other companies or experience within other Company
departments shall be used to evaluate the appropriateness of prospective new
employees. Performance management records or candidate references shall
provide guidance. Human Resources and other personnel may assist in
evaluating a candidate’s appropriateness but the final decision regarding the
hiring of an individual shall reside with the Manager.
Training
Mentoring
Performance Management
All Enbridge pipelines are designed, constructed, and operated to meet stringent
safety and reliability codes, standards, and procedures set by multi-stakeholder
organizations which include regulators, industry organizations and the Company
itself. At many levels, from the high-level Enbridge corporate policy statement to
the detailed technical specifications regarding particular areas of integrity science
implementation, these documents formally define the requirements for
implementing work, documenting and reviewing results, and assigning
responsibilities to ensure that stipulations are strictly followed. Examples of
codes, standards, and procedures that have a key influence on the Enbridge
integrity management program are as follows:
Continuous improvement of the program also includes the audit of the entire
scope of the Pipeline Integrity Department which is formally facilitated by the
Enbridge Audit group or through audits conducted by regulatory agencies.
The system defines the handling of all formal information relating to the Pipeline
Integrity Department including specifications, reports, communications and
completed forms. The system defines the nomenclature for consistent filing of
documents and the mechanism for queries relating to document searches. The
following describes features of the system:
Performance metrics serve as a tool for evaluating the success of the integrity
management program. Enbridge seeks methods for gauging the extent to which
the principal objectives have been met. Several of the objectives are high-level
Company values that are not explicitly quantifiable. However, their success can
still be demonstrated in a formal and conveyable way that indicates whether
integrity management activities are either appropriate or require improvements.
Measuring results is a developing science at Enbridge and the following
summarizes how performance is currently evaluated:
The primary metrics are those associated with the results of audits including
those conducted formally by regulatory agencies and the Enbridge Audit
Group or, informally, within the context of management systems which require
constant review of procedures through analysis of operational data.
The pipeline This objective describes the overall impression of the value pipelines bring to
system will be society.
perceived to be
safe. Useful metrics considered by Enbridge include public opinion polls conducted
by regulators or pipeline industry consensus groups, stakeholder feedback, and
benchmarking studies.
Minimal This parameter is evaluated on an ongoing basis during a variety of Company
customer planning forums that examine the impact of integrity programs and issues on
impact throughput and customer shipping requirements. Other logistics departments
lead these forums with participation by Pipeline Integrity personnel.
Achieve zero Leak history is monitored on an ongoing basis and trends are developed.
failures
Long-life asset This is a high-level objective that is manifest through the demonstration of
proper integrity management decisions rooted in fitness-for-purpose results,
defect growth rates, and frequency of resource implementation.
Use best This is a high level objective that is intrinsic to the overall process
technology implemented by engineers and technologists to conduct the necessary utility
analysis when making choices for the use of integrity tools.
Identify defects Metrics associated with this objective are related to the trending of defect
through depths or the pressure retaining capabilities of trended defects.
monitoring
Ensure cost Metrics associated with this objective includes cost-per-dig, operating cost
effectiveness management, and the ability to benefit from supply chain management.
Maintaining a safe and reliable pipeline system is a top priority for Enbridge. The
Company’s strong safety record reflects the continuing commitment to build safe
pipelines and maintain their integrity throughout their operating life. Enbridge
endeavors to be an industry leader in the area of pipeline integrity as demonstrated by
the following: