CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations Pipeline Emergencies 1 Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved. Pipeline Emergencies

CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations

Pipeline Emergencies 1

Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.

Pipeline Emergencies 101Awareness Level Training




Objectives

• Basic overview of Pipeline Operations and Pipeline Incidents including basic operations, incident recognition and identification, and tactics.

• Keeping responders safe




The Pipeline Transportation Chain ….

Pipelines and piping systems are the safest and second largest method of hazardous materials transportation within the United States and Canada

All piping systems are based upon the following principles: A material is inserted or injected

into a pipe The product is moved from this

origination point to a pre-specified destination

The product is ultimately removed from the pipeline at its destination point




Pipeline Transportation Chain




Crude Oil Pipelines…

Crude oil is petroleum taken directly out of the ground from both on-shore and off-shore production facilities

The exact composition of this produced fluid varies depending upon where in the world the crude oil was produced

Crude oil may also have a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) Commonly referred to as a “sour

crude,” exposures to low concentrations of this toxic gas can result in death




Crude Oil Pipelines…

Gathering lines are small pipelines, usually 2 to 8-inches diameter They move the crude oil mixture

from individual wellheads and production locations to an oil processing facility

Depending upon the location of the production site and the type of crude oil being produced, the crude oil is then shipped through larger trunk lines or by cargo tank trucks to a refinery or shipping terminal Onshore Offshore platforms North slope of Alaska




Liquid Pipelines …

The most common liquids transported by pipelines are refined petroleum products gasoline Aviation gas Jet fuel Home heating fuels Diesel fuels Carbon dioxide Natural gas liquids (NGL) Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) Anhydrous ammonia




Liquid Pipelines …

Transmission pipelines move refined products from refineries to marketing and distribution terminals

The products are then loaded onto rail cars, cargo tanks trucks, and barges for delivery to the consumer

Refined petroleum product transmission pipelines carry several different liquid products simultaneously




Liquid Pipelines - Highly Volatile Liquids

Highly volatile liquids or “HVL” pipelines are hazardous liquids which will form a vapor cloud when released to the atmosphere HVLs include any liquid with a vapor pressure

exceeding 40 psia (276 kpa) at 100ºF (37.8º C) Examples of common highly

volatile liquids (HVLs) Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) Propane Butane Ammonia Carbon dioxide Hydrogen




Gas Pipelines

Natural gas may be produced As a separate material During exploration and production

operations As a by-product of crude oil production

operations The handling of natural gas and natural gas

liquids (NGLs) parallels the process for crude oil pipelines

Transmission pipelines ranging up to 48-inches in diameter move the natural gas from production and processing to the distribution network

Ultimately delivering the product to residential and industrial consumers




Identification Of Pipelines …

The location of an underground pipeline is usually marked by aboveground signs and markers that indicate the presence of a pipeline The primary function of these markers is to alert

those who might be working along the pipeline corridor or doing construction in close proximity to the pipeline, and to provide initial emergency contact information

Markers are required to be present whenever a pipeline crosses under roads, railroads, or waterways

They may also be found at other intervals and locations along the pipeline right-of-way, such as near buildings and structures





Although the color, format and design may vary, all markers are required to provide:1. The pipeline contents

2. The pipeline operator

3. Emergency telephone number

1

2 3





While pipeline markers indicate the presence of a pipeline(s), the absence of a pipeline marker is no assurance that a pipeline is not present

ROW

Click to see the pipeline location




Identification Of Pipelines

Other markers may also be found along the right-of-way, including: Painted metal or plastic posts may be

used to indicate the right-of-way, especially in urban and suburban areas

Pipeline casing vents are sometimes found where a pipeline crosses under a road or rail corridor within a pipeline casing

Aerial markers are larger markers with a specific number that indicate a specific geographic location along the pipeline right-of-way




Pipeline Rights-of-Ways (ROW)

The ROW is a strip of land usually about 25 to 150 feet wide containing one or more pipelines or other subsurface utilities (e.g., cables communications)

The ROW: Enables pipeline personnel

to gain access for inspection, maintenance, testing or emergencies

Maintains an unobstructed view for frequent aerial surveillance of the pipeline

Identifies an area that restricts certain activities to protect the landowner and the community

May be located adjacent to a power line right-of-way or within A highway right-of-way

Pipeline Right-of-Way




Clues That Indicate A Right-of-Way

The primary method to identify pipelines and their right-of-way is through the use of pipeline markers located at roads, railways and other intervals along the ROW

Pipeline markers only show the approximate location of the buried pipelines, as the depth and exact location of the pipelines can vary within the ROW

MARKER

PIPELINES

Railway




Pipeline Rights-of-Ways (ROW)

Rows are either owned by the pipeline operator or acquired through an agreement with the property owner

Pipeline companies are responsible for maintaining their right-of-way to protect the public and environment, the line itself, and other customers from loss of service

Typically, a permit must be obtained from the pipeline operator for any activity or encroachment into the row




The Pipeline …

Pipelines can vary from 2-inch diameter for gathering lines to 48-inches for transmission or trunk lines

Most modern pipelines are constructed of either seamless steel or steel with a welded longitudinal seam in 40 to 60 ft Lengths

The individual pipe joints are welded together into sections

To inhibit corrosion, pipe coatings and wrappings applied at the steel mill or on-site are used




The Pipeline …

Minimum depths vary - natural gas distribution mains have a 24-inch minimum depth

Federal regulations require that transmission pipelines have a minimum depth of 30 inches in rural areas and deeper in more populated areas




The Pipeline …

When crossing a river, most pipelines are drilled under the riverbed without disturbing the bottom surface

If drilling is not possible, the piping may be laid and weighted with concrete or steel anchors to keep it on the bottom

Aboveground pipelines may be found at pump and compressor stations, meter stations, some valve stations, river crossings, bridges, and plant and terminal facilities




The Pipeline

Aboveground pipelines are also constructed in a zigzag pattern instead of a straight line to allow for pipeline movement due to thermal expansion or ground movement

Once in-place, the pipeline must then be tested for leaks before being placed in service




Corrosion Control

Corrosion is a natural process that, under the proper conditions, can affect any metal or alloy

Pipeline operators must also have written guidelines and procedures for most corrosion-related activities

Pipeline corrosion is most prevalent when the failure of coatings, inhibitors, or cathodic protection occurs in a corrosive environment




Types and Causes of Corrosion

External corrosion may be caused by damage to coatings, manufacturing defects within the metal, or through the loss of cathodic protection

Internal corrosion of pipelines is a concern to all pipeline operators Causes include chloride, carbon

dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen, and micro-biological activity

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) involves microbes that produce corrosive conditions

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is the cracking of A pipeline from the combined influence of tensile stress and a corrosive medium




Pig Receiver on a Natural Gas Pipeline

Cutaway of pipeline

with pig inside




Pumps and compressors Provide the force and pressure to move liquid and gas products

through a pipeline system

The size of the pumps and compressors used in a pipeline system will be dependent upon the type of pipeline, and the product and volumes being transported

Moving And Controlling The Product

Pumps are commonly used to provide the pressure and force to move products in a

liquid pipeline

Compressors are typically used on gas pipelines to boost and maintain the pipeline pressure,

thereby keeping the gas flowing




Moving And Controlling The Product …

Valves A critical and essential element of a pipeline system

in controlling the movement and flow of product Valves can be identified by type or by function, and

can be equipped with locking devices to prevent the accidental or malicious operation of the valve

Types of valves commonly found on pipeline systems include : Gate valves Plug valves Ball valves Butterfly valves Check valves




Moving And Controlling The Product

Valves Pipeline flow rates and

pressures on transmission lines and large distribution lines are controlled through the use of large control valves

Safety note Emergency response personnel should never attempt to isolate any

pipeline valves on large-diameter transmission or distribution lines unless under the direction of pipeline operations personnel

Failure to do so may actually create additional problems that are worse than the original event




Moving and Controlling The Product

Pressure relief valves (PRV) Provide over-pressure protection for pipeline

systems and storage tanks Spring-actuated valves that automatically open

and relieve pressure when actuated at A pre-set pressure

On liquid pipeline systems, the PRV discharge is often directed into A breakout tank where the liquid outflow is collected

When actuated, PRVs can generate a tremendous amount of noise, as well as strong odors if the natural gas is odorized A PRV venting to the atmosphere is performing

properly, it should never be isolated or restricted by emergency response personnel




Pressure Relief Valves

Control ValvePressure Relief Valves

Remember - A PRV venting to the atmosphere is performing properly, and its discharge should never be isolated or restricted by emergency response personnel




Moving and Controlling The Product …

Manifolds Both liquid and gas pipelines use valve

manifolds to control the flow path of products

Manifolds, with numerous valves and meters, are used to divide the pipeline flow into parts, to combine several flows into one larger pipeline flow, or to reroute product flow to several possible locations




Moving and Controlling The Product

Manifolds Manifolds may perform a number of

operations, including: Pumping product through

the main pipeline at apumping station

Receiving product from the field into any tank

Delivering product from the main pipeline into any storage tank

Transferring product from one tank to another

Meters are used to measure and record the quantity or volume of product passing through a specific location




Pipeline Control Centers …

The pipeline control center is the heart of pipeline operations

Information about the pipeline’s operating equipment and parameters is communicated into the control center, where operators use computers to monitor the pipeline operation

Pipeline monitoring is accomplished through a computerized system known as a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system




Many pipeline operators have their 24-hour emergency phone number connected directly to the pipeline control center

The SCADA system continuously monitors the volume in the pipeline and provides line balance reports

Most SCADA systems offer multiple computer screens so that an operator can instantly check operations and facts at any location

Pipeline Control Centers …

CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations


Tactical Response

Pipeline emergencies are handled safely and effectively when responders are dependent on a predetermined and approved system for managing the event

The Eight Step Process© is copyrighted by Jones & Bartlett Learning. It was originally developed by Gregory Noll, Michael Hildebrand, and James Yvorra Material in this section has been reproduced with permission from

Jones & Bartlett Learning For more information on the eight step process© see Hazardous

Materials: Managing The Incident, (4th edition), Jones & Bartlett learning, Sudbury, MA

The Eight Step Process© can serve as a general framework for systematically resolving a pipeline emergency



The Eight Step Process©

There are eight basic functions that must be evaluated at pipeline emergencies & hazardous materials Site management and control Identify the problem Hazard and risk evaluation Select personal protective clothing and equipment Information management and resource coordination Implement response objectives Decontamination and clean-up operations Terminate the incident

The Eight Step Process© is used in this section with permission from Jones and Bartlett Learning



Step 1: Site Mgt. and Control Street Smart Tips

Site management establishes the playing field for the overall response

The initial 10 minutes of the incident will determine operations for the next 60 minutes, and the first 60 minutes will determine operations for the first 8 hours

Don’t try to control more real estate than you can effectively isolate and control Smaller and tighter may be better than bigger and looser

Remember the basics The more time, distance and shielding between you and

the material, the lower the risk will be



Step 1: Site Mgt. and Control Street Smart Tips

Designate an emergency evacuation signal and identify rally points if emergency evacuation is necessary

Remember the first law of hot zone operations when dealing with hazardous materials: to play in the game you must: Be trained to play Be dressed to play Have A buddy system with back-up personnel Have Decon established Coordinate with command and safety



Step 2: Identify the problem Street Smart Tips

A problem well-defined is half-solved Assume that initial information is not correct Always verify your initial information

Verify – verify – verify Conduct reconnaissance operations, as necessary

Defensive recon Offensive recon

Never permit response personnel to perform activities in areas where un-ignited gases or vapors may have accumulated

Always verify flammable gas concentrations through continuous air monitoring

Always be alert for the presence of improvised explosive devices (IED) and secondary events



Step 3: Hazard/Risk Evaluation Street Smart Tips

Look at where the problem is now – and where it is going! Consider the travel of both liquid and vapors

Focus on those things that you can change and that will make a positive difference to the outcome

Every incident will arrive at some outcome…with or without your help If you can’t change the outcome, why get involved?

There’s nothing wrong with taking a calculated risk If there is much to be gained, there is much to be risked If there is little to be gained, then little should be risked

Pubic safety personnel should view their roles as that of risk evaluators, rather than risk takers Bad risk takers get buried Effective risk evaluators come home



Step 3: Hazard/Risk Evaluation Street Smart Tips

Hour one priorities within the IAP are: Establish site management and control Notify the pipeline operator Determine the materials involved Ensure the safety of all personnel from ALL hazards Ensure that PPE is appropriate for the hazards Initiate tactical objectives to accomplish initial rescue, Decon, medical,

and public protective action needs If criminal activities are involved (e.g., Terrorism incidents), maintain

the integrity of potential evidence



Step 4: PPE Clothing and Equip Street Smart Tips

Remember that structural firefighting protective clothing is not designed to provide protection against chemical hazards

There is no one single barrier that will effectively combine both chemical and thermal protection

Wearing ANY type and level of impermeable protective clothing creates the potential for heat stress injuries

Personal protective clothing is your LAST line of defense!!!!



Step 5: Info Mgt. and Control Street Smart Tips

Consider the security of the ICP and all other incident response areas (e.g., Staging, rehab) of the incident

Don’t look stupid because you didn’t have a plan Bad news doesn’t get better with time

If there’s a problem, the earlier you know about it the sooner you can start to fix it!

Don’t allow external resources to “free-lance” or do the “end run” Don’t let your lack of a planning section become the Achilles heel

of your response Establish it early, particularly if the incident has the potential to

become a “campaign event” Work together to solve the problem!



Step 6: Implement Response Objectives Street Smart Tips

Always ask yourself , What will happen if I do nothing? Remember – this is the baseline for hazmat decision-making and

should be the element against which all strategies and tactics are compared

Remember the basic principles of spill control: Divert the spill to an open area, if possible If flammable liquids are involved, use Class B firefighting foams for

vapor suppression Conduct air monitoring – the fire threat takes priority over the

environmental threat! Cover storm drains and sewers ahead of the release




Prevent the entry of liquid products into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas

Booms, pads and other absorbent materials will not be effective in confining large liquid spills, or spills that have had Class B aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) applied

Underflow dams may be used to control hydrocarbon Liquids released into creeks and streams




Remember the basic principles of fire control: Flammable liquids and gases will give off A tremendous amount of

radiant heat Protect exposures, as appropriate Never extinguish a flammable gas fire Always control or isolate the source of the leak If you can’t isolate the source, then attempt to reduce the operating

pressure of the pipeline Permit the fire to self-extinguish and consume any residual fuel that

may remain inside or around the pipeline




Remember the basic principles of leak control: Emergency responders should NEVER attempt to isolate any pipeline

valves on large-diameter transmission or distribution lines unless under the direction of pipeline operations personnel

Failure to do so may actually create additional problems that are worse than the original event

Don’t touch natural gas plastic piping, as it may generate a static spark that could act as an ignition source

Shutting off the main natural gas supply to large commercial or industrial facilities may actually create secondary or tertiary problems worse than the original incident




Remember the basic principles of leak control: Once a flammable gas supply is shutoff, NEVER turn the service valve

ON again Service restoration should only be conducted by gas utility representatives

Don’t fill up an open hole or trench with water It won’t stop the flow of natural gas, may delay efforts to control the

problem, and won’t make the pipeline workers who have to fix the problem happy

Surprises often occur on the emergency scene Always have A plan B in case plan A doesn’t work!



Step 7 Decon and Clean UP Street Smart Tips

Establishing an emergency Decon capability should be part of the incident action plan for any incident where hazardous materials are involved

Remember that flammables may be absorbed into structural firefighting clothing and be carried into “safe” areas

Decon involving large numbers of people will be a challenge Remember the basics – separate people from the problem and

keep them corralled until emergency Decon is established Never transport contaminated victims from the scene to any

medical facility without conducting field Decon



Step 8: Terminate the Incident Street Smart Tips

Although every organization has a tendency to develop its own critique style, never use a critique to assign blame

Organizations must balance the potential negatives against the benefits that are gained through the critique process Remember – the reason for doing the critique in the first place is to

improve your operations! Most critiques fall into one of three categories:

We tell each other that we did a great job – whether we actually did or not

We beat up on each other for making bad decisions We focus on the lessons that were learned and the

changes/improvements that must be made to our response system

CHAPTER 7 Scenarios

Pipeline Emergencies 50Pipeline Emergencies 50


Closing

Be safe

For more information www.pipelineemergenices.com

Philip Oakes 307-222-4227 [email protected]

http://www.pipelineemergenices.com/

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations Pipeline Emergencies 1 Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved. Pipeline Emergencies