Optimal Balancing of ILI Excavations and Integrity Confidence Through Engineering Assessment Methods

Abstract This paper demonstrates the utilization of an engineering assessment method to effectively balance the reduction of costly inline inspection (ILI) excavations while maintaining high pipeline integrity confidence levels. Faced with the challenge of frequent and expensive ILI excavations that disrupt operations and inflate maintenance costs, the pipeline industry seeks more efficient and targeted strategies. This study addresses this need by integrating and applying advanced engineering assessment techniques in the context of pipeline maintenance. The process starts with a critical analysis of the current state of pipeline integrity management, identifying the primary issues related to reliability-based timeliness of ILI-driven excavations in achieving fitness for service. We then delve into a comprehensive review of various engineering assessment methods, including statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and risk-based assessment, highlighting their potential in enhancing decision-making in pipeline maintenance. The paper uses a case study where various methodologies have been applied, providing empirical evidence of their effectiveness in reducing unnecessary excavations while preserving or enhancing pipeline integrity confidence levels. This case study demonstrates cost savings and operational efficiencies, underscoring the practicality and benefits of these methods. A notable aspect of these efforts is the examination of the role engineering evaluation plays in processing and interpreting ILI data. These techniques, with their advanced predictive capabilities, offer nuanced insights that support more accurate and sophisticated engineering assessments and long-range planning.