Maintaining quality

Andy Lukas is Managing Director of AJ Lucas Group Limited, President of the International Pipeline and Offshore Contractors Association (IPLOCA) and Director of the Australian Pipeline Association (APIA). Here he talks to O&G about current pipeline maintenance challenges.

O&G. Firstly, what are the major challenges that the pipeline industry faces, particularly when it comes to construction work in the more inhospitable parts of the world?

AL. The lack of pipeline engineers and construction workers in this industry is our major challenge. The supply of and demand for qualified engineers is completely out of balance, and the explosion of opportunities globally has only exacerbated this situation. IPLOCA, the International Pipeline and Offshore Contractors Association, is working with its members and their clients to examine ways to alleviate this problem and encourage an influx of new entrants into the field.

O&G. What are the knock-on effects for the industry of an aging pipeline infrastructure?

AL. Inevitably aging pipelines create still more work for the pipeline industry, at a time when there is already a huge lack of qualified personnel to meet the demand for new projects. There is also the issue that regulators understandably can be suspicious of aging pipelines and this reflects on some of the requirements for new pipelines.

O&G. What is needed to improve vigilance when it comes to detecting and dealing with corrosion?

AL. Prevention is the best cure for dealing with corrosion. Designers should not skimp on the fitness for purpose of pipeline coatings. Often, the cheapest is not the most suitable. There are good surveillance tools available today and there is no excuse for not utilizing them.

O&G. What solutions are out there to make monitoring and maintenance easier?

AL. Advancement in electronics is making the measurement of small changes in current flow practical. Over the trench potential surveys are much better than they used to be. The laying of optical fibers in the pipeline trench has some very interesting potential. IPLOCA is bringing key players to the table through its New Technologies initiative.

O&G. How have the effects of Prudhoe Bay impacted on the industry? Do you think that Prudhoe Bay will persuade companies to spend more on R&D into new technologies that will improve pipeline shelf life?

AL. The industry has moved on from the times when the Prudhoe Bay pipelines were first installed. A good QA/QC program would not allow such problems. Contractors need to believe in self-inspection and many have made this journey in recent times. Few contractors today will install something faulty deliberately when the inspector is not looking.

In terms of R&D, research is underway. The technologies for long shelf life exist today. The designers need to stand up and insist on using this technology and owners need to recognize the false economies of using inferior techniques.