Pipeline Research

Through the Technical Assessment & Research (TAR) Program, the MMS is developing a methodology for assessing the safety of existing pipelines as well as the design and installation of future pipeline systems.

Oil and Gas development continues to move farther offshore and into deeper water and farther north into artic environments. In the Gulf of Mexico offshore, exploration wells are being drilled at water depths greater than 10,000 ft and production systems installed at depths over 7,000 feet. As reserves are discovered and deepwater facilities installed, pipeline networks for gas and oil transport must follow and overcome new challenges with state-of-the art riser systems and extended capability to handle distant sub sea completions and tie-ins. The business climate is demanding innovative pipeline design,  installation, and repair options; reductions in the weight and cost of risers systems and solutions for secondary issues such as development of HPHT reservoirs and hurricane recovery and preparation.

Despite the growing attention given to new deep water and artic development, MMS remains attentive to the needs of existing pipeline operations. There is growing concern for the integrity of pipelines in offshore Federal waters in the wake of the nation's growing dependency of hydrocarbon-based energy and the economic disruptions that often result from disruptions (i.e., hurricane damage) to the steady stream of oil and gas from the Federal offshore. There is also concern over the susceptibility of pipelines to corrosion and third-party damage. Improved inspection, monitoring, and repair systems remain a focus for both existing and proposed pipelines systems.

Desired Outcomes:

1. Ensure continued safety of operations and protection of the environment through research and technical assessment of existing and proposed pipeline systems.
    
2. Identify the need for new technologies and contract with industry, government and academic researchers to assist in developing new ideas and solutions.

Tactical Plan (2007-2020):

1.       Assess risk and reliability of existing pipelines and infrastructure. Focus specific attention to hurricane damage, recovery, and damage prevention.

2.       Study and streamline operational issues (i.e. inspection, integrity assessment, and maintenance and repair).

3.       Develop new and revised pipeline standards and guidelines. Involve pipeline standards writing organizations such as API, ASME, and ISO in forums, workshops, meetings, and selective projects to gain insight and provide direction for existing and new standards.

4.       Study technical challenges of deepwater development. Identify and mitigate deep water hazards.

5.       Encourage materials development for pipeline systems to meet the operational and dynamic variables of the offshore environment.

6.       Develop research ideas and disseminate results through Pipeline R&D Forums and Workshops. Encourage greater communication with industry and public interests for perspectives that aid industry-wide R&D efforts as well as educate the public and other offshore partners on MMS activities and how the technology we generate is used to advance safety and environmental safeguards on the OCS.

For more information on Pipelines, please e-mail Michael Else.

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Last Updated: 03/12/2008, 02:58 PM