ASME International

Managing System Integrity of Gas Pipelines - Supplement to  B31.8
 N B31.8S

Annotation

This Code applies to onshore pipeline systems constructed with ferrous materials and that transport gas. The principles and processes embodied in integrity management are applicable to all pipeline systems.

This Code is specifically designed to provide the operator (as defined in section 13) with the information necessary to develop and implement an effective integrity management program utilizing proven industry practices and processes. The processes and approaches described within this Code are applicable to the entire pipeline.

Purpose and Objectives

Managing the integrity of a gas pipeline system is the primary goal of every pipeline system operator. Operators want to continue providing safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to their customers without adverse effects on employees, the public, customers, or the environment. Incident-free operation has been and continues to be the gas pipeline industry's goal. The use of this Code as a supplement to the ASME B31.8 Code will allow pipeline operators to move closer to that goal.

Acomprehensive, systematic, and integrated integrity management program provides the means to improve the safety of pipeline systems. Such an integrity management program provides the information for an operator to effectively allocate resources for appropriate prevention, detection, and mitigation activities that will result in improved safety and a reduction in the number of incidents.

This Code describes a process that an operator of a pipeline system can use to assess and mitigate risks in order to reduce both the likelihood and consequences of incidents. It covers both a prescriptive-based and a performance-based integrity management program.