Services

Pipeline Services

Western Canada is home to an amazing `invisible’ network of thousands of kilometers of pipeline systems. Although `invisible’ these live links for transmission of gas and liquid products require operational, regulatory and integrity management to ensure smooth and sustained operability. Protection of the Public and Environmental Preservation are the key deliverables of Pipeline System Management. Visser Consulting can assist your company in the development, management and training of the following Pipeline Service components:

 

Pipeline Operating & Maintenance Manual (O&M)

The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance and direction in the everyday installation, operation and maintenance of the pipeline systems. This manual is designed to direct the operations of the pipelines to prevent or reduce potential hazards and provides the appropriate staff with required operations information and guidelines. Operating companies are required to have a current O&M manual in place for management and operations staff as per CSA Z662 (latest edition) Clause 10 and Alberta Pipeline Regulation Section 49 (both endorsed and enforced per ERCB Directive 060).

Ground Disturbance Handbook & Permits

This handbook provides information and guidance to operating companies, their personnel, contractors and sub contractors on how to safely undertake ground disturbance in the vicinity of any underground facilities. The permit provides the means of confirming all parties involved in executing ground disturbance are aware of not only all risks and hazards associated with the task prior to commencing any activities, but are also aware of the operating company’s process and policy regarding this item. Visser can facilitate the printing and distribution of these items as directed by the client.

Pipeline Integrity Management Program

Visser offers this program, which is designed to meet the requirements of CSA Z662 (latest edition). The Alberta and British Columbia regulatory bodies have mandated that any company with oil or gas pipelines must protect the integrity of their pipelines. This program must not only set out procedures, but also implement the requirements for developing and documenting a Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMS).

A Pipeline Integrity Management System will provide safe, environmentally responsible and reliable service to all of your pipelines.

Visser develops the Integrity System to meet company needs, therefore ensuring the program is effective and manageable.

Advantages:

  • Cost savings by ensuring pipeline integrity is maintained and there are no spills or breaks
  • Fully integrated Pipeline Corrosion Monitoring Program
  • Central storage of pipeline information
  • Increases the value of data
  • Decreased pipeline incidents from increased monitoring program

Components:

  • Pipeline Operations Manual
  • Pipeline Integrity Manual
  • Internal Corrosion Assessment
  • Risk Assessment
  • Corrosion Mitigation
  • Pipeline Schematics
  • Implementation Training
  • PIMS System Management
  • Electronic Distribution
  • Pipeline Monitoring Program
  • Pigging Schedules
  • Coupon Monitoring Schedules
  • Cathodic Monitoring Schedules

Program Deliverables:

  • Risk-based approach to Pipeline Integrity
  • Risk Assessment Report
  • Internal Corrosion Assessment
  • Pipeline Integrity Manual
  • Compiled Data Store

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Pipeline System Schematics (PSS)

Visser offers a Pipeline System Schematics program to give a pipeline owner/operator the ability to properly maintain accurate licences and track any changes to the gathering system. Pipeline reviews will be conducted in a manner that complies with all applicable regulations.

Benefits:

PSS are imperative to operating companies, as companies are responsible for maintaining accurate licences with the associated regulatory body.   They are advised to conduct periodic reviews (recommended annually) to ensure new, existing or acquired pipeline assets and licences are accurate. The Alberta Pipeline Act and the ERCB Directive 056 both provide guidance with respect to when this is required (also endorsed and enforced per ERCB Directive 066). These are also recommended practices for all other provinces.

Financial savings by maintaining current licences can be achieved because taxation by land titles is dependant on current pipeline operating status.

All areas of concerns and recommended follow-up procedures will be provided to your company.

Key Components:

  • Pipeline Licence Review
  • Pipeline System Schematics - Visual Representation of pipeline systems
  • A listing of recommended follow-up procedures
  • Client (operator) meetings

Program Deliverables:

  • Printed or Electronic Pipeline System Schematics
  • Listing of necessary licence changes
  • Listing of recommended actions

Pipeline Audits

Operating companies may be subject to Pipeline Audits either randomly or due to operational incidents. Each audit is unique and the information requested in addition to the timeline to respond varies. Visser can facilitate, coordinate, advise or provide direct or indirect guidance through this process. A scope of services will be provided per occurrence.

Ground Disturbance Procedures

These are prepared as required by the regulators.

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Pipeline Licence Review

Operating companies are advised to conduct periodic reviews (recommended annually) to ensure new, existing or acquired pipeline assets licences are accurate. The Alberta Pipeline Act and the ERCB Directive 056 both provide guidance with respect to when this is required (also endorsed and enforced per ERCB Directive 066). A scope of service and additional information can be provided to undertake this activity, from review to completion of licence amendment paper work. This will be provided per occurrence.

Set up Alberta’s One Call Program

The Alberta Pipeline Regulation Section 59 states: “Every licencee shall register with the Alberta One Call service and shall (a) register every licenced pipeline with Alberta One Call regardless of the operational status of the pipeline, and (b) for new construction, register the pipeline prior to putting it into operation”. Visser can assist operating companies through the Corporate Registration process (due to FOIP we are unable to complete this on your behalf). Once registration is complete we are able to effectively manage and update records on behalf of the operator.

Set up British Columbia’s One Call Program

BC’s One Call Program has not been legislated as of yet (pending), although all operating companies are encouraged to register and use this system. Visser can assist operating companies through the Corporate Registration process (due to FOIP we are unable to complete this on your behalf). Once registration is complete we are able to effectively manage and update records on behalf of the operator.

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To learn more about how Visser can provide you with specific Pipeline Services to meet your company's needs, please contact us.