PICA sheds new light on hidden dangers

Post Inspection Crack Assessment (PICA) is a multi-faceted service that reliably and appropriately mitigates confirmed crack threats.

Smarter crack management
Managing the threat of cracks in your pipeline is serious business. Whether validating your pipeline’s susceptibility to cracking, or selecting the most appropriate testing and evaluation methods for known problem areas, we understand the risks and technology trade-offs for every situation.

As an industry leading provider of in-line crack detection and screening, GE Oil & Gas' PII Pipeline Solutions advocates the application of a more reliable crack evaluation methodology based on the API-579 industry standard.

From start to finish, we deliver the right technology and the most technically sound engineering necessary to enhance the safety of your pipeline.

Crack evaluation
With more than 30 years and 500,000 miles of pipeline inspection experience, PII Pipeline Solutions has amassed a wealth of knowledge relating to crack detection. With it, our engineers recently brought to the industry forefront the limitations of traditional crack assessment methods.

Widely used non-FAD crack assessment methods based on NG-18 equations provide inconsistent results – in some instances, understating failure pressures, over-estimating crack sizes and producing higher uncertainty levels for failure prediction. Our search for a more technically sound crack assessment method was the result of customers reporting these difficulties even when working with proven, accurate in-line inspection data.

In 2006, PRCI decided to fund a significant crack review project with major sponsors including Conoco Phillips, Exxon Mobil, Marathon Ashland, and Chevron Texaco.

Superior approach
The API-579 assessment methodology delivers more accurate results for your pipeline’s integrity – and greater value for your investment.

We therefore strongly recommend its use, since the same accuracy levels cannot be guaranteed with other methods.

Pipeline operators who take advantage of this assessment methodology, in conjunction with our proven expertise in in-line inspection services, will benefit from the precision only possible with a truly integrated approach to Post Inspection Crack Assessment (PICA).

A fully integrated PICA solution:

• Enables a more effective excavation program
• Shortens Discovery time, leaving more flexibility to schedule digs
• Significantly reduces, if not eliminates, false digs
• Effectively assures short and long-term safety by incorporating the latest developments in validated fracture mechanics
• Provides detailed in-field action and remediation plans
• Documents all Discovery management activities
• Provides compliance with all appropriate regulations

PICA
Post Inspection Crack Assessment (PICA) is a multi-faceted service born from widespread customer need. It is often provided in conjunction with our UltraScan CD inspections and surveys which we currently perform on a consultative basis in different customized forms.

Our three primary services are now combined into a single, simple PICA package which includes:

• Assessment Optimization
• Integrity Assessment
• Crack Evaluation

This combination integrates results in order to reliably and appropriately mitigate any confirmed crack threat.

Three crack services
Assessment Optimization documents the appropriateness of the chosen assessment method to detect critical crack sizes and provides a reasonable re-inspection interval. It also checks and documents the feasibility, reliability and cost effectiveness of the assessment against other available assessment methods. Tool selection is matched to operator needs and tool specifications are documented. The basic service (Level A) can be enhanced to provide formal compliance reporting (Level B).

Integrity Assessment is the performance of appropriate in-line inspection service (UltraScan CD or Duo) or hydrostatic testing.

Crack Evaluation is the detailed examination of findings from in-line inspection or hydrostatic testing, to identify critical defects not acceptable at the maximum operating pressure (MOP). Other deliverables include an excavation schedule and re-inspection plan. Recommendations are provided to support a remediation program for sub-critical indications. Basic and enhanced service options are available.

Crack Evaluation is also available as a stand-alone service for clients who already suspect a threat exists in their pipeline and who desire guidance for achieving the safest and most effective solution.

Key benefits:

• Guides pipeline operators to make the safest and most appropriate crack assessment for their pipeline (considering API 1163 and NACE RP0102)
• Carries out an optimized Integrity Assessment
• Performs lifecycle assessment, mitigation planning and re-inspection planning using the latest developments in fracture mechanics.