Pipeline Integrity Optimal Maintenance Techniques and Its Reliability

Wecheonwu B. C.; Achinike O. W.; Tom- Cyprian N; Anyia J. A

Abstract

This study is aimed at determining the optimal maintenance model for utilizing both preventive and corrective costs control system. It was assumed that operating conditions and pipeline diameters were uniform following the cumulated results and computational analysis. The research included an estimation which shows that the average cost for the installation and of course the maintenance of a healthy and operational pipeline is within $1,989,992 per km. Considering the failure rate considered, the optimal maintenance model was then adopted based on the derivative cost of both the preventive and the corrective maintenance cost. The model shows that optimal replacement time is 10 years with a corresponding cost of $7,034,496/ 10 km. A sample able to illustrate average cost of property damage, when CReplacement =21,989,900 (10 km section) respectively. The optimal maintenance period was at T*=10 years and the corresponding cost is (T*)= $7,034,496 for a cumulative corrosion of over 10 years. Some methods of statistics for modelling a pipeline failures and proper maintenance decisions were adopted and plays key roles in the future lines through reduction in the rate of occurrence of failure and the cost-effective operation of the pipeline network. The maintenance approaches, cost reduction strategies and failure rate reduction where also investigated and better results were obtained and computed per intervals of yearly operations under consideration. The research covers some strategic region of oil producing areas of the Niger Delta of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. At the end of the research recommendable approach were adopted for the purpose of reducing or minimizing maintenance cost of any pipeline situated in any location of the country Nigeria, and the entire world at large.

Abstract

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