4 Different Reasons Why a Pipeline Would Fail

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Pipes are safer than other methods for delivering natural gas and oil, but they are still susceptible to failures and leaks. Pipe failures can cause severe and even catastrophic damage, which can result in mass death, immense environmental consequences, and large-scale economic losses.

To prevent catastrophic problems, it’s essential to recognize the different reasons a pipeline might fail. The issues vary, but design flaws and inadequate maintenance can cause pipelines to collapse.

Corrosion

Corrosion is a common cause of burst pipelines since most pipelines in the United States are several decades old. Pipelines can succumb to several types of corrosion, such as pitting, uniform, galvanic, and microbiological. It’s also important to understand that corrosion happens to metal pipes and materials like carbon fiber and plastic.

To prevent corrosion from eating away at pipelines, workers must wash the pipe internally and externally with chemical treatments and apply coatings to the outside of the pipe to combat current and new corrosion.

Material Failure

Ruptures in a pipeline typically happen at welds or joints because those are the weakest spots compared to the rest of the pipeline. Aging pipelines are more at risk of material failure because of old joint-welding techniques. To mitigate risks, companies often rely on Casing Inspection Services to assess the condition of pipelines regularly. This proactive approach is vital for maintaining operational safety. Today, mechanical forming is the preferred method for bellows and expansion joints since there isn’t a seam; instead, it’s one tube created from a single metal sheet.

Accidental Damage

Accidents from excavating near the pipeline also contribute significantly to pipeline ruptures, often involving digging, trenching, or grading. Construction from homes or roads can nick or dent a pipeline and cause damage. Companies or individuals planning ground construction need to find out what’s below the surface before excavating or digging. When hiring an Excavating contractor in Rockwall, TX, or a contractor wherever construction takes place, you can sit down with them and go over how this can be managed to ensure total care and protection for the land and the workers. They are professionals in this area, so they understand the need to be as careful as possible to benefit the project.

Equipment Failure

Equipment failure differs from material failure because it refers to any components or devices, such as pumps, valves, or tanks. These elements are usually on company property and pose little risk to the general population. In these cases, a lack of maintenance or improper installation is often to blame.

Excavation work can be daunting, but it's important to remember that even a tiny mistake can lead to pipeline failure. If a pipeline is not installed correctly, it will likely fail. This is why hiring a qualified Excavation contractor with experience with pipeline installation is essential.

Understanding the common causes of pipeline failure can help prevent accidents. If you're planning an excavation project near a pipeline, contact the appropriate authorities and hire a qualified excavating contractor.

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