Technical document

Recommended Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sweet Gas Gathering Systems
February 2002

2002-0013

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents 140 companies that explore for, develop and produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, synthetic crude oil, bitumen and elemental sulphur throughout Canada. CAPP member companies produce approximately 95 per cent of Canada's natural gas and crude oil. CAPP also has 120 associate members who provide a wide range of services that support the upstream crude oil and natural gas industry. Together, these members and associate members are an important part of a $60billion-a-year national industry that affects the livelihoods of more than half a million Canadians.

Review by July, 2005

Disclaimer This publication was prepared for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) by the Pipeline Technical Committee members. While it is believed that the information contained herein is reliable under the conditions and subject to the limitations set out, CAPP does not guarantee its accuracy. The use of this report or any information contained will be at the users sole risk, regardless of any fault or negligence of CAPP or its co-funders.

230, 1801 Hollis Street 905, 235 Water Street 2100, 350 7th Ave. S.W. Halifax, Nova Scotia St. Johns, Newfoundland Calgary, Alberta Canada B3J 3N4 Canada A1C 1B6 Canada T2P 3N9 Tel (902) 420-9084 Tel (709) 724-4200 Tel (403) 267-1100 Fax (902) 491-2980 Fax (709) 724-4225 Fax (403) 261-4622 Email: communication@capp.ca Website: www.capp.ca

Contents
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Project Scope Failure Statistics Corrosion Mechanisms and Mitigation Recommended Practices Corrosion Mitigation Techniques Corrosion Monitoring Techniques Corrosion Inspection Techniques Leak Detection Techniques Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques Pipeline Integrity Management Systems PLRTG Participants and Acknowledgements 1-1 2-1 3-1 4-1 5-1 6-1 6-1 7-1 8-1 9-1 10-1

Figures
Figure 2-1: Natural Gas Pipeline Operating FailuresTotal Failures and Failure Frequency by Reporting Year 2-1 Figure 3-1: An Example of Internal Corrosion in a Sweet Gas Pipeline 3-1

Tables
Table 3-1: Contributing Factors and Prevention of Internal Sweet Gas Corrosion Table 4-1: Recommended Practices Table 5-1: Corrosion Mitigation Techniques Table 6-1: Corrosion Monitoring Techniques Table 7-1: Corrosion Inspection Techniques Table 8-1: Leak Detection Techniques Table 9-1: Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques 3-2 4-1 5-1 6-1 7-1 8-1 9-1

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1.1.1 2 Project Scope This recommended practice addresses design, maintenance and operating considerations for the mitigation of internal corrosion in sweet gas gathering systems constructed with carbon steel materials. For the purpose of this document, sweet gas service is considered to be where the CO2 to H2S ratio is greater than 500:1 (this limit is supplied as a guideline only and may not be absolute). Typically, these would be systems where the H2S concentration is in the low ppm level. This document does not address the deterioration of aluminum and non-metallic materials. Corrosion is the dominant contributing factor to failures and leaks in pipelines in the province of Alberta. To deal with this issue, the Pipeline Leak Reduction Task Group (PLRTG) of the CAPP Pipeline Technical Committee has developed industry recommended practices to improve and maintain the mechanical integrity of upstream pipelines. They are intended to assist upstream oil and gas producers in recognizing the conditions that contribute to pipeline corrosion failures, and identify effective measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of corrosion failures. These documents are intended for use by corrosion specialists involved with the development and execution of corrosion mitigation programs, engineering teams involved in the design of gathering systems, and operations personnel involved with the implementation of corrosion mitigation programs and operation of wells and pipelines in a safe and efficient manner to mitigate the risk of internal corrosion. Additional recommended practices being developed by the PLRTG are given below: Recommended Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sour Gas Gathering Systems Recommended Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Multiphase Emulsion Gathering Systems Recommended Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Produced Water Injection Systems Recommended Practice for Mitigation of External Corrosion of Pipelines

For guidance on the standardized approach the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) uses for dealing with corrosion-related failures, the reader should refer to the EUB publication Guide 66 Pipeline Inspection Manual. 3 Failure Statistics

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Page Page 4 4

Over the period 2000-2001, failures on natural gas pipelines accounted for 420 (44%) of the 952 pipeline failures recorded by the EUB. Natural gas as defined for the EUB reporting statistics is gas containing 10 moles per kilomole (1%) or less H2S by volume. In the last three years, internal corrosion has been responsible for approximately 63% of the failures occurring on natural gas pipelines. In the last three years, over 82% of all pipeline failures have occurred on 2", 3" or 4" lines. Most of the increase in failures has been occurring on shallow, low pressure gas systems as commonly found in South Eastern Alberta.

4 5 0

4 0 0 2 .5 3 5 0

Total Number of Natural Gas Pipeline Failures

3 0 0

2 5 0 1 .5 2 0 0

1 5 0

1 0 0 0 .5 5 0

0 1 9 9 0 1 9 9 1 1 9 9 2 1 9 9 3 1 9 9 4 1 9 9 5 1 9 9 6 1 9 9 7 1 9 9 8 T o ta l 1 9 9 9 2 0 0 0 F re q u e n c y

R e p o r t in g Y e a r

Figure 2-1: Natural Gas Pipeline Operating FailuresTotal Failures and Failure Frequency by Reporting Year

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Frequency, failures per 1000 km

Corrosion Mechanisms and Mitigation Pitting corrosion along the bottom of the pipeline is the primary corrosion mechanism leading to failures in sweet gas pipelines. The common features of this mechanism are: the presence of water containing any of the following; CO2, bacteria, O2, or solids. pipelines carrying higher levels of free-water production with no means of water removal, i.e. well site separation or dehydration. the presence of fluid traps where water and solids can accumulate.

Vapor phase corrosion is a less common mechanism that has also led to failures. Although not specifically addressed in this recommended practice, many of the preventative measures described in this document will also mitigate this mechanism.

Figure 3-1: An Example of Internal Corrosion in a Sweet Gas Pipeline

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Table 3.1 describes the most common contributors, causes and effects of internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines. The table also contains corresponding industry mitigative measures being used to reduce sweet gas corrosion.
Table 3-1: Contributing Factors and Prevention of Internal Sweet Gas Corrosion Contributor Water Holdup Cause/Source Low gas velocity and poor pigging practices allow water to stagnate in the pipelines Absence of water separation equipment leads to water wet pipelines Effect Water acts as the electrolyte for the corrosion reaction Chlorides increase the conductivity of water and may increase the localized pitting rate Mitigation Install pigging facilities and maintain an effective pigging program Remove water at the wellsite by separation or dehydration Control corrosion through effective inhibition Install pigging facilities and maintain an effective pigging program Initially, flow the wells to tanks to minimize the effects of work over and completion activities Scale suppression

Solids Deposition

Mainly produced from the formation Originate from drilling fluids, workover fluids and scaling waters Insufficient gas velocities and poor pigging practices

Can contribute to under- deposit corrosion Scaling can interfere with corrosion monitoring and inhibition

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Oxygen

Ingress from compressors or vapor recovery units (VRU) Introduced through endless tubing (ETU) well clean-outs Ingress from portable test equipment Injection of methanol

Oxygen can accelerate pitting corrosion at concentrations as low as 50 parts per billion Typical organic inhibitor effectiveness can be reduced by the presence of oxygen

Use gas blanketing and oxygen scavengers Batch oxygen scavenger downhole following ETU work overs Avoid purging test equipment into the pipeline Optimize methanol injection and/or use inhibited methanol Design pipeline to exceed critical velocity Establish operating targets based on critical gas velocity to trigger appropriate mitigation requirements e.g. pigging, batch inhibition Design pipelines to allow for effective shut-in and isolation Develop and implement proper suspension procedures, including pigging and inhibition Implement and follow a Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Manual Test for fluid incompatibilities

Critical Gas Velocity

Critical gas velocity is reached when there is insufficient flow to sweep the pipeline of water and solids

A buildup of water and solids accelerates corrosion

Detrimental Operating Practices

Ineffective pigging Ineffective inhibition Inadequate pipeline suspension Commingling of incompatible produced fluids

Accelerated corrosion

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Carbon Dioxide

Produced with gas from the reservoir CO2 concentration can be increased through fracturing and miscible floods Contaminated drilling and completion fluids Contaminated production equipment Produced fluids from the reservoir

CO2 dissolves in water to form carbonic acid Corrosion rates increase with increasing CO2 partial pressures Acid producing and sulfate reducing bacteria can lead to localized pitting attack Solid deposits provide an environment for growth of bacteria

Effective pigging and inhibition

Bacteria

Effective pigging program Eliminate introduction of free water into pipelines Treat with inhibitors and biocides

Methanol

Excessive quantities of methanol Use of contaminated methanol

Methanol injection can introduce oxygen into the system High quantities of methanol may reduce inhibitor effectiveness

Avoid over-injection of methanol Effective pigging and inhibition Remove free water Eliminate the use of contaminated methanol Produce wells to surface test facilities until drilling and completion fluids and solids are recovered Supplemental pigging and inhibition of pipelines before and after work over activities

Drilling and Completion Fluids

Introduction of bacteria Introduction of spent acids and kill fluids Introduction of solids

Accelerated corrosion

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Management of Change (MOC)

Change in production characteristics or operating practices Well re-completions and work overs Lack of system operating history and practices Changing personnel and field ownership

Unmanaged change may result in accelerated corrosion

Implement an effective MOC process Implement and follow a Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Manual Maintain integrity of pipeline operation and maintenance history and records Re-assess corrosivity on a periodic basis

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Recommended Practices Table 4-1 describes the recommended practices for mitigation of internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines. This table contains a consolidation of industry experience and knowledge used to reduce sweet gas corrosion. The Alberta Pipeline Act and Pipeline Regulation adopt the requirements of the CSA Z662 Standard, Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems, except where the Act or Regulation specifies otherwise. This Recommended Practice provides some references to certain CSA Z662 sections for information and clarity. This recommended Practice further supports the development of corrosion control practices, and the development of a Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Manual, as required by CSA Z662 and the Alberta legislation. A pipeline integrity management system provides a framework to document, implement and assure compliance to recommended practices. It is not the intention of this section to describe all components of an integrity management system (refer to section 10).
Table 4-1 Recommended Practices

Element Dehydration

Recommended Practice Install gas dehydration facilities Ensure dehydration units are operating properly Install water separation and removal

Benefit Elimination of water from the system eliminates corrosion

Comments Consider mitigation requirements for upset conditions

Water Removal

Removal of free water from the system reduces the potential for corrosion

Only free water is being removed therefore pigging and mitigation measures may still be required

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Materials of Construction

Use normalized ERW line pipe that meets the requirements of CSA Z245.1 Steel Pipe Use corrosion resistant materials such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or fiber reinforced composite materials as per CSAZ662, Clause 13 Plastic Pipelines Install valves that allow for effective isolation of pipeline segments

Normalized ERW prevents preferential corrosion of the weld zone Non-metallic materials are corrosion resistant

ERW seams should be placed on the top half of the pipe to minimize preferential corrosion Non-metallic materials may be used as a liner or a free standing pipeline depending on the service conditions Removes potential deadlegs from the gathering system

Pipeline Isolation

Allows the effective suspension and discontinuation of pipeline segments Reduces the amount of lost production and flaring during maintenance activities Using smaller lines where possible increases gas velocity and reduces water holdup and solids deposition

Pipeline Sizing

Design pipeline system to maintain flow above critical velocity

Consider future operating conditions such as changes in well deliverability Consider the future corrosion mitigation cost of oversized pipelines Consider the impact of crossovers, line loops and flow direction changes Multi-disc/cup pigs have been found to be more effective than ball or sponge type pigs Receivers and launchers can be permanent or mobile

Pigging Capability

Install or provide provisions for pig launching and receiving capabilities Use consistent line diameter and wall thickness Use piggable valves, flanges, and fittings

Pigging is one of the most effective methods of internal corrosion control

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Inspection Capability

Install or provide capability for inspection tool launching and receiving Use consistent line diameter and wall thickness. Use piggable valves, flanges, and fittings Evaluate operating conditions (temperature, pressure, well effluent and volumes) and prepare a corrosion mitigation program Integrate corrosion mitigation program into a Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Manual Communicate corrosion assessment, operating parameters and the mitigation program to field operations and maintenance personnel Re-assess corrosivity on a periodic basis and subsequent to a line failure Produce wells to surface test facilities until drilling and completion fluids and solids are recovered

Internal inspection using intelligent pigs is the most effective method for confirming overall pipeline integrity Proper design allows for pipeline inspection without costly modifications or downtime

Consideration should be given to the design of bends, tees, and risers to allow for navigation by the inspection devices

Corrosion Assessment

Understand and document design and operating parameters to effectively manage corrosion

Refer to CSA Z662 Clause 9 Corrosion Control Define acceptable operating ranges consistent with the mitigation program (See Section 10) Consider the effects of oxygen, methanol, bacteria and solids Consider supplemental requirements for completions and workover fluids

Completion and Workover Practices

Removal of stimulation and workover fluids reduces the potential for corrosion

Supplemental pigging and inhibition of pipelines before and after workover activities

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Corrosion Inhibition and Monitoring

Integrate a corrosion inhibition and monitoring strategy into a Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Manual Communicate the corrosion inhibition and monitoring program to field operations and maintenance personnel Develop suspension and lay up procedures

Allows for an effective corrosion mitigation program

Refer to Section 5 for Corrosion Mitigation Techniques Refer to Section 6 for Corrosion Monitoring Techniques Refer to CSA Z662 Clause 9 Corrosion Control Number and location of monitoring devices is dependent on the predicted corrosivity of the system Consider provisions for chemical injection, monitoring devices, and sampling points Refer to Section 7 for Corrosion Inspection Techniques Refer to CSA Z662 Clause 9 Corrosion Control

Inspection Program

Integrate an inspection strategy into a Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Manual Communicate the inspection program to field operations and maintenance personnel Implement an effective MOC process Maintain integrity of pipeline operation and maintenance records Integrate a leak detection strategy into a Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Manual

Provides assurance that the corrosion mitigation program is effective

Management of Change

Ensures that change does not impact the integrity of the pipeline system

Unmanaged change may result in accelerated corrosion

Leak Detection

Permits the detection of leaks

Refer to Section 8 for Leak Detection Techniques Technique utilized depends on access and ground conditions

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Repair and Rehabilitation

Inspect to determine extent and severity of damage prior to carrying out any repair or rehabilitation Based on inspection results, use CSA Clause 10.8.2 to determine extent and type of repair required Implement or make modifications to corrosion control program after repairs

Prevents multiple failures on the same pipeline Prevents reoccurrence of problem

Refer to Section 7 for Corrosion Inspection Techniques Refer to Section 9 for Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques Refer to CSA Z662 Clause 10.8.5 for repair requirements

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Corrosion Mitigation Techniques This section describes common techniques that should be considered for the mitigation of internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines.
Table 4-1 Corrosion Mitigation Techniques

Technique Pigging

Description Periodic pigging of pipeline segments to remove liquids, solids and debris

Comments Common practice to help producibility of low volume gas wells Can be an effective method of cleaning pipelines and reducing potential for bacteria colonization and under-deposit corrosion Selection of pig type and sizing is important if cleaning of the line desired Requires facilities for launching and receiving pigs Provides a barrier between corrosive elements and pipe surface Application procedure is important in determining effectiveness (eg. volume of chemical, diluent used, contact time, and application interval) Should be used in conjunction with pigging to remove fluids and clean line.

Batch Corrosion Inhibitor Chemical Treating Periodic application of a batch corrosion inhibitor to provide a protective barrier on the inside of the pipe

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Bactericide Chemical Treating

Periodic application of a bactericide to kill bacteria in the pipeline system.

Effective in killing bacteria in systems known to contain bacteria Batch application typically most effective (e.g. application downhole leads to ongoing treatment of produced fluids) The use of improperly selected bactericides can create a foam that can be a serious operational issue Oxygen ingress will accelerate the corrosion potential

Oxygen Control

Use gas blanketing and oxygen scavengers Batch oxygen scavenger downhole following ETU work overs Avoid purging test equipment into the pipeline Optimize methanol injection and/or use inhibited methanol Continuous injection of a corrosion inhibitor to reduce the corrosivity of the transported fluids or provide a barrier film

Continuous Corrosion Inhibitor Chemical Treating

Less common technique due to low treatment volumes and equipment requirements (pumps and tanks) Chemical pump reliability is important in determining effectiveness

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Corrosion Monitoring Techniques This section describes the most common techniques for monitoring corrosion and operating conditions associated with internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines.
Table 6-1: Corrosion Monitoring Techniques

Technique Well Effluent Testing

Description Initial and periodic testing of well effluent constituents and production rates Ongoing monitoring of water for chlorides, dissolved metals, bacteria, suspended solids and chemical residuals

Comments Fluids analysis and production rates are used to initially determine corrosion potential and should be periodically re-assessed Changes in water chemistry will influence the corrosion potential Trends in dissolved metal concentration can indicate changes in corrosion activity Chemical residuals can be used to confirm the level of application Sampling location and proper procedures are critical for accurate results

Water Analysis

Production Monitoring

Ongoing monitoring of production conditions such as pressure, temperature and flow rates

Changes in operating conditions will influence the corrosion potential. Production information can be used to assess corrosion susceptibility based on fluid velocity and corrosivity The corrosion mitigation program must be properly implemented to be effective The impact of any non-compliance to the mitigation program must be evaluated to assess the effect on corrosion

Mitigation Program Compliance

Ongoing monitoring of mitigation program implementation and execution

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Corrosion Coupons

Used to indicate general corrosion rates, pitting susceptibility, and mitigation program effectiveness

Coupon type, placement, and data interpretation are critical to successful application of this method Coupons should be used in conjunction with other monitoring and inspection techniques Bio-spool placement and data interpretation are critical to successful application of these methods Bio-spools should be used in conjunction with other monitoring and inspection techniques The device selection, placement, and data interpretation are critical to successful application of these methods Continuous or intermittent data collection methods are used Electrochemical monitoring should be used in conjunction with other monitoring and inspection techniques

Bio-spools

Used to monitor for bacteria presence and mitigation program effectiveness

Electrochemical Monitoring

There are a variety of methods available such as electrochemical noise, linear polarization, electrical resistance, and field signature method

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Corrosion Inspection Techniques This section describes common techniques that should be considered for the detection of internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines.
Table 7-1: Corrosion Inspection Techniques

Options Intelligent pigging

Technique Magnetic flux leakage is the most common technique

Comments Effective method to accurately determine location and severity of corrosion Intelligent pigging can find internal and external corrosion defects The tools are available as self contained or tethered The pipeline must be designed or modified to accommodate intelligent pigging Evaluation must be done to determine potential corrosion sites prior to conducting NDE NDE is commonly used to verify intelligent pig results, corrosion at excavation sites and above ground piping The use of multi-film radiography is an effective screening tool prior to using ultrasonic testing Corrosion rates can be determined by performing periodic NDE measurements at the same locations Can be used to determine the presence of corrosion damage, but it is difficult to determine severity This technique may be limited to short inspection distances

NonDestructive Examination (NDE)

Ultrasonic inspection, radiography or other NDE methods can be used to measure metal loss in a localized area

Video Camera

Used as a visual inspection tool to locate internal corrosion

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Boroscope

Used as a visual inspection tool to locate internal corrosion

Can be used to determine the presence of corrosion damage, but it is difficult to determine severity This technique is limited to short inspection distances

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Leak Detection Techniques This section describes common techniques that should be considered for the detection of pipeline leaks caused by internal corrosion in sweet gas pipelines. Proactive leak detection can be an effective method of finding small leaks and mitigating the consequences of a major product release or spill.
Table 8-1: Leak Detection Techniques

Technique Flame Ionization Survey Infrared Thermography

Description Electronic instrumentation used to detect very low concentrations of gas Thermal imaging is used to detect temperature change on Right-of-Way due to escaping gas

Comments Equipment is portable and very sensitive Need sufficient volume of escaping gas to create an identifiable temperature difference Normally completed using aerial techniques Indications include soil subsidence, gas bubbling, and water, soil, or vegetation discoloration Can be used in combination with infrared thermography and flame ionization surveys Capable of detecting pinhole leaks that may be otherwise non-detectable Changes in production volumes or pressure can indicate a pipeline failure

Right-of-Way (ROW) Surveillance Visual inspection by ground access or aerial surveillance to look for indications of leaks

Odor Detection Production Monitoring

Odorant detection using trained animals and patented odorants Volume balancing or pressure monitoring to look for indications of leaks

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10

Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques This section describes common techniques used for repair and rehabilitation of pipelines damaged by internal sweet gas corrosion. Prior to the repair or rehabilitation of a pipeline the appropriate codes and guidelines should be consulted, including: CSA Z662-99, Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems, Section 10.8, Permanent and Temporary Repair Methods CSA Z662-99, Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems, Section 13, Plastic Pipelines for requirements for polymer liners, polymer pipes, and composite pipes EUB Guide 66 Pipeline Inspection Manual, Appendix 3 EUB Pipeline Inspectors' Guide to Corrosion Failure Procedures for pipeline restoration follow up activities

Table 9-1: Repair and Rehabilitation Techniques Technique Pipe Section Replacements Description Remove damaged section(s) and replace. Comments When determining the quantity of pipe to replace consider the extent of corrosion and the condition of the remaining pipeline Impact on pigging capabilities must be considered (use same pipe diameter and similar wall thickness) The replaced pipe section should be coated with corrosion inhibitor prior to commissioning For internal corrosion it may be possible in some circumstances for the damaged section to remain in the pipeline as per the requirements in CSA Z662 Section 10.8 Different repair sleeves are available including composite, weld-on and bolton types. The sleeves must meet the requirements of CSA Z662 Section 10.8

Repair Sleeves

Reinforcement and pressurecontaining sleeves may be acceptable for temporary or permanent repairs of internal corrosion as per the limitations stated in CSA Z662

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Polymer Liners

A polymer liner is inserted in the steel pipeline The steel pipe must provide the pressure containment capability

A variety of materials are available with different temperature and chemical resistance capabilities Impact on pigging capabilities must be considered Polymer liners may eliminate the need for internal corrosion mitigation, corrosion monitoring and inspection Reduction of inhibition programs may impact the integrity of connecting headers and facilities constructed from carbon steel A variety of materials are available with different temperature and chemical resistance capabilities Freestanding plastic pipelines may be limited to low-pressure service Freestanding composite pipelines may not be permitted for gas service Impact on pigging capabilities must be considered Composite or plastic pipelines may eliminate the need for internal corrosion mitigation, corrosion monitoring and inspection Reduction of inhibition programs may impact the integrity of connecting headers and facilities constructed of carbon steel Must be piggable and inspectable Refer to Section 4 Recommended Practices in this document for details

Composite or Plastic Pipeline

Freestanding composite or plastic pipe can be either plowed-in for new lines, or pulled through old pipelines This pipe must be designed to provide full pressure containment

Pipeline Replacement

Alteration or replacement of pipeline allows proper mitigation and operating practices to be implemented

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11

Pipeline Integrity Management Systems Describing an entire pipeline integrity management system is outside the scope of work undertaken by the PLRTG. One fundamental component of such a system is valid practices to mitigate corrosion. Compiling these recommended practices was the primary goal of the PLRTG. However, to properly manage corrosion of pipelines, the operator should develop and implement a pipeline integrity management system. The pipeline integrity management system should encompass all aspects of the pipeline design, operation and maintenance. Some of the aspects that need to be considered include: Design Risk Assessment Methodology Deterioration, Corrosion and Failure Modes Assessments Maintenance Strategies Operating Practices Corrosion Control Strategy Inspection Mitigation Monitoring Repair Strategies

Two key processes that need to be in place to support an effective pipeline integrity management system are: 11.1 Management of Change (MOC) Process MOC should address not only mechanical changes to the design, but all types of change including mechanical, process, operating and personnel changes that could impact on the safe operation of the pipeline. The MOC process provides the opportunity for the key operating, maintenance, technical and management groups to assess the impact of a potential change, and address any additional measures that need to be implemented and documented as part of the change.

11.2

Operating Parameters Monitoring Process It is essential to establish a set of operating parameters that form the premises used for the design of the pipeline and the required corrosion control strategy and program. It is important to have the capability to monitor the key operating parameters and limits, notify the necessary personnel when a deviation from the specified operating limits has occurred, and implement the required corrective actions to address the variance.

The key operating parameters include: Gas, water and hydrocarbon compositions

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Gas, water and hydrocarbon flow rates Inhibitor, methanol and biocide application rates Operating temperatures and pressures Pigging, monitoring and inspection frequencies

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12

PLRTG Participants and Acknowledgements The members of the CAPP Pipeline Leak Reduction Task Group (PLRTG) included: Alan Miller PanCanadian Resources Randy Damant Skystone Engineering Inc. Ray Goodfellow Chevron Texaco Colin McGovern Devon Energy Canada Kevin Goerz Shell Canada Limited Dave Grzyb Alberta Energy and Utilities Board Ray Price BP Canada Energy Company Scott Oliphant Rio Alto Exploration Gordon Tunnicliffe Anadarko Canada Corporation Joe Dusseault AEC Oil & Gas Bob Shapka Talisman

The members of the PLRTG would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to Ms. Tanis Jenson, Ms. Christianne Street and Ms. Camila McKenna for their assistance in the preparation of the Recommended Practice for Mitigation of Internal Corrosion in Sweet Gas Gathering Systems.

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