ABSTRACT
Although failure is uncommon for operating oil pipelines, if failure occurs it not only affects throughput, but also affects the environment, which may result in a catastrophic effect including loss of lives. Therefore, pipeline operators are increasingly becoming concerned about failure-free operations. This study introduces a risk-based inspection and maintenance method for cost effective management of facilities. First, the entire facilities are classified into various subsystems to prioritize inspection and maintenance requirements. Second, risk factors and subfactors are identified for the critical subsystem for detailed study and a hierarchical structure is formed. Third, the factors are then analyzed with the involvement of the experienced pipeline operators using a group decision-making framework to determine the riskiness of the system. Fourth, this leads to deriving an inspection and maintenance strategy for the entire system. Fifth, a cost-benefit analysis is subsequently carried out to establish justification for investment in inspection and maintenance. The entire method has been demonstrated through a case study on oil pipelines in India. The study argues that a similar method can be used for other productive systems.
