Common Factors That Lead to a Need for Pipeline Maintenance
There is a vast system of pipelines across the United States. Natural gas pipelines alone account for two million miles of the total pipeline systems in our country.
These miles of pipeline require regular maintenance to stay operational. Regular pipeline maintenance cuts down on repairs. It can also prevent environmental devastation in the form of disasters.
Nobody wants to be responsible for the next ecological disaster. So keep informed of these common contributing factors to pipeline degradation.
That way, you can keep the pipelines involved in your operations in prime condition.
Corrosive Substances
Your pipeline may transport volatile chemicals or corrosive materials. These may compromise the integrity of your pipeline over time.
Even the most resistant materials are subject to wear if exposed to corrosive materials long enough. Therefore, it is important to have proper coatings and linings to protect against corrosion to avoid wear and tear.
Weathering
The outdoor environment can be strenuous. The effects of the natural weathering process will degrade your pipeline over time. Wind, rain, inclement weather, heat, and cold all test your pipeline’s integrity as it ages.
Even the strongest building materials aren’t immune from natural weathering processes. Steel, for instance, can start to show signs of rust in as little as four to five days if subjected to the right environmental conditions.
Excavation
If your pipeline is located underground, it may be at risk throughout the duration of an excavation project. This is because heavy equipment can knick a pipeline while digging.
Know where a pipeline system is before beginning an excavation project. This is one of the best simple tips to prevent leaks and other systemic failures.
The excessive weight of heavy equipment can also compromise pipelines while traversing terrain. Many pipeline leaks have their origins in excavation projects gone wrong.
Not knowing where your pipeline is before excavating is one of the most common mistakes in these sorts of accidents.
Equipment Failure and Pipeline Maintenance
Nothing is perfect in this world. The materials that compose pipelines are no exception. Sometimes something as simple as a bad weld can lead to a major pipeline leak.
Inspecting your pipeline often is one of the best ways to remedy equipment failure. That way, you can conduct proper pipeline maintenance before a major blowout happens.
Natural Disasters
Things such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and storm events can decimate your pipeline. So after every major natural disaster, your should inspect your pipeline. That way, you can see if it needs any additional maintenance.
It is always better to be safe rather than sorry after a natural disaster. Any abrupt damage a pipeline sustains can be disastrous if it is not mitigated right away.
Secure Your Infrastructure Today
Your industrial facility’s pipelines represent a major investment of capital and workforce. Therefore, you need to conduct regular pipeline maintenance. This will ensure that your infrastructure systems don’t get compromised.
These common causes can exacerbate any existing problems with your pipeline system. Take appropriate preventative action to remedy them before they cause a systemic failure.
If you need someone to handle your pipeline maintenance, contact us today. We offer the very best in professional industrial maintenance services.
