A condition assessment model for oil and gas pipelines using integrated simulation and analytic network process

Even though they are safe and economical transportation means of gas and oil products around the world, pipelines can be subject to failure and degradation generating hazardous consequences and irreparable environmental damages. Therefore, gas and oil pipelines need to be effectively monitored and assessed for optimal and safe operation. Many models have been developed in the last decade to predict pipeline failures and conditions. However, most of these models used corrosion features as the sole factor to assess the condition of pipelines. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to develop a condition assessment model of oil and gas pipelines that considers several factors besides corrosion. The proposed model, which uses both analytic network process and Monte Carlo simulation, considers the uncertainty of the factors affecting pipeline condition and the interdependency relationships between them. The performance of the model was tested on an existing offshore gas pipeline in Qatar and was found to be satisfactory. The model will help pipeline operators to assess the condition of oil and gas pipelines and hence prioritise their inspections and rehabilitation requirements.