Pipeline Emergencies
1
Pipeline
Emergencies
101
Awareness Level Training
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
2
Objectives
• Basic overview of Pipeline Operations and
Pipeline Incidents including basic operations,
incident recognition and identification, and
tactics.
• Keeping responders safe
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
3
The Pipeline Transportation Chain ….
Pipelines and piping systems are
the safest and second largest
method of hazardous materials
transportation within the United
States and Canada
All piping systems are based upon
the following principles:
A material is inserted or injected
into a pipe
The product is moved from this
origination point to a pre-specified
destination
The product is ultimately removed
from the pipeline at its destination
point
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
4
Pipeline Transportation Chain
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
5
Crude Oil Pipelines…
Crude oil is petroleum taken
directly out of the ground from both
on-shore and off-shore production
facilities
The exact composition of this
produced fluid varies depending
upon where in the world the crude
oil was produced
Crude oil may also have a high
concentration of hydrogen sulfide
(H2S)
Commonly referred to as a “sour
crude,” exposures to low
concentrations of this toxic gas can
result in death
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
6
Crude Oil Pipelines…
Gathering lines are small pipelines,
usually 2 to 8-inches diameter
They move the crude oil mixture
from individual wellheads and
production locations to an oil
processing facility
Depending upon the location of the
production site and the type of crude oil
being produced, the crude oil is then
shipped through larger trunk lines or by
cargo tank trucks to a refinery or shipping
terminal
Onshore
Offshore platforms
North slope of Alaska
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
7
Liquid Pipelines …
The most common liquids transported
by pipelines are refined petroleum products
gasoline
Aviation gas
Jet fuel
Home heating fuels
Diesel fuels
Carbon dioxide
Natural gas liquids (NGL)
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Anhydrous ammonia
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
8
Liquid Pipelines …
Transmission pipelines move refined
products from refineries to marketing
and distribution terminals
The products are then loaded onto
rail cars, cargo tanks trucks, and
barges for delivery to the consumer
Refined petroleum product
transmission pipelines carry several
different liquid products
simultaneously
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
9
Liquid Pipelines - Highly Volatile Liquids
Highly volatile liquids or “HVL” pipelines
are hazardous liquids which will form a vapor
cloud when released to the atmosphere
HVLs include any liquid with a vapor pressure
exceeding 40 psia (276 kpa) at 100ºF (37.8º C)
Examples of common highly
volatile liquids (HVLs)
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Propane
Butane
Ammonia
Carbon dioxide
Hydrogen
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
10
Gas Pipelines
Natural gas may be produced
As a separate material
During exploration and production
operations
As a by-product of crude oil production
operations
The handling of natural gas and natural gas
liquids (NGLs) parallels the process for
crude oil pipelines
Transmission pipelines ranging up to
48-inches in diameter move the
natural gas from production and
processing to the distribution network
Ultimately delivering the product to
residential and industrial consumers
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
11
Identification Of Pipelines …
The location of an underground pipeline is
usually marked by aboveground signs and
markers that indicate the presence of a
pipeline
The primary function of these markers is to alert
those who might be working along the pipeline
corridor or doing construction in close proximity
to the pipeline, and to provide initial emergency
contact information
Markers are required to be present whenever a
pipeline crosses under roads, railroads, or
waterways
They may also be found at other intervals and
locations along the pipeline right-of-way, such
as near buildings and structures
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
12
Identification Of Pipelines …
Although the color, format and design
may vary, all markers are required to
provide:
1. The pipeline contents
2. The pipeline operator
3. Emergency telephone number
1
2
3
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
13
Identification Of Pipelines …
While pipeline markers indicate the
presence of a pipeline(s), the
absence of a pipeline marker is no
assurance that a pipeline is not
present
Click to see the pipeline location
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
ROW
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
14
Identification Of Pipelines
Other markers may also be found along
the right-of-way, including:
Painted metal or plastic posts may be
used to indicate the right-of-way,
especially in urban and suburban areas
Pipeline casing vents are sometimes
found where a pipeline crosses under
a road or rail corridor within a
pipeline casing
Aerial markers are larger markers
with a specific number that
indicate a specific geographic
location along the pipeline
right-of-way
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
15
Pipeline Rights-of-Ways (ROW)
The ROW is a strip of land usually about 25 to 150 feet wide
containing one or more pipelines or other subsurface utilities (e.g.,
cables communications)
The ROW:
Enables pipeline personnel
to gain access for inspection,
maintenance, testing or emergencies
Maintains an unobstructed view
for frequent aerial surveillance of
the pipeline
Identifies an area that restricts
certain activities to protect the
landowner and the community
May be located adjacent to a
power line right-of-way or
within A highway right-of-way
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
Pipeline Right-of-Way
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
16
Clues That Indicate A Right-of-Way
The primary method to identify
pipelines and their right-of-way is
through the use of pipeline markers
located at roads, railways and other
intervals along the ROW
Pipeline markers only show the
approximate location of the buried
pipelines, as the depth and exact
location of the pipelines can vary within
the ROW
Railway
PIPELINES
MARKER
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
17
Pipeline Rights-of-Ways (ROW)
Rows are either owned by the
pipeline operator or acquired
through an agreement with the
property owner
Pipeline companies are responsible
for maintaining their right-of-way to
protect the public and environment,
the line itself, and other customers
from loss of service
Typically, a permit must be obtained
from the pipeline operator for any
activity or encroachment into the
row
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
18
The Pipeline …
Pipelines can vary from
2-inch diameter for gathering
lines to 48-inches for
transmission or trunk lines
Most modern pipelines are
constructed of either seamless
steel or steel with a welded
longitudinal seam in 40 to 60 ft
Lengths
The individual pipe joints are
welded together into sections
To inhibit corrosion, pipe coatings
and wrappings applied at the steel
mill or on-site are used
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
19
The Pipeline …
Minimum depths vary - natural gas
distribution mains have a 24-inch
minimum depth
Federal regulations require that
transmission pipelines have a
minimum depth
of 30 inches in
rural areas and
deeper in more
populated areas
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
20
The Pipeline …
When crossing a river, most
pipelines are drilled under
the riverbed without
disturbing the bottom surface
If drilling is not possible,
the piping may be laid and
weighted with concrete or steel
anchors to keep it on the bottom
Aboveground pipelines may be
found at pump and compressor
stations, meter stations, some valve
stations, river crossings, bridges,
and plant and terminal facilities
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
21
The Pipeline
Aboveground pipelines are also
constructed in a zigzag pattern
instead of a straight line to allow for
pipeline movement due to thermal
expansion or ground movement
Once in-place, the pipeline must
then be tested for leaks
before being placed in service
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
22
Corrosion Control
Corrosion is a natural process that,
under the proper conditions, can
affect any metal or alloy
Pipeline operators must also have
written guidelines and procedures for
most corrosion-related activities
Pipeline corrosion is most prevalent
when the failure of coatings,
inhibitors, or cathodic protection
occurs in a corrosive environment
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
23
Types and Causes of Corrosion
External corrosion may be caused by
damage to coatings, manufacturing
defects within the metal, or through the
loss of cathodic protection
Internal corrosion of pipelines is a
concern to all pipeline operators
Causes include chloride, carbon
dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen, and
micro-biological activity
Microbiologically influenced corrosion
(MIC) involves microbes that produce
corrosive conditions
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is the
cracking of A pipeline from the
combined influence of tensile stress
and a corrosive medium
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
24
Pig Receiver on a Natural Gas Pipeline
Cutaway of
pipeline
with pig inside
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
25
Moving And Controlling The Product
Pumps and compressors
Provide the force and pressure to move liquid and gas products
through a pipeline system
Pumps are commonly used to provide the
pressure and force to move products in a
liquid pipeline
Compressors are typically used on gas pipelines
to boost and maintain the pipeline pressure,
thereby keeping the gas flowing
The size of the pumps and compressors used in a pipeline system
will be dependent upon the type of pipeline, and the product and
volumes being transported
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
26
Moving And Controlling The Product …
Valves
A critical and essential element of a pipeline system
in controlling the movement and flow of product
Valves can be identified by type or by function, and
can be equipped with locking devices to prevent the
accidental or malicious operation of the valve
Types of valves commonly found on pipeline
systems include :
Gate valves
Plug valves
Ball valves
Butterfly valves
Check valves
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
27
Moving And Controlling The Product
Valves
Pipeline flow rates and
pressures on transmission
lines and large distribution
lines are controlled through
the use of large control
valves
Safety note
Emergency response personnel should never attempt to isolate any
pipeline valves on large-diameter transmission or distribution lines
unless under the direction of pipeline operations personnel
Failure to do so may actually create additional problems that are
worse than the original event
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
28
Moving and Controlling The Product
Pressure relief valves (PRV)
Provide over-pressure protection for pipeline
systems and storage tanks
Spring-actuated valves that automatically open
and relieve pressure when actuated at A pre-set
pressure
On liquid pipeline systems, the PRV discharge is
often directed into A breakout tank where the
liquid outflow is collected
When actuated, PRVs can generate a
tremendous amount of noise, as well as strong
odors if the natural gas is odorized
A PRV venting to the atmosphere is performing
properly, it should never be isolated or restricted
by emergency response personnel
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
29
Pressure Relief Valves
Pressure Relief Valves
Control Valve
Remember - A PRV venting to the
atmosphere is performing properly, and
its discharge should never be isolated or
restricted by emergency response
personnel
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
30
Moving and Controlling The Product …
Manifolds
Both liquid and gas pipelines use valve
manifolds to control the flow path of
products
Manifolds, with numerous valves and
meters, are used to divide the pipeline flow
into parts, to combine several flows into one
larger pipeline flow, or to reroute product
flow to several possible locations
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
31
Moving and Controlling The Product
Manifolds
Manifolds may perform a number of
operations, including:
Pumping product through
the main pipeline at a
pumping station
Receiving product from the field
into any tank
Delivering product from the main
pipeline into any storage tank
Transferring product from one
tank to another
Meters are used to measure and
record the quantity or volume of product
passing through a specific location
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
32
Pipeline Control Centers …
The pipeline control center is the
heart of pipeline operations
Information about the pipeline’s
operating equipment and parameters
is communicated into the control
center, where operators use
computers to monitor the pipeline
operation
Pipeline monitoring is accomplished
through a computerized system
known as a supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA) system
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
33
Pipeline Control Centers …
Many pipeline operators have their 24hour emergency phone number
connected directly to the pipeline
control center
The SCADA system continuously
monitors the volume in the pipeline and
provides line balance reports
Most SCADA systems offer multiple
computer screens so that an operator
can instantly check operations and
facts at any location
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 3 Pipeline Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
34
Tactical Response
Pipeline emergencies are handled safely and effectively when
responders are dependent on a predetermined and approved
system for managing the event
The Eight Step Process© is copyrighted by Jones & Bartlett
Learning. It was originally developed by Gregory Noll, Michael
Hildebrand, and James Yvorra
Material in this section has been reproduced with permission from
Jones & Bartlett Learning
For more information on the eight step process© see Hazardous
Materials: Managing The Incident, (4th edition), Jones & Bartlett
learning, Sudbury, MA
The Eight Step Process© can serve as a general framework for
systematically resolving a pipeline emergency
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
35
The Eight Step Process©
There are eight basic functions that must be evaluated at pipeline
emergencies & hazardous materials
Site management and control
Identify the problem
Hazard and risk evaluation
Select personal protective clothing and equipment
Information management and resource coordination
Implement response objectives
Decontamination and clean-up operations
Terminate the incident
The Eight Step Process© is used in this section with permission from Jones
and Bartlett Learning
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
36
Step 1: Site Mgt. and Control Street Smart Tips
Site management establishes the playing field for the
overall response
The initial 10 minutes of the incident will determine
operations for the next 60 minutes, and the first 60
minutes will determine operations for the first 8 hours
Don’t try to control more real estate than you can
effectively isolate and control
Smaller and tighter may be better than bigger and looser
Remember the basics
The more time, distance and shielding between you and
the material, the lower the risk will be
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
37
Step 1: Site Mgt. and Control Street Smart Tips
Designate an emergency evacuation signal and identify rally points
if emergency evacuation is necessary
Remember the first law of hot zone operations when dealing with
hazardous materials: to play in the game you must:
Be trained to play
Be dressed to play
Have A buddy system with back-up personnel
Have Decon established
Coordinate with command and safety
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
38
Step 2: Identify the problem Street Smart Tips
A problem well-defined is half-solved
Assume that initial information is not correct
Always verify your initial information
Verify – verify – verify
Conduct reconnaissance operations, as necessary
Defensive recon
Offensive recon
Never permit response personnel to perform activities in areas
where un-ignited gases or vapors may have accumulated
Always verify flammable gas concentrations through continuous air
monitoring
Always be alert for the presence of improvised explosive devices
(IED) and secondary events
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
39
Step 3: Hazard/Risk Evaluation Street Smart Tips
Look at where the problem is now – and where it is going!
Consider the travel of both liquid and vapors
Focus on those things that you can change and that will make a
positive difference to the outcome
Every incident will arrive at some outcome…with or without your
help
If you can’t change the outcome, why get involved?
There’s nothing wrong with taking a calculated risk
If there is much to be gained, there is much to be risked
If there is little to be gained, then little should be risked
Pubic safety personnel should view their roles as that of risk
evaluators, rather than risk takers
Bad risk takers get buried
Effective risk evaluators come home
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
40
Step 3: Hazard/Risk Evaluation Street Smart Tips
Hour one priorities within the IAP are:
Establish site management and control
Notify the pipeline operator
Determine the materials involved
Ensure the safety of all personnel from ALL hazards
Ensure that PPE is appropriate for the hazards
Initiate tactical objectives to accomplish initial rescue, Decon, medical,
and public protective action needs
If criminal activities are involved (e.g., Terrorism incidents), maintain
the integrity of potential evidence
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
41
Step 4: PPE Clothing and Equip Street Smart Tips
Remember that structural firefighting protective clothing is
not designed to provide protection against chemical hazards
There is no one single barrier that will effectively combine
both chemical and thermal protection
Wearing ANY type and level of impermeable protective
clothing creates the potential for heat stress injuries
Personal protective clothing is your LAST line of defense!!!!
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
42
Step 5: Info Mgt. and Control Street Smart Tips
Consider the security of the ICP and all other incident response
areas (e.g., Staging, rehab) of the incident
Don’t look stupid because you didn’t have a plan
Bad news doesn’t get better with time
If there’s a problem, the earlier you know about it the sooner you can
start to fix it!
Don’t allow external resources to “free-lance” or do the “end run”
Don’t let your lack of a planning section become the Achilles heel
of your response
Establish it early, particularly if the incident has the potential to
become a “campaign event”
Work together to solve the problem!
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
43
Step 6: Implement Response Objectives Street Smart Tips
Always ask yourself , What will happen if I do nothing?
Remember – this is the baseline for hazmat decision-making and
should be the element against which all strategies and tactics are
compared
Remember the basic principles of spill control:
Divert the spill to an open area, if possible
If flammable liquids are involved, use Class B firefighting foams for
vapor suppression
Conduct air monitoring – the fire threat takes priority over the
environmental threat!
Cover storm drains and sewers ahead of the release
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
44
Step 6: Implement Response Objectives Street Smart Tips
Prevent the entry of liquid products into waterways, sewers,
basements or confined areas
Booms, pads and other absorbent materials will not be effective in
confining large liquid spills, or spills that have had Class B aqueous
film-forming foams (AFFF) applied
Underflow dams may be used to control hydrocarbon
Liquids released into creeks and streams
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
45
Step 6: Implement Response Objectives Street Smart Tips
Remember the basic principles of fire control:
Flammable liquids and gases will give off A tremendous amount of
radiant heat
Protect exposures, as appropriate
Never extinguish a flammable gas fire
Always control or isolate the source of the leak
If you can’t isolate the source, then attempt to reduce the operating
pressure of the pipeline
Permit the fire to self-extinguish and consume any residual fuel that
may remain inside or around the pipeline
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
46
Step 6: Implement Response Objectives Street Smart Tips
Remember the basic principles of leak control:
Emergency responders should NEVER attempt to isolate any pipeline
valves on large-diameter transmission or distribution lines unless
under the direction of pipeline operations personnel
Failure to do so may actually create additional problems that are
worse than the original event
Don’t touch natural gas plastic piping, as it may generate a static spark
that could act as an ignition source
Shutting off the main natural gas supply to large commercial or
industrial facilities may actually create secondary or tertiary problems
worse than the original incident
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
47
Step 6: Implement Response Objectives Street Smart Tips
Remember the basic principles of leak control:
Once a flammable gas supply is shutoff, NEVER turn the service valve
ON again
Service restoration should only be conducted by gas utility representatives
Don’t fill up an open hole or trench with water
It won’t stop the flow of natural gas, may delay efforts to control the
problem, and won’t make the pipeline workers who have to fix the problem
happy
Surprises often occur on the emergency scene
Always have A plan B in case plan A doesn’t work!
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
48
Step 7 Decon and Clean UP Street Smart Tips
Establishing an emergency Decon capability should be part of the
incident action plan for any incident where hazardous materials are
involved
Remember that flammables may be absorbed into structural
firefighting clothing and be carried into “safe” areas
Decon involving large numbers of people will be a challenge
Remember the basics – separate people from the problem and
keep them corralled until emergency Decon is established
Never transport contaminated victims from the scene to any
medical facility without conducting field Decon
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
49
Step 8: Terminate the Incident Street Smart Tips
Although every organization has a tendency to develop its own
critique style, never use a critique to assign blame
Organizations must balance the potential negatives against the
benefits that are gained through the critique process
Remember – the reason for doing the critique in the first place is to
improve your operations!
Most critiques fall into one of three categories:
We tell each other that we did a great job – whether we actually did or
not
We beat up on each other for making bad decisions
We focus on the lessons that were learned and the
changes/improvements that must be made to our response system
CHAPTER 6 Pipeline Emergency Response Operations
Pipeline Emergencies
50
Closing
Be safe
For more information
www.pipelineemergenices.com
Philip Oakes
307-222-4227
info@pipelineemergencies.com
Copyright, 2011, National Association of State Fire Marshals. All rights reserved.
CHAPTER 7 Scenarios
