Vulnerability Workshop
Pipelines are subject to damage from many different sources. Natural
sources include stress corrosion cracking (SCC)
and hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC), as well as
corrosion, both externally and internally.
The majority of pipeline damages, however, are a result of third-party
interference. Such incidents are usually accidental, caused by unauthorized
construction in a right of way - an area between 15 and 30 metres wide
surrounding a pipeline. To prevent such accidents, all work unrelated
to pipeline construction and maintenance should be kept clear of the pipeline's
path.
Since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New
York City on September 11, 2001, intentional damage of pipelines has become
a much greater concern to those who own and operate these systems. Energy
infrastructure is among the prime targets for attack by terrorists because
interruptions in energy distribution can render large segments of a population
virtually helpless. The power outage of August 14, 2003, that affected
millions of North Americans is a prime example. Studies show that the
Canadian public is wholly unaware of the inherent danger.
Third parties could use a number of tactics - from bombs to tampering
with environmental conditions to cause cracking and corrosion - to render
a pipeline unsafe. It is extremely important to protect critical energy
infrastructure from such attacks.
The objective of the PICon/vulnerability section is to disseminate information
on vulnerability of pipelines due to third-party intrusions, both intentional
and unintentional. Please let PICon know your ideas,
suggestions and thoughts on issues related to vulnerability of pipelines.
PICon organizes an on-line journal. The schedule and papers published
by the journal are available at PICon
Journal.
|
