photo: Penspen

Penspen, a global provider of engineering, asset management and integrity services to the energy industry, has announced the launch of its Pipeline Defect Assessment Manual (PDAM), second edition. This 456-page best-practice guide is a collaborative industry venture, involving a number of leading oil and gas companies, which collates expert advice and guidance for pipeline engineers.

The PDAM project commenced in 1999 and was originally developed to address the industry need to have a single document that contained definitive advice to assist pipeline engineers in maintaining pipeline integrity. Since its creation, the manual has become widely recognised as leading reference material in the pipeline industry and as a result the content has been embedded into the standard procedures of many of its sponsors.

The manual contains the detailed methods needed to assess a variety of defects commonly found in pipelines. The best available methods are presented in a simple and easy to reference manner. The pipeline defect assessment literature reviews are written and peer reviewed by internationally recognised experts within the pipeline integrity industry to provide a sound technical basis for the recommended methods contained within PDAM.

The updates in this second edition include the following:

• A new chapter on fatigue assessment guidance.
• A new literature review of mechanical damage, fatigue, weld defects, cracking, fracture propagation and subsea integrity issues and associated assessment methods.
• A general update of the manual to improve guidance clarity and additional worked examples.

Nigel Curson, EVP Technical Excellence, Penspen, says, “We have put a lot of work into ensuring that this guide contains the go-to reference material for assessing pipeline defects. Many of our sponsors have saved a considerable amount of time, effort and money by referencing PDAM, which has in many instances enabled them to avoid unnecessary and costly damage repairs. It’s a collaboration which works and which benefits everyone involved.”

PDAM membership currently stands at 33 international sponsors comprising operators, regulatory bodies, consultancies and inspection companies. The project continues to be updated and developed as more sponsors join. Sponsors are able to dictate the direction of the manual in order to address their current pipeline integrity topics and concerns.

Current sponsors include: ADMA-OPCO, Atteris, BG Group, BP plc, Canadian Natural Resources International, Centro Sviluppo Materiali SpA, Chevron Energy Technology Company, China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Corporation, China Petroleum Pipeline Inspection Technologies, Compania Operadora de Gas del Amazonas, DNV GL, Equity Engineering, ExxonMobil, Engie, HSE, MACAW, Mero, FGSZ Ltd, National Grid, Open Grid Europe, Petrobras, PII Pipeline Solutions, PGN, Promigas, Saipem UK, Samarco, SASOL, Shell, SNAM Rete Gas SpA, Statoil ASA, Toho Gas Company Ltd, Total and Woodside Energy Ltd.

Tags: Penspen