ASME B31.8S pdf download

ASME B31.8S pdf download Managing System Integrity of Gas Pipelines ASME Code for Pressure Piping, B31 Supplement to ASME B31.8
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
This Code applies to onshore pipeline systems constructed with ferrous materials and that transport gas. The principles and processes embodied in integrity management are applicable to all pipeline systems.
This Code is specifically designed to provide the operator (as defined in section 13) with the information necessaryto develop and implementan effective integrity managementprogram utilizing proven industry practices and processes.
The processes and approaches described within this Code are applicable to the entire pipeline.
1.2 Purpose and Objectives
Managing the integrity of a gas pipeline system is the primarygoalofeverypipeline systemoperator. Operators want to continue providing safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to their customers without adverse effects on employees, the public, customers, or the environment. Incident-free operation has been and continues to be the gas pipeline industry’s goal. The use of this Code as a supplement to the ASME B31.8 Code will allow pipe- line operators to move closer to that goal. A comprehensive, systematic, and integrated integrity managementprogram provides the means to improve the safety ofpipeline systems.
Such an integrity management programprovidestheinformationforanoperatortoeffectively allocate resources for appropriate prevention, detection, and mitigation activities that will result in improved safety and a reduction in the number of incidents. ThisCodedescribesaprocessthatanoperatorofapipe- line system can use to assess and mitigate risks in orderto reduce both the likelihood and consequences ofincidents.
It covers both a prescriptive-based and a performancebased integrity management program. The prescriptive process, when followed explicitly, will provide all the inspection, prevention, detection, and miti- gation activities necessaryto produce a satisfactoryintegrity management program.
This does not preclude conformance with the requirements of ASME B31.8.
The performance-based integrity management program alternative utilizes more data and more extensive risk analyses, which enables the operator to achieve a greater degree of flexibility in order to meet or exceed the requirements of this Code specifically in the areas ofinspection intervals, tools used, and mitigation techniques employed. An operator cannot proceed with the performance-based integrity program until adequate inspections are performed that provide the information on the pipeline condition required by the prescriptive- based program. The level of assurance of a perfor- mance-based program or an alternative international standard must meet or exceed that of a prescriptive program.
The requirements for prescriptive-based and perfor- mance-based integrity management programs are provided in each ofthe sections in this Code. In addition, Nonmandatory Appendix A provides specific activities by threat categories that an operator shall follow in order to produce a satisfactoryprescriptive integritymanagement program.