COURSE OVERVIEW:

The meaning of pipeline defect assessment is the technical process of determining the severity of physical anomalies discovered during inspections and deciding on their impact on the safe operating pressure of the line. This course provides a specialized focus on the most critical defects found in the field: mechanical damage (dents and gouges), volumetric metal loss (corrosion), and planar defects (Stress Corrosion Cracking). Participants will learn to move beyond simple "pass/fail" criteria and use engineering principles to calculate the true failure pressure of a damaged pipe section.

The scope of this training encompasses the application of industry-leading assessment models, including the Modified B31G, RSTRENG, and the PRCI guidelines for mechanical damage. The course details how to characterize defects using various inspection tools and how to handle the uncertainties associated with measurement tolerances. It covers the physics of how different defects interact, such as a dent situated on a longitudinal weld or metal loss within a dented area, which often represents a much higher risk than isolated defects.

The coverage of the program is organized into eleven modules, starting with the mechanics of pipeline deformation and ending with the selection of permanent repair solutions. Specific modules are dedicated to the unique challenges of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC), teaching participants how to differentiate between high-pH and near-neutral SCC. The course also explores the use of "Safe-to-Pressure" calculations and the development of Excavation and Repair Criteria (ERC) that allow operators to prioritize field activities efficiently during a pigging campaign.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Categorize pipeline anomalies based on their morphology and failure mode.
• Utilize the RSTRENG and B31G methods for metal loss assessment.
• Evaluate the severity of plain dents and constrained dents using strain limits.
• Analyze the risk of "Rock Dents" and their impact on coating integrity.
• Assess the fatigue life of dents subjected to cyclic pressure loading.
• Differentiate between SCC, HIC, and other forms of environmental cracking.
• Calculate the failure pressure of a pipe containing a gouge or scratch.
• Apply interaction rules for clusters of pits and closely spaced defects.
• Determine the "Critical Flaw Size" for planar defects in various steel grades.
• Interpret ILI "Call-out" sheets and convert them into field dig plans.
• Perform a Level 2 assessment for complex-shaped corrosion profiles.
• Select the most technically sound repair method for each specific defect type.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Pipeline Integrity Engineers, Field Inspectors, ILI Data Analysts, Maintenance Superintendents, and Regulatory Compliance Officers.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.