PHMSA Mega Rule Compliance Using Software

By Joe Pikas

Phmsa Mega Rule to improve pipeline safety

Introduction to Rulemaking for Pipeline Safety 

The first set of prescriptive regulations designed to improve safety by reducing the frequency of pipeline failures was brought about by the Gas Rule in 1971. This original rulemaking was the result of the many failures pipeline operators were experiencing at the time. Multiple rules after that were set into place to ensure compliance with safety standards.

In 2003, the Integrity Rule was introduced, which was a comprehensive, systematic, and fully integrated integrity management program. An integrity management program provides the information for an operator to effectively allocate resources for appropriate prevention, detection, and mitigation activities resulting in improved safety and a reduction in the number of incidents

Creation of the PHMSA Mega Rule

These rules go relatively unchanged as pipeline failures are largely uncommon, but an occurrence can both be devastating and costly for the local population and the environment. Occurrences such as the San Bruno pipeline explosion in 2010 served as the tipping point for perhaps the largest update in public policy in the oil and gas sector to be seen in years. A decade in the making, The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) released a rule so massive that it has been dubbed the “Mega Rule.” Due to its size, the rule is divided into three parts:

  • Part 1 (2020) Focused on Material Verification (MAOP), Expansion of Assessments, and TVC
  • Part 2 (2022) Corrosion, Excavation Damage (Encroachment), Construction, Repair Criteria from Integrity Activities
  • Part 3 (2023) Jurisdiction of Type C Onshore Gathering Lines (426,000 miles)

The Mega Rule expands corrosion control requirements for gas transmission pipelines

Preparing for Implementation

The Mega Rule is so comprehensive that a compliance deadline has been set for 2035, more than a decade into the future. However, Technical Toolboxes has been planning for the Mega Rule’s significant changes for integrity, operating, and compliance needs of pipeline operators. The focus will consist of digitizing, mapping, and streamlining the integration of all data to meet the traceable, verifiable, complete (TVC) regulatory requirements.

Solutions for Compliance

The Technical Toolboxes’ Pipeline HUB serves as an all-in-one platform to manage all data in compliance with the increased reporting and safety regulations of part 1 of the Mega Rule. The ability to configure asset data once and plug it into any application on the Pipeline HUB minimizes the risk of errors and automates the reporting process. Alongside the Pipeline HUB, the Pipeline Toolbox Gas Version (PLTBG) consists of many applications such as Pipeline Crossings Cathodic Protection and Design and Stress Analysis that assist in external corrosion control (192.463) and continued surveillance (192.613) in accordance with the PHMSA regulations.

Webinar on PHMSA Mega Rule Compliance

For a more detailed discussion on PHMSA Mega Rule compliance and how to effectively use software solutions for implementation, you can view our previously recorded webinar presented by Joe Pikas, an expert in pipeline safety and integrity. This webinar provides in-depth insights and practical examples to help pipeline operators navigate the complexities of the Mega Rule.

Watch the Webinar

Conclusion

See below for a full list of solutions offered by Technical Toolboxes to assist in the compliance with the PHMSA Mega Rule. Click here to speak to an engineering advisor or request a demo for one of our suites.

Product Features PHMSA Rule Compliance
Pipeline HUB Configure data once & plug it into any application
Reduce time spent on data mining & entry
Minimize calculation errors & risk
Automate reporting with the click of a button
Visually depict pipeline assets using ArcGIS
192.917, 192.607
Pipeline Toolbox (PLTB) Pipeline Crossing
Cathodic Protection
Pipeline Design & Stress Analysis
192.613, 192.463
RSTRENG+ Determine reassessment intervals
Determine remaining life & metal loss
Verify & optimize in-line inspection (ILI)
192.933, 192.485, 192.632, 192.7
AC Mitigation PowerTool Induced steady State Voltages
Fault Currents
Mitigation of AC interference
Risk reduction
Lowers threats & Increase Safety
Integrates GIS mapping
192.473
Hydrotest PowerTool MAOP validation
Strength & Integrity checks
Leak tests
Spike tests
192.917

Watch our previously recorded webinar on “Streamlining PHMSA Mega Rule Compliance Using Software” or attend our training on “Corrosion Management of Aging Pipelines”

Or contact me, the author, Joe Pikas, at [email protected]

Author of Blog Joe Pikas

Suggested Post

See Our Corrosion Suite in Action

All the tools needed to model, mitigate, and manage pipeline corrosion

Please follow and like us: