6.4.1: Pipeline Failure Causes

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Page ID: 15670

Marcellus Matters
Pennsylvania State University via John A. Dutton: e-Education Institute

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System Type: Gas Distribution

The causes of serious pipeline incidents during gas distribution, broken down by percentage, are 4.2% corrosion, 26.3% excavation damage, 11.1% incorrect operation, 7.6% material/weld/equipment failure, 6.5% natural force damage, 25.2% other outside force damage, and 19.1% all other causes. The pie graph below illustrates this breakdown.

Pie graph of gas distribution serious incident causes, as explained. — Serious Incident Cause Breakdown 10 Year Average (2008-2015)

U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

System Type: Gas Transmission

The cause of serious pipeline incidents during gas transmission, broken down by percentage, are 7.3% corrosion, 26.8% excavation damage, 17.1% incorrect operation, 19.5% material/weld/equipment failure, 14.6% other outside force damage, and 14.6% all other causes. The pie graph below illustrates this breakdown.

The US DOT, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is responsible for maintaining industry inspection standards and incident investigation. The leading causes of gas distribution pipelines, primarily in urban and suburban areas, are excavation damage and other outside force damage. These lines are often placed in and around areas that will see construction activity in the future and increase the likelihood of damage from excavation or other outside forces. Transmission lines on the other hand are often constructed in rural areas where excavation is less frequent per mile of pipeline, and therefore excavation damage is less likely. The leading cause of incidents in transmission lines are failures due to materials, welds, or equipment.