Gas Distribution

The gas distribution system is comprised of a network of low-pressure pipelines that bring gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Like transmission lines, it is critical that companies maintain the integrity of distribution lines via Cathodic Protection (CP) and leak detection programs to meet safety and regulatory requirements and protect the public. In addition, the PHMSA DIMP (Distribution Integrity Management Programs) rule (49 CFR Subpart P) requires distribution pipeline operators to implement a risk-based integrity management process and comply with a more rigorous set of rules for managing and reporting system data than in previous years. Data collection processes and a written integrity management plan must be documented no later than August 2, 2011.

American Innovations' products and services provide solutions for every step of the distribution pipeline protection and management process, including:
 

  • collection, organization and reporting of critical data for regulatory compliance and future investigation of potential problem areas
  • creation of integrity management and operator qualification programs and in-depth analysis of pipeline integrity
  • professional staffing, development of procedural manuals, mock audits and gap analysis studies


All components work together seamlessly to provide distribution companies with the tools needed to meet compliance requirements and cost-effectively manage their assets.

 

Data Collection:


Bullhorn® Wireless Remote Monitoring:

  • Collect data on CP assets: rectifier volts and amps, pipe-to-soil potential and additional shunts, induced AC voltage, AC current and current density (RM4010, RM4020, RM4012 Current Density Monitor)
  • Collect data on non-CP oil & gas assets: compressors (SDT16), tanks (RM4010, APM4AM, RM2020), LACT meters (AMR6), gas pressure and measurements (AMR6, APM4AM, RM2020), pumping stations (APM4AM, RM2020) and more
  • Two-way communication with field upgradeable GPS synchronized current interruption. Unit set-up and configuration, interruption parameters, reporting schedules, on-demand readings and updates configured remotely from the office or in the field (RM4010)
  • Reliable, cost-effective data communication via digital cellular or satellite networks
  • Notifications/alarms on equipment status eliminate remote site visits; on-the-go access via smartphone

 

MicroMax Current Interruption:

  • GPS-synchronized
  • Relay-independent
  • Remote monitoring option (RM4020)


Data Analysis:

 

Bullhorn Asset Tracker (BAT™):

  • Access to individual unit and overall system performance
  • Immediate visibility of units in “alarm”, “normal”, “interrupting”, "inactive" modes
  • Reports can include data points for units & unit groups, date ranges, by unit or asset type

 

Pipeline Compliance System (PCS™):

  • Multi-Year Scheduling – eliminates schedule interruption or errors when multiple surveys are due within the same time frame for a particular location
  • Link multiple test facilities
  • Atmospheric Corrosion Manager manages atmospheric data, facility condition and compliance requirements for facilities and pipelines.
  • Leak Survey Manager manages and provides compliance scheduling for leak surveys, classifies leak and repair data, and supports follow-up activities.
  • Allegro Field Data PC® (link to Allegro page)
  • Add test stations instantly in the field
  • Internal voltmeter will confirm interruption cycles before conducting surveys
  • Increased accuracy with optional internal GPS is ideal for working in crowded environments with pipelines from multiple companies in close range

 

 

Risk intelligence Data Platform (RIPL™):

  • Pulls in disparate data from various sources (incl. Pipeline Compliance System/Allegro, APDM, PODS and other compliance data collection systems) into an integrated and validated data set to identify and quantify areas of high risk
  • Comply with regulations and industry standards
  • Prioritize, manage and maximize the return on investment associated with maintenance programs

 

 

System Analyzer™: 

  • Analyze and view pipeline data from PCS, multiple RIPL databases and more
  • Query and filter pipeline data using a wizard-driven interface
  • Save and retrieve user-created templates

 

 

Compliance and Engineering Services:

  • Integrity Management programs that comply with DIMP rules
  • Operator Qualification programs
  • Risk & HCA (High Concentration Area) Analysis
  • Mock audits, Gap analysis studies, audit support
  • Project managers and contract project staffing


For more information on products and services for distribution pipelines and cathodic protection applications, please contact Sales.

 

12211 Technology Blvd. Austin, TX 78727 800-229-3404
Bullhorn Asset Tracker