The Regional Association of Oil, Gas and Biofuels Sector Companies in Latin America and the Caribbean  (ARPEL) launched the second edition of the  “ARPEL Reference Manual for Pipeline Integrity Management”, which was developed by technicians of more than 20 companies of the region grouped in the Pipelines and Terminals Committee.  

The document was elaborated with the purpose to provide general guidelines for pipeline operators to check their own management and implement the best practices for integrity assurance at their facilities aiming at achieving excellence in their responsible operational, social and environmental management.

The Manual includes a digital file with check lists of the information required to determine a baseline of the pipeline and to evaluate the probability of failure and its consequences against the mains threats  to which it is subjected  (inside and outside corrosion, third parties actions, forces of nature and operational  errors).

This Manual also includes the means, actions and methods to detect damage and mitigate threats, and the main reference standards and bibliography for the development of a pipeline integrity plan are indicated.

This new document includes a thorough revision of the content of its previous edition (2011), under which it is worth remarking the inclusion of a whole new chapter on mechanical integrity assessment, and the inclusion of the threat related to the fatigue of the pipeline.

Moreover, this Manual is used as a base tool for the courses included in the ARPEL Program of  Accreditation in Pipeline Integrity Management,  designed to amplify  the knowledge and to promote  the implementation of best practices  by companies of the oil and gas sector.

It is a fundamental concern for ARPEL company members   the protection of the environment as well as the preservation of the places where the activities are developed.

As expressed by its authors, the ARPEL Pipelines Manual will contribute through the establishment of common criteria and through the exchange of valuable experiences that support the operational, environmental and social excellence, of pipeline operations in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

ARPEL members can download the ARPEL “Reference Manual for Pipeline Integrity Management” and the check lists at the following link: https://arpel.org/library/publication/416/