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Insulation system design (OI), Condition assessment & life expectancy (OI), Failures investigation (OI)
Presentations
9:00am - 9:30am
Assessing Induced Voltage Risks on Pipeline Insulation Due to Electrical Disturbances
S. Shahabi, J. López, K. Inman
Magna IV Engineering, Canada
The integrity and safety of pipeline infrastructure are critical for the reliable transportation of resources, and understanding the impact of external electrical phenomena is essential for effective risk management. Pipelines, often coated with insulating materials, can be subject to induced voltages resulting from electrical short circuits and lightning strikes. This paper examines how right-of-way (ROW) conditions influence the magnitude of induced voltages along pipelines, particularly in relation to power line faults.
Pipelines frequently traverse diverse terrains and run parallel to power lines, both overhead and underground. Faults in these power lines can induce electrical disturbances in adjacent pipelines, leading to potentially hazardous high-voltage levels. These induced voltages, if sufficiently high, can exceed the breakdown voltage of the pipeline insulation, causing failure and posing risks to personnel and landowners in contact with the pipelines. As such, effective ROW management and safety measures around power lines are crucial for mitigating risks associated with induced voltages.
This study, conducted in partnership with BC Hydro, focuses on a gas pipeline located alongside a transmission line. The paper investigates how short circuits and lightning strikes induce voltages in pipelines, paying particular attention to ROW factors such as soil resistivity and the proximity of other electrical infrastructure. The analysis is based on a planned 69 kV transmission line in British Columbia, which runs parallel to a FortisBC gas pipeline with an extruded polyethylene (PE) coating. This pipeline is located near residential and farming areas, heightening the need for careful evaluation of inductive interference risks to safeguard both public and worker safety.
A comprehensive model, developed using EMTP software, simulates voltage induction along pipeline segments, incorporating variables such as pipeline depth, coating type, distance from the ROW boundary, and soil conductivity. Simulations reveal significant variations in induced voltage levels based on these ROW parameters.
This research offers important insights into the interaction between ROW conditions and electrical disturbances, contributing to the broader understanding of pipeline safety and reliability. The findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers, engineers, and industry stakeholders to adopt best practices in mitigating induced voltage risks. Ultimately, the research aims to enhance pipeline safety, protect public health, and ensure the long-term reliability of energy infrastructure.
