April 2007: SCC and Corrosion Soils-map Based Risk ModelKiefner & Associates Inc. (“KAI”) and Coast to Coast NDE (“Coast”) have jointly developed a Soils-map Based Risk Model. The model utilizes government soils mapping available as GIS shape files to calculate relative values of 10 variables relevant to SCC and corrosion. It then dynamically segments the client’s pipeline based on those 10 variables and assigns relative risk values for both types of SCC, external corrosion and MIC to each dynamic segment. The model is mechanistic and, as such, does not rely upon identifying “good” or “bad” soil types or upon the Client requiring any statistical data of discovered SCC. The model is based upon industry understanding of the most likely locations for SCC as a function of coating type, coating condition and CP effectiveness. If the SCC is occurring elsewhere than industry knowledge would indicate, the risk algorithms can be readily modified to reflect the Client’s unusual situation. If field investigation indicates that the coating condition or cathodic protection in a particular segment is better than indicated by the model based upon the soils and drainage conditions in that segment, the tabular values for those variables can be readily over-written in the Client’s GIS, which will immediately reduce the calculated risk value for that segment. Similarly, if the government maps indicated different drainage conditions than are found, any of the variables driving the risk algorithms can be adjusted accordingly. Having the pipeline segmented in terms of soils and drainage characteristics has the added advantage of providing an additional reference frame with which to describe the pipeline. This can be valuable, for example, to identify similar sites if, as required by the GAS IMP Rule §192.917(e)(5), extensive corrosion were to be found. KAI and Coast jointly own and market the Soils-map Based Risk Model. All sales of the customized Soils-map Based Risk Model are based upon a Purchase Order for which Coast, KAI and the Client will all be signatories. The Purchase Order will include a Technical Description on which Coast, KAI and the Client agree that has been developed as a result of at least one meeting at which Coast, KAI and the Client are all present. Customized Soils-map Based Risk Models that calculate relative risk of both types of SCC, external corrosion and MIC are offered for sale at a lump sum price per county based upon a minimum of 15 counties. Additional or unusual requirements by the Client may require a slight increase in the per county rate as agreed by all three parties and included in the Purchase Order. The current base price is included in the confidential Joint KAI-Coast Technical Description and Pricing Brochure that is available upon request to interested pipeline operators.
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