The Australian Petroleum Pipeline Code AS 2885 - 1997

Abstract

The Australian Standard AS 2885 - 1997 Pipelines Gas and Liquid Petroleum contains mandatory risk assessment procedures which are deeply integrated into route selection, design and operation and maintenance. The procedures require systematic identification and assessment of threats which are specific to the pipeline, the location, the threat itself and its effect on the pipeline. External interference protection design is one fundamental step in the risk assessment procedure which involves formal specification of physical measures for the prevention of damage and procedural measures for the prevention if incidents with the potential to cause external interference. A land classification system based on land use and design which separates the design factor for pressure containment from the requirements for other engineering parameters combine to ensure that economy, reliability and public safety are optimised together. A fracture control plan is required as part of the integrated design process and the plan requires formal and systematic treatment of fluid composition and type and fracture arrest length. The welding section of the standard differs significantly from API 1104 and includes fitness-for-purpose defect acceptance limits based on the EPRG guidelines.