This project will investigate the reliability of pressure safety lows (PSLs) used in pipeline leak prevention systems. Due to several pipeline ruptures in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and subsequent investigations, a recommendation was made to obtain a better understanding of the reliability of these PSLs. This project was developed with this need in mind along with the objective to perform technical surveys of current pipeline systems in the offshore Pacific and US Gulf of Mexico Regions; review discrete pressure measurements and the configuration of the PSLs on offshore pipelines; review PSL setting methods; analyze PSL alarms registered in the past 2-3 years; and assess the reliability of PSL systems in detecting leaks in offshore pipeline systems.
Preliminary results were presented in New Orleans on October 15, 2002 followed by additional data being supplied by a major operator, thus extending analysis of data into 2003. The final report was drafted and modified in 2004 and the final report delivered in January of 2005.