What are acceptable integrity assessment methods?
Internal inspection, pressure testing, and direct assessment are acceptable methods to assess pipeline integrity (192.921(a), 192.937(c)). However, the method(s) selected must be appropriate to address the identified threats to the line being assessed. (Thus, for example, direct assessment can only be used where the threats are external or internal corrosion or stress corrosion cracking). Confirmatory direct assessment can be used for assessments conducted on no longer than seven-year intervals when re-assessments conducted using these specified methods are scheduled to occur at intervals longer than 7 years, and when the threats of concern are corrosion. Other technologies that an operator can demonstrate provide an equivalent understanding of pipe condition may be acceptable methods. However, operators must inform OPS 180 days before conducting an assessment using other technologies.
