Analysis of Oil Pipeline Failures in the Oil and Gas Industries in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

This research work on the analysis of oil pipeline failures in oil and gas industries in the Niger delta area of Nigeria was carried out to ascertain the causes of these failures. Information on pipeline conditions was gathered for the period between 1999 and 2010. Observations showed that the major causes of failure include: Ageing, Corrosion, Mechanical failures welding defects, pressure surge problems, stress, wall thickness, etc. From the data got and results that were obtained, recommendations were given on measures to minimize these failures. According to the Gas and Oil Pipeline Standards (GOST) of Nigeria, the standard lifetime of a pipeline is 33 years but this research findings revealed that 42% of failures were mechanically induced, 18% by corrosion, third party activity contributed 24%, 10% through operational error and 6% by natural hazards. Besides applying good cathodic protection, or anti-corrosive agents, reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP) seems to be the best remedy, as it is able to withstand many factors that lead to failures. The use of RTPs is therefore recommended as a good measure against pipeline failures in the Oil and Gas Industries in Nigeria.This research work on the analysis of oil pipeline failures in oil and gas industries in the Niger delta area of Nigeria was carried out to ascertain the causes of these failures. Information on pipeline conditions was gathered for the period between 1999 and 2010. Observations showed that the major causes of failure include: Ageing, Corrosion, Mechanical failures welding defects, pressure surge problems, stress, wall thickness, etc. From the data got and results that were obtained, recommendations were given on measures to minimize these failures. According to the Gas and Oil Pipeline Standards (GOST) of Nigeria, the standard lifetime of a pipeline is 33 years but this research findings revealed that 42% of failures were mechanically induced, 18% by corrosion, third party activity contributed 24%, 10% through operational error and 6% by natural hazards. Besides applying good cathodic protection, or anti-corrosive agents, reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP) seems to be the best remedy, as it is able to withstand many factors that lead to failures. The use of RTPs is therefore recommended as a good measure against pipeline failures in the Oil and Gas Industries in Nigeria.