The concept of pipeline integrity management became especially important as a result of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 signed by President Bush on December, 12 2002.

History

2001 Liquid Integrity Management Program (LIMP) came into law , 2003 Transmission Integrity Management Program (TIMP) came into law , 2008 The final rule is expected for Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP).

Pipeline Integrity Management is process of managing pipeline operational risk and mitigating it affectively to ensure pipeline assets are maintained in safe and reliable condition.

Pipeline failures generally result in high incident events that can have devastating impact on life, reputation, production and environment. The management of this threat is a critical component of any safe operating asset

Integrity management program

The Integrity Management Program (IMP) provides a means to improve the safety of pipeline systems and to allocate resources effectively to:

• Identify and analyze actual and potential precursor events that can result in pipeline transport
  Pipeline transport
  Pipeline transport is the transportation of goods through a pipe. Most commonly, liquids and gases are sent, but pneumatic tubes that transport solid capsules using compressed air are also used....
  
  incidents.
• Provide a comprehensive and integrated means for examining and comparing the spectrum of risks and risk reduction activities available.
• Provide a structured and comprehensive means for selecting and implementing risk reduction activities.
• Ensure the utilization of appropriately trained and qualified company and third-party personnel for risk management and pipeline integrity assurance.

Pipeline Integrity Management Lifecycle

In the lifecycle, the primary issue is traceability and validity of pipeline maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) records. This means that pipeline operators need backward traceability to identify when a suspect component was installed, inspected and maintained, as well as where and how it was manufactured, tested, received and stored before installation. Operators also need forward traceability to identify all locations where material from the same batch as a suspect component was installed or in inventory. Most operators will expend considerable resources to adequately respond to these anticipated new requirements.

Pipeline risk management information system

Pipeline Risk Management Information System (PRIMIS) Integrity Management Programs have led to a reduced amount of pipeline accidents. These were originally created for transmission pipelines.