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F E AT U R E S T O R Y

I N N O V AT I O N S • V O L . V I I , N O. 2 • 2 0 1 5

25

PIMS processes easily accessible to everyone

concerned, but also helps with the tremendously

important process of analyzing and fully

leveraging the information that you gather.

Does one area of pipeline require more repairs

than others? Has one section of pipeline been

more prone to corrosion? PIMSS can help you

recognize these trends and map out a plan for

addressing them.

And PIMSS technology is continuously growing

and evolving, so even more valuable options have

been recently introduced and more are on the

way. One recent development is the arrival of

cloud-based data storage, which provides another

convenient option for accessing and

backing up pipeline data. Another new

trend: Mobile options that allow operators

to carry out PIMS-related tasks from their

hand-held devices. The technology is

similar to consumer products that allow

people to start their car from inside their

home on a cold day. A mobile-based

PIMSS program might even allow you to

ask the system to evaluate a new data set

while you’re on the way to the office.

But Kirkwood cautions users not to get

too dazzled by PIMSS technology too quickly.

Before purchasing a system, it’s critical to

understand exactly what you’re buying, and

what it is and isn’t capable of doing. PIMSS, for

instance, provides helpful “snapshots” of the

condition of your pipelines,

but the current technology

does not harness the concepts

of “big data” that can be

analyzed to identify greater

patterns or trends.

Accurate and Aligned:

Getting the Whole Picture

To get the most out of PIMSS technology, and

PIMS management in general, operators should

not only be collecting data, but also taking steps

to ensure they’re getting accurate, aligned data. In

other words, all of the pieces of the puzzle should

make sense when put together, showing exactly

what is happening within the pipeline system.

In most cases, alignment requires extra effort,

because the information operators gather about

their pipeline systems is typically pulled from

multiple sources. Putting everything together for

a big-picture look at the pipeline, its risks, and

the best measures for managing it can get a bit

tricky. And whenever companies need assistance

in this area, specialized service providers, like T.D.

Williamson, are available to guide them.

“Imagine having two pieces of see-through

paper,” Kirkwood says. “On one piece, I’ve got

the pipeline, and on the other piece of paper, I’ve

got the defects. I’m putting one on top of the

other, and I’m trying to overlay where all of the

defects are on my pipeline. However, the problem

is the pieces of paper are two different sizes, so the

It’s a complicated, multistep process,

and it can be a bit daunting for operators,

but the

payoffs in terms of

safety, efficiency, & financial

return

are well worth the learning curve.