FEATURE
Highlights of Legislation Regarding Offshore Oil & Gas Subsea Pipeline Inspection and Repair
By Nanthan Sivalingam Pipeline Engineer
FEATURE
Ir . Teo Eu Jin Innovation & Repair Lead
The transfer of liquid or gas medium from one point to another can be achieved either via a piping system or a pipeline system . So , what is the difference between these two systems ? A piping system is a complex network of relatively smaller pipes , fittings , and valves within the defined plant boundaries ( inside the plant itself ) which is normally above ground level , whereas a pipeline system is a series of relatively larger pipes over long distances beyond the plant boundaries ( outside the plant ), which can be aboveground , underground , or underwater . Basically , a pipeline system is for transporting liquid or gas medium from one platform to another .
The Offshore Oil and Gas Industry uses both piping and pipeline systems inside and outside the platform respectively . Moreover , the pipeline will be located underwater ( subsea ) at offshore platform due to the nature of the set-up . Nevertheless , how does one ensure the pipeline system can safely keep the product in the pipe ? A leaking pipeline will ultimately lead to safety , health , and environmental concerns . Therefore , proper Engineering Design , Construction and Maintenance is essential to address this concern . Fortunately , all pipelines in Malaysia fall under the custody of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health ( DOSH ) and regulated in accordance with our national law ( see Table 1 ).
Petroleum ( Safety Measures ) Act 1984 , Part V Transportation of Petroleum by Pipelines
Section 16 . Authorisation of pipeline works
It shall not be lawful for any person to undertake any pipeline works to be executed in or on land , on the surface of or underwater , onshore or offshore except under authorisation granted by the Minister , or otherwise than along the route delineated on the map annexed to the authorisation or within such limits of lateral deviation from the route as may be prescribed in the authorisation , or by a person other than the one named in the authorisation . The Minister shall have power to grant or to refuse an application for pipeline works authorisation under subsection ( 1 ).
Remarks : On top of that , there is another regulation under this Act by the title of “ Petroleum ( Safety Measures ) ( Transportation of Petroleum by Pipelines ) Regulation 1985 ” that addresses the pipeline aspect of Design , Permission for Installation , Permission for Operating , Inspection and Modification .
Table 1 : National Law capturing Pipeline Work
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