Mechanistic studies and modelling of corrosion,structural degradation,and associated soil subsidence during long-term decommissioning of oil pipelines

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Many of oil and gas pipelines have been in service for over 50 years or longer, and are now coming to the end of their lifespan for which they were designed. As this infrastructure continues to age, a growing number of pipelines will permanently be taken out of service and potentially left in place. Decommissioned pipelines are subject to long-term degradation due to internal and external corrosion. Excessive degradation due to corrosion reduces the load bearing capacity of the pipeline, and may lead to loss of structural integrity and to subsequent collapse over time, possibly leading to ground subsidence. To date, there is limited understanding of the degradation processes and their consequences on decommissioned pipelines.The overall objective of the proposed research is to develop a strong scientific knowledge base to advance our understanding of corrosion, structural integrity, and soil subsidence associated with pipeline decommissioning, and further, to quantitatively predict by mechanistic modelling the potential effects and risks after long-term decommissioning of the pipelines in soils. The research outcomes include new knowledge and new models, all of which will enable pipeline operators and stakeholders such as regulators and landowners to understand, predict and manage the short-term and long-term processes and consequences of pipeline decommissioning.The benefits from this research will be multi-fold and tremendous. A full understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of decommissioned pipelines is presently not available. The research will fill this gap, and the outcome will be original and innovative, contributing to a strong scientific knowledge base in pipeline decommissioning. At the same time, the research will benefit the pipeline industry and the Canadian public by enabling reliable prediction and improved management, and thus safe decommissioning of aged pipeline infrastructure.