Material Verification

In response to the Pipeline Safety Regulatory Rule changes issued under Docket No. PHMSA-2011-0023, also referred to as the “Transmission Mega Rule.” operators must prepare for MAOP Reconfirmation activities and Material Verification on transmission pipelines operating in a Class 3 location, Class 4 location or in a high consequence area (HCA). Material verification is required as part of some MAOP Reconfirmation methods, including pressure test and engineering critical analysis.

There are many material testing technologies and vendor options available. GTS has researched several vendors and labs across the country and witnessed testing demonstrations to compare methods, technologies and vendor performance. GTS has prepared guidance documentation that compares non-destructive and destructive testing methods, and provides guidance on method selection to fit operator or program needs, location and budget.

GTS has developed Material Verification documentation, custom to operator needs, that provides technical guidelines and procedural steps to complete material testing for compliance with new code regulations. This documentation, or Material Verification Plan, can be used by operators to identify data gaps, determine pipeline populations, schedule segments based on priority, select material testing methods, evaluate material testing results, and develop a new TVC material of record.

In addition, GTS has developed a Material Verification Reconciliation Tool to store and organize information to identify feature-based exceptions. As operators kick off their MAOP Reconfirmation and Material Verification programs, there will be an overwhelming amount of data coming in from multiple pipeline assessment sources. The Material Verification Reconciliation Tool is a database that can store point data and identify discrepant information.