No one ever expects pipelines to burst. But when they do, the results can be catastrophic. It’s important to know the most common causes of pipeline damage so that you can take the necessary precautions to prevent pipeline disasters. This blog post will discuss the most common causes of buried pipeline damage and how to avoid them. Stay safe out there!
1. Corrosion
Corrosion is the number one cause of pipeline damage. Poor maintenance and exposure to pH levels outside of the normal range for oil pipelines is the leading cause of corrosion-induced damage to buried pipelines. Corrosion is most often caused by hydrogen sulfide, found in natural gas. If left untreated, corrosion will eat away at the pipeline until it finally ruptures. Unfortunately, the pipeline’s owner often does not notice these leaks until it is too late. To prevent corrosion, pipeline owners should ensure that their pipelines are well-maintained and that the pH level remains within a safe range for long periods.
2. Tree Roots
Tree roots, over time, can weaken and damage the pipelines that they’re growing in and around. It is crucial to plant trees and other plants around your pipelines at a reasonable distance to prevent this from happening. If you have trees growing on or near your property, install your pipeline away from them.
3. Shifting Soil
Every so often, the earth will shift enough to put pressure on buried pipelines that are not adequately supported. This pressure can lead to ruptures or cause the pipeline to become unstable enough that it begins to break apart. It is important to regularly inspect the pipelines that run underneath your property for signs of soil instability to prevent this.
4. Temperature Fluctuation
Pipelines are most likely to burst when exposed to drastic temperature fluctuations, mainly if you use them to transport natural gas. If the outside temperature drops below the freezing point, ice crystals can build up inside the pipeline. If this happens, it is possible for the pressure that has built up in the pipeline to cause it to burst. You should regularly inspect pipelines exposed to extreme cold for ice build-up to prevent this from happening.
5. High Water Pressure
Proper maintenance is key to preventing high water pressure, which often causes pipeline damage. If the water pressure is allowed to reach incredibly high levels, it will stress the pipeline. This can cause the pipeline to break or burst. If you suspect that water pressure has caused damage to your buried pipelines, it is important to have them inspected for any potential leaks or ruptures.
6. Failure to Replace Old Pipeline Material
If you have been using the same pipelines for a long time, they are likely made of older or weaker materials than what is in use today. If this is the case, replacing the pipelines with newer, stronger materials might be necessary. San Diego trenchless pipe lining is a procedure that has outgrown traditional methods of replacing old pipes, which are cumbersome and expensive.
7. Failure to Meet Industry Standards
If you do not meet the industry standards set by your pipeline’s manufacturer, your pipelines may be over-stressed. If the pipelines are over-stressed, they can burst or break apart. Industry standards are put in place to ensure that pipelines are strong enough to handle the amount of stress that they will be exposed to when in use.
Buried pipelines are constantly being put through stress. No matter how well-maintained they are, it is inevitable that these machines will eventually fail. By recognizing these common causes of buried pipeline damage, it is possible to avoid them and prevent the pipeline from malfunctioning.