Pipeline AC Interference + Mitigation

Project overview

Two pipelines collocated with HVAC overhead transmission lines
IRIS software
In-house Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) certification
Submeter GIS-integrated data
Secure web-based project portal

Scope of work

Asset integrity & corrosion prevention
Project management
Field, HVAC, & pipeline data collection
Simulation & analysis
Detailed conceptual design for construction
Regulatory compliance

Project summary

For ONEOK pipelines outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Audubon performed a pipeline alternating-current (AC) interference and mitigation study to ensure asset integrity and prevent corrosion. The pipelines were intended for collocation with two proposed high-voltage AC (HVAC) overhead transmission lines, MINCO4 and MINCO5.

Pipeline services incorporated Elsyca Inductive and Resistive Interference Simulator (IRIS) software to identify levels of AC interference on the pipelines under average and peak loads. The Audubon team used study findings to design and simulate an AC mitigation system for safety, corrosion, and compliance. The studied risks included

safety under steady-state and fault conditions
coating stress voltage and pipeline integrity under fault conditions
AC corrosion under steady-state conditions
arcing between tower footing and pipeline under fault and lightning conditions due to systems’ proximity

Audubon’s study and design ensured integrity and safety to mitigate corrosive damage along ONEOK’s pipelines.