Abstract
In Nigeria, the majority of the oil/gas/liquids pipelines are 30 to 50 years old since the discovery of oil at Oloibiri in Bayelsa State of Nigeria. Most of the pipes were laid on the surface based upon industry standards in the past. But these pipelines have become old, corroded and less effective. They fail in many areas, due to corrosion induced leaks (resulting from lack of pipeline integrity survey and inadequate corrosion condition monitoring program design) as well as vandalism. This problem is being dealt with in different ways by different pipeline operators.
This study therefore involves identifying the different options as well as new technology with aging pipeline infrastructure as it relates to Nigeria oil and gas industry.
Petroleum exploitation in Nigeria has become a very sensitive environmental issue both within the immediate geographical localities and in global circles. Consequently, knowledge representation and uncertain management has become critical frontline considerations in operating aging pipeline infrastructure. The failures by these pipeline infrastructures due to corrosion are one of the leading causes of availability losses, loss of human life and, environmental degradation in petroleum exploitation within the Nigerian environment. The need therefore arises for companies to seek ways of minimizing the occurrence of these problems, thereby maintaining high facility availability and integrity of the environment.
