Abstract
As utility corridors become increasingly congested, AC interference on pipelines due to collocation with high voltage AC (HVAC) transmission powerlines continues to be a growing concern. Many pipeline operators have large quantities of existing pipeline infrastructure that has not been fully assessed to determine whether it is at risk due to AC interference. The primary risks on these pipelines under powerline steady-state conditions are safety and AC corrosion.
This paper is a case study of a project involving AC interference risk ranking of over 6,400 miles (10,300 km) of existing transmission piping operated by one of the largest combination gas and electric utilities in the United States. The scope of this project is to identify the transmission pipelines that are at greatest risk due to steady-state AC interference, to prioritize them based on the severity of risk, and to determine what further action is required. Once the ranking is completed, it is envisioned that AC interference studies, and the design and implementation of mitigation and monitoring systems will be performed on the at risk pipeline systems in order of priority as part of a multi-year program.
