PLSS Overview

This online manual will explain the IMS PLSS (Pipeline Integrity Management) Product.

The IMS-PLSS module is designed to implement a comprehensive approach to Pipeline and Subsea Integrity Management. It focuses on optimizing Inspection, Assessment, Maintenance, and Corrective activities to manage Internal and External corrosion. This ensures the safety and reliability of pipeline systems, minimizing the risk of failure which could endanger the safety of personnel, the environment, or asset value. In general, IMS-PLSS is about identifying when and how to inspect Pipelines while maintaining a detailed audit trail of inspection results.

IMS-PLSS is a system of activities and controls related to Pipeline operation, inspection, and maintenance aimed at minimizing the risk of failure to a level that is As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). The software provides the means to control the integrity status of pipelines and shift operations from a reactive "Fire Fighting" mode to a more proactive approach. It targets an ongoing understanding of all failure modes relevant to a Pipeline and demonstrates control by documenting and maintaining the required mitigation measures​.

In IMS-PLSS, the timing for Inspections and Assessments is determined through structured Inspection Schedules, which allow you to assess the integrity status of your pipelines. The results of these Inspections are captured in the Condition History, providing a thorough record of all relevant activities. You can easily check which Inspection Schedules are approaching their due dates, perform the necessary Inspections, and document the findings in the Condition History. For recurring Inspection Schedules, the system automatically generates a new Schedule with an updated due date.

Key functionalities of IMS-PLSS include:

• Corrosion Management Framework: This feature provides an overview of degradation mechanisms and the status of barriers linked to historical data.

• Condition History Tracking: Maintains a comprehensive record of all integrity-related activities, facilitating audits and compliance checks.

• Fitness for Service (FFS) Assessment: help you evaluate the ILI run result (defect assessment) according to DNV/ASME codes​​

• Integrity Status Assessment: Evaluate the condition of your assets using advanced methodologies, including Risk-Based Assessments (RBA) for Inspection planning.

• Campaigns and Planned Events: Allow grouping inspection schedules for efficient planning and execution of inspection activities

• ILI Comparison: Compare data from different In-Line Inspection runs, facilitating the tracking of defect growth rates and changes in pipeline integrity over time.

• Depth of Cover Surveys: IMS-PLSS incorporates tools for managing and analyzing the depth of cover survey data.

• External Corrosion Assessment: The software integrates with Excor, enhancing external corrosion assessment capabilities for buried pipelines through advanced modeling techniques.

• Internal Corrosion Assessment: IMS-PLSS interfaces with Hydrocor, providing sophisticated internal corrosion prediction and analysis tools to optimize corrosion management strategies.

• Anomaly Management: View defects and associated maintenance or inspection plans.

• Scenario Assessment: The software allows for running "what if" scenarios to determine optimal remedial action plans.

• Customizable Dashboards: Visualize key performance indicators and integrity status in real-time for informed decision-making.

The Risk-Based Assessment (RBA) methodology integrated into IMS-PLSS enhances inspection strategies by focusing on risk rather than time-based intervals. This approach not only optimizes inspection costs but also improves asset availability and safety. Note: For more general IMS information refer to Symbols, Glossary, User Interface, Settings, Approvals, Dashboards, Reports, Drawings, Queries and IMS4Field.

PLSS Hierarchy

The figure below shows important objects in the hierarchy of IMS-PLSS.