[Docket No. PHMSA-2024-0176]
On November 18, 2024, PHMSA published an advisory bulletin in the Federal Register urging pipeline owners and operators to assess their pipeline systems for potential “hard spots” in the pipe body. These hard spots, which originate during the plate and pipe manufacturing process, may present a broader risk to pipeline integrity than previously understood. Recent data, including findings from incident investigations, suggest that pipelines manufactured prior to 1970 are particularly susceptible to this issue.
Hard spots—localized areas of material weakness—can compromise pipeline integrity when exposed to interacting threats such as coating degradation, soil chemistry changes, and increased hydrogen exposure. Over time, these factors can lead to hydrogen-induced cracking, further endangering pipeline safety.
To mitigate these risks, pipeline owners and operators should take the following actions:
- Expand Hard Spot Threat Evaluations: Extend the evaluation of hard spot susceptibility to all pipelines manufactured prior to 1970, regardless of the manufacturer.
- Leverage In-line Inspection Technology: Collect and analyze data from magnetic flux leakage (MFL) in-line inspection tools to identify potential hard spots.
- Adopt Industry Best Practices: Follow established industry standards and best practices when analyzing in-line inspection data to accurately assess pipeline condition and risks.
By proactively addressing the presence of hard spots, pipeline operators can better safeguard the long-term integrity and safety of their systems.
For a copy of the advisory bulletin, please message Jessica Foley.