API has recently published the first edition of API RP 1181. This document provides guidance for operations, inspection, and maintenance activities based on the operational status of a pipeline. This establishes four statuses:
- precommissioned,
- active/in-service,
- idled, and
- abandoned;
and gives operations, inspections, and maintenance recommendations for various pipeline operational statuses; explains pipeline status documentation requirements; and gives recommendations regarding safe transition between pipeline statuses.
For the purposes of this document, the word “pipeline” refers to transmission and regulated gathering pipelines and pipeline systems, although the principles may be applied to nonregulated gathering and flow lines. Regulations, permits, and easement requirements may supersede the guidance given in this document.
This RP can be ordered here.