Introduction of an easy-to-use risk assessment tool for natural gas transmission pipelines

A new pipeline safety program has been developed by Gasunie Research to carry out a quick risk survey of (part of) a pipeline. The survey results in appropriate proximity distances, individual risk contours, societal risk and gas dispersion levels. This program is meant to fill the gap between applying rules of thumb and an extensive risk analysis. All the results are graphically presented on a topographical map of the area. The program uses data from validated and internationally acknowledged models, which are approved by the Dutch Government. Although the program is developed to carry out risk assessments according to Dutch standards, it can be easily adapted to comply with other standards. The amount of input parameters is limited to a few network and surroundings parameters, which makes it very suitable to carry out a preliminary study of the risk in the design phase of the pipeline. It can also be used for existing pipelines in changing surroundings. Some of the major characteristics of the program are: It saves money and time on risk assessments of new and existing pipelines and is to be used by non-specialists. The graphical interface enables quick and easy use.