LEAKAGE ANALYSIS OF GATHERING PIPELINES IN CROATIA

Flowlines and gathering pipelines can be defined as short distance pipelines utilized for the transportation of gases and liquids from the wellbore to a processing facility. Their diameter is generally smaller than transmission pipeline diameter, thus transporting smaller quantities of oil. Literature lacks adequate research and information regarding the environmental effects of gathering pipeline leakages. Analysis of the leakage of gathering pipelines in Croatia will be shown in the paper. Considering that the production life of the oil fields in Croatia is longer than 40 years, frequent leakage incidents from the gathering pipelines system are to be expected. Besides the analysis of the gathering pipelines leakage during a 5 year period (from 2008 until 2012), the frequency and the most common causes of the leakage will be determined. In order to decrease the potential problems to a bare minimum, the procedures and actions regarding the management of the pipelines system will be defined.