Oil and gas pipeline distribution networks: a new approach to access their vulnerability and risk

Abstract

The main objective of this research work is to introduce the emerging theory of vulnerability of water pipe networks and, in particular, its theoretical concepts, extrapolating them to the oil and gas pipeline distribution network fields. This expansion is almost direct and could give an important contribution for the design of new network systems, as well as for the assessment, rehabilitation and management of the existing networks and systems. The fundamental contributions of this theory are to design network pipelines more robust but also to give guidance to the technical community in order to achieve a more efficient management of this type of systems. Some highlights on risk assessment and failure scenarios of this type of systems are also given in this paper.