Papers

Quantitative Risk Analysis of the Wahsatch Gas Gathering Pipeline System"

by John B. Cornwell and William E. Martinsen

 

Abstract

Quest Consultants Inc. was retained by Union Pacific Resources Company (UPRC) to conduct a quantitative risk analysis of a natural gas gathering system located in southwestern Wyoming. The objective of the analysis was to determine the risk the pipeline and associated wells pose to the public population along the pipeline route. This required the completion of four major tasks.

• Task 1: Determine potential pipeline and wellhead accidents that could create life-threatening hazards to persons located near the pipeline or well sites.
• Task 2: Derive the frequency of occurrence (probability) of each accident identified in the first task.
• Task 3: Determine the consequences of each accident identified in the first task.
• Task 4: Combine the consequences and the probability of occurrence of each accident to arrive at a measure of public risk created by the pipeline and well network.

The natural gas being produced and transported through the network varies in composition from one section of pipeline to another, according to the gas produced from each well. However, all pipeline sections transport natural gas containing some hydrogen sulfide. The pipeline creates no hazards for persons near the pipeline or well sites as long as the sour natural gas is contained within the pipeline.

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