This process happens naturally when metal materials deteriorate through oxidation. In regard to pipelines, corrosion can cause metal loss in the pipe, which leads to weakening and compromises the overall integrity of the pipe. There are two main types of corrosion — external, which is the outside material of the pipe reacting with the surrounding environment, and internal, which refers to interior pipe corrosion from the products traveling through it. Other specific types of corrosion can occur on pipeline components, such as seam corrosion.
What Is Pipeline Integrity?
Pipeline safety is our passion. When quality, experience and cost matter you can turn to our powerhouse integrity and compliance team.
The process of pipeline integrity ensures pipelines and their related components are properly and safely designed and operational. The goal is to safeguard pipelines from damage and defects all the way through their life spans, from design to decommissioning.
Because pipelines are exposed to extreme conditions, taking steps to improve and maintain pipeline integrity is essential. As a result, pipeline integrity management (PIM) involves numerous strategies to ensure the pipeline is continually safe for use.
Common Causes of Pipeline Failure
Understanding how a pipeline might fail is crucial, as it helps pipeline managers and maintenance workers better anticipate failures and enact proper PIM. There are several potential causes of pipeline failure, including:
One of the most common pipeline failure causes is external damage. For example, natural forces like landslides or temperature extremes, or other outside forces, such as vandalism, can lead to failures in pipeline integrity. These causes can be beyond human control, but PIM for external forces is still necessary.
The internal pressure within pipelines is often cyclical, which can lead to eventual interior wear. This kind of failure is more likely to happen over time as the inner wall of the pipe experiences pressure fluctuations.
Sometimes, defects can be present in the material manufacturing process for pipelines. This issue can lead to incomplete bonding in the steel components used to produce the pipe. While rare in modern pipeline production processes, impurities are still a possibility and can lead to failure later on.
Assurance That Critical Infrastructure Is Safe and Reliable
Pipeline integrity management ensures safety from conception to retirement. Our integrity management services include program development, data validation, risk analysis, corrosion evaluation, integrity engineering and integrity field services.
TRC’s experienced pipeline integrity team will get you in the rule and keep you in the rule. Not satisfied with standardized pipeline integrity solutions? Our experts provide carefully tailored integrity strategies that solve your specific challenges within your corporate framework and budget.
The need for accurate comprehensive analysis of integrity data is of the utmost importance to ensure you can make informed and accurate decisions about safely operating and maintaining your assets.
Integrity Engineering:
- HCA and MCA Identification and Class Locations Analysis (Gas)
- HCA Spill Modeling and Air Dispersion (Liquids)
- Emergency Flow Restricting Device (EFRD) Studies
- MAOP/MOP Calculation, Validation and Reconfirmation
- Pipeline and Facility Risk and Threat Identification
- In-Line Inspection (ILI) Program, Design and Implementation
- Remediation Planning
Integrity Field Services:
- ILI Program Management Including Repair and Remediation
- Integrity Dig Plan Development and Management
- ILI Tool Validation and Run Supervision
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Services Including Validation
- Line Location and Structure Validation
- Asset and Class Location Verification
- Digital Field Data Capture
Corrosion Services:
- Direct Assessment Program Design and Management (ECDA, ICDA and SCCDA)
- CP Design and AC Mitigation
- Model Pipeline and HVAC Powerlines
- Close Interval Survey and Corrosion Mapping
- Coating Assessment
- MIC Sample Collection
- Test Stations, External Corrosion Coupons, Reference Cells and Anodes
Pipeline Integrity Management Projects
Discover the success we’ve had with helping our clients execute major projects and make a meaningful impact on their local communities.
Asset Knowledge Management and Creating a Digital Twin
Large-Scale Asset Knowledge Gathering
Emergency Preparedness – Gas Utility ERPs and FEMA ICS Integration
Rapid Response to Unplanned System Disruption Event
Small Pipeline Operator Integrity Management Planning
Transmission AC Interference Study and Mitigation Design
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
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Regulatory Updates
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Videos
INGAA Foundation Interview with Lauren O’Donnell
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TRC’s own Lauren O’Donnell is currently the elected Chair of the INGAA Foundation. The Foundation’s primary activity is to sponsor research aimed at promoting natural gas use and safe, efficient pipeline construction and operation.
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To have an impact on the delivery or operation of a pipeline, it’s vital to eliminate the intra- and inter-company barriers, including those in the areas of communications, culture and technology.
Regulatory Updates
PHMSA Publishes New Rules to Increase the Safety of Hazardous Liquid Pipelines and Gas Transmission Pipelines
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TRC Chosen to Provide Array of Integrated Services on Midship Pipeline Project
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Regulatory Updates
NERC Calls for New Approach to Reliability Planning Due to Gas Supply Disruption Risks
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TRC’s 2018 Predictions: Infrastructure Initiatives Intensify, Grids Get Smarter and Renewables Remain All the Rage
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LOWELL, Mass. – TRC Companies Inc., a leader in engineering, environmental consulting and construction-management services, today released its top predictions for 2018, which include federal and state governments pumping trillions into the nation’s aging infrastructure and utilities building smarter, more balanced grids.
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Security Stew: How to Follow the Federal Regulatory Recipe for Safe Chemical Storage
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New Issues Emerge Regarding Chemical Security
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TRC’s Top 12 Predictions for The Energy Industry in 2017
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LOWELL, MA, TRC Companies Inc., a recognized leader in engineering, environmental consulting and construction-management services, today released its top 12 predictions for the energy, utility, and oil and gas sectors for 2017, including robust funding for utility mergers and acquisitions and infrastructure upgrades as well as big shifts in power plant and pipeline construction focus.
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Regulatory Updates
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TRC Becomes Major Tulsa Employer With Acquisition of Willbros Professional Services
January 20, 2016
From left to right: County Commissioner Karen Keith; Mike Neal, CEO Tulsa Regional Chamber; Tulsa Mayor Dewey F. Bartlett; Ed Wiegele, SVP and Pipeline Services Sector Director, TRC; Chris Vincze, Chairman & CEO, TRC; Lannie McNeill, Senior Technical Advisor, TRC – January 20, 2016 – TRC Companies, Inc. and the Tulsa Regional Chamber today hosted…
Regulatory Updates
How PHMSA’s Final Rule Affects Class Location Requirements for Gas Transmission Operators
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Transform ILI Data into Actionable Insights
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Move beyond snapshot ILI reports. Leverage run-to-run comparison, corrosion growth rate and statistical evaluation to prioritize repairs, refine reinspection intervals and manage risk with confidence.
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PHMSA Bulletin Outlines New Safety Management Advice
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The increasing presence of HVAC/DC transmission lines in modern power infrastructure has raised concerns about their impact on pipeline integrity. These systems, often co-located within shared corridors, generate electromagnetic fields (EMF) that introduce significant risks such as accelerated corrosion, equipment failures and safety hazards. Addressing HVAC/DC interference is now essential for ensuring long-term pipeline reliability and personnel safety.
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PHMSA Gas Transmission RIN2 Rule Now Effective
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PHMSA Releases Proposed Rulemaking for Pipeline Safety and Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair
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PHMSA Issues Gas Gathering Final Rule Summary & Requirements
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DHS Announces New Cybersecurity Requirements for Critical Pipeline Owners and Operators
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Insights
Environmental Compliance Key for Transloading Success
February 24, 2021
Transloading projects that support the transfer of oil from truck to rail and vice versa are an increasing growth opportunity for the rail industry. However, since transfer requires the handling of the goods, transloading can be expensive, and the risk of damage and spills is high.
Regulatory Updates
TCEQ to Assume Oil and Gas Wastewater Permitting from RRC
January 11, 2021
Historically, the Railroad Commission of Texas has been responsible for wastewater permitting of upstream oil and gas facilities under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Insights
Integrity Dig Integrated Services
August 4, 2020
Our Integrity Engineers, Surveyors, Right-of-Way Experts and Environmental Scientists are well-versed in all phases of integrity dig programs from preparing the pipeline for a tool run, interpreting results, verifying proper repair procedures and obtaining federal and state environmental approvals. Our team includes former pipeline operators, survey experts, PHMSA and environmental regulators and trainers. We developed the current ILI training curriculum for PHMSA’s training program.
Videos
INGAA Foundation Interview with Lauren O’Donnell
June 22, 2020
TRC’s own Lauren O’Donnell is currently the elected Chair of the INGAA Foundation. The Foundation’s primary activity is to sponsor research aimed at promoting natural gas use and safe, efficient pipeline construction and operation.
Insights
Targeting Perfection in the Construction and Operation of Pipelines
October 18, 2019
To have an impact on the delivery or operation of a pipeline, it’s vital to eliminate the intra- and inter-company barriers, including those in the areas of communications, culture and technology.
Regulatory Updates
PHMSA Publishes New Rules to Increase the Safety of Hazardous Liquid Pipelines and Gas Transmission Pipelines
September 25, 2019
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration this week published important new rules aimed at improving pipeline safety.
Transform ILI Data into Actionable Insights
March 2, 2026
Move beyond snapshot ILI reports. Leverage run-to-run comparison, corrosion growth rate and statistical evaluation to prioritize repairs, refine reinspection intervals and manage risk with confidence.
Regulatory Updates
PHMSA Bulletin Outlines New Safety Management Advice
March 28, 2025
Cybersecurity threats to the Bulk Electric System (BES) are escalating, with attackers continuously evolving their tactics to target critical infrastructure.
Insights
Enhancing Pipeline Integrity: HVAC/DC Interference Studies and Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Analysis
January 15, 2025
The increasing presence of HVAC/DC transmission lines in modern power infrastructure has raised concerns about their impact on pipeline integrity. These systems, often co-located within shared corridors, generate electromagnetic fields (EMF) that introduce significant risks such as accelerated corrosion, equipment failures and safety hazards. Addressing HVAC/DC interference is now essential for ensuring long-term pipeline reliability and personnel safety.
Regulatory Updates
EPA Proposes Rules for IRA-mandated Waste Emissions Charge for Methane
February 6, 2024
EPA proposed rules to implement the Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) program for facilities that exceed a waste emissions threshold
Regulatory Updates
PHMSA Gas Transmission RIN2 Rule Now Effective
July 24, 2023
TRC summarizes the revised or added sections of RIN2.
Regulatory Updates
PHMSA Releases Proposed Rulemaking for Pipeline Safety and Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair
June 15, 2023
TRC explains the Proposed Rulemaking for Pipeline Safety and Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair
Regulatory Updates
PHMSA Issues Gas Gathering Final Rule Summary & Requirements
November 30, 2021
PHMSA announced that they issued a final rule that significantly expands Federal pipeline safety oversight to all onshore gas gathering pipelines.
Regulatory Updates
EPA Proposes Changes to Methane Control at Petroleum Operations
November 10, 2021
New Source Performance Standard for Methane Control at Petroleum Operations in 2022
Insights
Environmental Compliance Key for Transloading Success
February 24, 2021
Transloading projects that support the transfer of oil from truck to rail and vice versa are an increasing growth opportunity for the rail industry. However, since transfer requires the handling of the goods, transloading can be expensive, and the risk of damage and spills is high.
Regulatory Updates
TCEQ to Assume Oil and Gas Wastewater Permitting from RRC
January 11, 2021
Historically, the Railroad Commission of Texas has been responsible for wastewater permitting of upstream oil and gas facilities under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Videos
INGAA Foundation Interview with Lauren O’Donnell
June 22, 2020
TRC’s own Lauren O’Donnell is currently the elected Chair of the INGAA Foundation. The Foundation’s primary activity is to sponsor research aimed at promoting natural gas use and safe, efficient pipeline construction and operation.
Insights
Targeting Perfection in the Construction and Operation of Pipelines
October 18, 2019
To have an impact on the delivery or operation of a pipeline, it’s vital to eliminate the intra- and inter-company barriers, including those in the areas of communications, culture and technology.
Regulatory Updates
PHMSA Publishes New Rules to Increase the Safety of Hazardous Liquid Pipelines and Gas Transmission Pipelines
September 25, 2019
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration this week published important new rules aimed at improving pipeline safety.
News
TRC Chosen to Provide Array of Integrated Services on Midship Pipeline Project
August 28, 2018
TRC has been awarded contracts for environmental consulting, engineering and field services and another for stem-to-stern Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) contract for three compressor stations.