Coal Chemical Pipeline Risk Classification Management Method and Case Application

Abstract Since the 1970s, western countries, particularly the United States, have developed pipeline risk management standards tailored to their national contexts based on actual conditions and pipeline failure databases. In 2014, the Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) guidance standard GB/T 26610 had been issued to promote the refinement of risk classification. However, there remains a significant gap in Chinese corresponding guidance standards for coal chemical pipelines. This paper has presented an overview of common equipment and pipeline damage modes in the coal chemical industry. By incorporating the average failure probability of similar equipment, management system evaluation coefficients, equipment damage factors, and excessive defect correction coefficients, this study has established a method for calculating pipeline failure probabilities. Additionally, based on coal chemical pipeline media, leakage aperture, discharge rate, leakage volume, combustion damage area post-failure, and poisoning consequence areas, this paper has determined a quantitative calculation method for final failure consequences. A risk classification management approach is thereby established. The application of this risk classification management method in methanol central pipeline systems is analyzed, with risk assessments, damage mechanism analyses, and risk inspections conducted for the pipeline systems. A risk matrix diagram of pipeline unit distribution is generated, providing a theoretical foundation for methanol centers to manage pipeline risk levels.