M. EL-GAMMAL (Sr.), H.EI NAGGAR, M.M. EL-GAMMAL (Jr.)
APPENDIX I: Pipeline Failure Examples
Major pipeline failures are mainly due to one or more of the following. Gas and oil pipelines
have established an impressive safety record over the years. Some of the causes of failures are
identified in this commentary, other causes are mainly due to one or more of being subjected to
mechanical damage resulted from: fatigue cracks or material defects, or fabricated inherited
defects, e.g., weld cracks, incomplete fusion, improper repair welds, incomplete penetration, or
external or internal corrosion and or hydrogen blistering. Mechanical damage normally consists
of gouges and dents. They generally are created by excavation or handling equipment during
construction.
1- Sudden catastrophic failures due to mechanical damage resulted from corrosion degradation,
Figures I.1, shows typical deteriorated pipelines in petrochemical industrial factories. The total
estimated consequences is as follows: ∑ C = A+B+C+D+E = 88,
Figures I.1: Typical corroded pipelines in petrochemical Factories, expect as disaster [20]
2- Leak of flammable oil and gas lead to entire explosion of pipeline at Hertfordshire
Depot north of London in 2004, Figures I.2. Results from this accident were loss of
lives as well as loss of property and can cause fire hazards, ∑ C=A+B+C+D+E+F = 96,
Figures I.2: Pipelines carrying flammable materials are the main source of fires [25]
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