what we do

Integrity Management Services

Risk Management RCP has extensive expertise in determining and managing the relative risk (both probability and consequences) for both pipeline and underground gas storage systems consistent with current DOT and state rulemakings and requirements.

ILI Project Management & Data Analysis RCP's ILI Project management services range from pre inspection planning, developing specifications and standards, vendor selection, process and procedures audits, to comprehensive analysis of output data, anomaly mitigation recommendations and compliance verification.

IM Auditing & Compliance Verification Our auditing and compliance verification process has a proven track record assisting clients in identifying gaps and preparing them for state and federal inspections. RCP also provides audit support during agency inspections as well as post audit response services.

IMP Program Development & Maintenance RCP expertise and experience developing and maintaining Integrity Management Programs is second to none, having provided IMP services for companies ranging from small private operating companies and industrial facilities to Fortune 500 oil & gas companies. Over 80 Pipeline Integrity Management Plans developed by RCP have been audited by PHMSA or state agencies, and all of them successfully passed.

Program Development & Maintenance RCP has assisted with over 150 Pipeline Integrity Management Programs, including the development of complete programs for companies ranging from small private operating companies and industrial facilities to Fortune 500 oil & gas companies. Over 80 Pipeline Integrity Management Plans developed by RCP have been audited by PHMSA or state agencies, and all of them successfully passed.

HCA Analysis RCP developed its own HCA model to identify segments along a hazardous liquid or natural gas transmission pipeline that could affect a High Consequence Area in accordance with 49 CFR §192.903 and §195.452. RCP’s final reports for gas pipelines include detailed findings, calculations regarding Potential Impact Radius (PIR), and maps showing HCAs. For liquid pipelines, final report calculations and maps show NPMS identified HCAs, pipeline centerline location and hazard buffers generated from the air dispersion analysis; overland flow analysis and/or a waterborne transport analysis, as applicable, capable of affecting that HCA and identification of any further action required relative to the DOT/PHMSA’s pipeline integrity management rules.

Air Dispersion Modeling RCP’s Air Dispersion Modeling identifies potential toxic or highly volatile liquid (HVL) vapor areas that could affect High Consequence Areas (HCAs) in the event of a hazardous liquids release. The modeling is done using the Automated Resource for Chemical Hazard Evaluation (ARCHIE) model to identify hazard zones related to vapor cloud fire hazards, vapor cloud explosion hazards, flame jet hazards, and toxic spread hazards. RCP creates a report describing the process used in the modeling, results from the modeling and maps showing results from the modeling. The maps will show the various hazard zones as they overlay High Consequence Areas as identified by the National Pipeline Mapping System.

Class Location RCP developed a Class Location model ideal for all sizes and lengths of natural gas pipelines. Using a sophisticated geospatial model that works with existing structure and pipeline data to produce clear, easy-to-read maps and tables that are customizable to meet customer needs, RCP is capable of providing efficient, repeatable, and thoroughly documented results.

Spill Modeling The RCP Overland Flow Model analyzes spill directions, volumes, and distances in the event of a pipeline rupture. The Flow Model automatically calculates the volume of a spill at any point on the pipeline, using a given response time and flow rate. From the spill point, the Flow Model combines elevation, soil type, drainage patterns, and stream flow data together to determine the path of the spill. If the spill intersects any unusually sensitive areas or navigable waterways, a report is generated listing the applicable intersections. If the spill intersects a waterway or drainage, the Flow Model will track the spill downstream and predict its flow path based on a given response time, spill volume, and hydrographic data. The water borne transport analysis utilizes the methodology found in 40 CFR 112 Attachment C-III. This analysis will consider transport on flowing waterways, transport on lakes or ponds, and transport on tidal influenced areas as appropriate. By using the HCA Trace function in the Spill Model, each affected area can be traced back to a specific spill point on the pipeline. The spill points will be aggregated to determine pipeline covered segments.

GIS and Mapping Services RCP has a dedicated GIS and mapping department to assist customers in conducting high consequence area (HCA) identifications, risk assessments, class location analysis, underwater inspections, NPMS/RRC submittals, as well as other spatial analysis projects. RCP is a Platinum Esri Business Partner which allows RCP to provide a better service to our clients with access to a larger knowledge base of Esri and related products, including the complete suite of ArcGIS products. RCP GIS and mapping services include Pipeline & Instrument Drawings, Survey Interpretation. Cartography & Custom Mapping, Land Mapping, Aerial Photography and Presentation Materials.

Threat Analysis RCP’s methodology for identifying potential threats to pipelines varies from using a simple matrix to help quantify the synergistic effect in common threat interactions to complex algorithms including probabilistic or deterministic models. RCPs analysis takes into consideration the primary threat conditions identified in ASME B31.8S which fall into three separate categories; Time-Dependent Threats Resident Threats and Time-Independent Threats.

Ongoing Integrity Management Support Services RCP offers a wide range of ongoing integrity management services, ranging from Integrity Management Methods Implementation and Baseline Integrity Assessments - which includes developing criteria for determining repair and remediation actions, identifying preventative and mitigation methods, determining assessment methodology, and assessment prioritization selection criteria - to anomaly tracking, ILI project management, and data integration/analysis.