To advance an Alternative Integrity Validation (AIV) process, we worked with various stakeholders, including the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB), to develop this sound approach to achieving safe and reliable pipeline operation without performing a post-construction hydrostatic test on some new pipelines.

"The main driver to develop this process was to significantly reduce costs on new pipeline projects, including northern development," says Alan Glover, technology leader, Pipe Engineering. "Pipeline design, materials and construction techniques have evolved to the point where some testing practices have not kept up with the times. Eliminating post-construction pressure testing can mean substantial cost reductions without jeopardizing pipeline safety."

The concept has been around for awhile, but its implementation is a first for TransCanada and the industry as a whole.

Part of the approval process involved reviewing TransCanada's practices, including pipeline design, manufacturing and construction, and demonstrating our strengths in quality assurance to the EUB. This process is not intended to be a "one size fits all" approach; instead, the possibility will be assessed on a project-by-project basis. For now, AIV is being looked at in Alberta, but wider application could be an option in the future. Future meetings with the National Energy Board (NEB) are planned.

For more information on this process, please contact Alan Glover at 403.920.7234.