Enhancing the Pipeline Route Selection Process

The pipeline route selection process focuses on achieving the optimal location for a pipeline. Even though this is the desired process outcome, in reality it is counter to data and information collection efforts that are concentrated on identifying and inventorying locations for pipeline avoidance. Changing and aligning the routing mindset from output (pipeline route) to input (discipline information) is what truly allows for optimization of route selection, reduction in costs and risks, improvement in decision consensus, and reuse of valuable information throughout the pipeline lifecycle. Through discussion of an enhanced pipeline route selection process, this paper will cover a range of benefits including establishing data collection corridor widths, dynamic routing considerations, and methodologies for managing and using multi-purpose and multi-discipline information.