ROLE OF HAZARDOUS GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN OPERATION OF THE CHAYANDA-ESPO OIL PIPELINE

Abstract

The relevance of the work is caused by the importance of ensuring the smooth operation of pipeline transport, which determines the energy and economic security of the country. Manifestations of hazardous geological processes can cause pipeline failures, with consequences ranging from injury/death, environmental impact, and property damage, to lengthy service disruption and failure to achieve delivery targets. Pipeline failures resulting from natural hazards are typically rare (but costly) events. That is why it is important to correctly assess the ground conditions and predict their change during the operation of the pipeline. This study aims to identify sections of the route with the probable activation of hazardous geological processes and their impact on the operation of the structure. Methods of the research. This study includes an analysis of the results of engineering surveys on the arrangement of the Chayanda oil and gas condensate field and geotechnical monitoring data along the pipeline route. The results. Description of the engineering and geological conditions of the pipeline route was carried out. The most common dangerous geological processes within the pipeline route are karst, waterlogging, water erosion, as well as manifestations of geocryological processes – thermal erosion, thermokarst, frost heaving, frost cracking, and icing. We identified the areas of manifestation of geological processes along the pipeline route. The processes associated with the change of permafrost soils and karst processes turned out to be the most extensive. We made the assessment of the contribution of the hazardous geological processes in sections between the nodes of the shut-off valves of the pipeline, which will ensure the safety of oil transportation, its regulation by disconnecting the section of the linear part of the pipeline. Summary. The most vulnerable sections of the pipeline route have been identified as possible manifestations of geological hazards.

Keywords

• oil pipeline
• engineering and geological conditions
• karst
• erosion
• icing