Accident statistics and risk analysis of oil and gas pipelines

In this paper, the reports on pipeline safety accidents in China in recent 10 years were reviewed, which indicated that external risk factors were the main reasons for pipeline safety accidents, including third-party construction damage (61%), oil/gas theft (10%) and natural impact (7%). Surveys were performed on the accidents that happened to the major oil and gas pipelines since they were put into operation in Guangdong Province. In particular, statistical analyses were carried out on the safety accidents which happened to Guangdong Dapeng Gas Pipeline, South China Product Oil Pipeline (the section from Zhanjiang to Guangzhou) and Huizhou-Dongguan Product Oil Pipeline. It is further demonstrated that external risk is the main threat to domestic oil and gas pipelines. External risk factors mainly include third-party construction damage, natural disasters (e.g. flood, mountain torrent, debris flow and earthquake) and human impact (e.g. illegal occupying, oil and gas theft), among which the third-party construction damage is the most important factor. After the causing factors were analyzed, it was recommended to define the roles and responsibilities of government and companies in pipeline safety risk management. It is also necessary to strengthen publicity to improve people's awareness of pipeline protection, establish linkage systems and reinforce risk preventive measures.