A midstream petroleum services company faced regulatory compliance challenges after discovering that pipe-grade and specified minimum yield strength (SMYS) information was unavailable for several pipeline segments. Critical construction records, including mill test reports, as-built drawings and other historical documentation, could not be located, leaving key material properties unverified.

Without reliable pipe material data, the client could not complete the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) and Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) confirmation requirements mandated by 49 CFR Parts 192.607, 192.624 and 195.106. The absence of in-house expertise and resources to perform the necessary non-destructive examinations further complicated the effort. The client needed a technically sound and compliant approach to validate pipe properties, close regulatory gaps and support the continued safe operation of its pipeline assets.

Altamira successfully completed nine exploratory digs across Texas, Louisiana and Michigan states to verify pipeline material properties and confirm pipe grade (SMYS) for segments lacking supporting documentation. IIT was performed at each location, providing critical material data without disrupting pipeline operations or requiring destructive sampling.

Where mill test reports and laboratory test results were available, Altamira compared the IIT results against the documented values and observed strong correlation between the datasets. The successful validation demonstrated the effectiveness of IIT as a reliable non-destructive method for determining pipe material properties and addressing gaps in historical records.

By leveraging IIT, the client obtained the information necessary to support MAOP/MOP confirmation activities, strengthen regulatory compliance efforts and reduce uncertainty associated with its undocumented pipeline assets. The project provided a practical, cost-effective path for resolving missing pipe-grade data while maintaining safe and uninterrupted operations.