Developing Standards, Guidelines, and Software for Tracking and Traceability of Transmission Assets

To provide the industry with a standardized approach for capturing asset data, GTI Energy is developing standards, guidelines, and technology—including GIS—for tracking and traceability of high-pressure pipe systems.

Efforts to develop a consensus industry marking standard are progressing, working with industry manufacturers, distributors, utilities, and regulatory authorities. Consistent marking is the basis of automation for the entire process to help utilities comply with the PHMSA regulations. It will give operators the ability to more effectively manage operations data and improve the decision-making process on when to repair and replace.

GTI Energy’s efforts with asset lifecycle tracking technology to capture accurate, high-quality data began with distribution assets, providing a comprehensive solution to support asset tracking and traceability of piping and appurtenances of gas distribution systems.

Researchers adapted commercially available smart phones and tablets to automate field data collection using GPS and GIS systems. GTI Energy, with OTD funding, created asset lifecycle tracking technology to assist the industry with ASTM F2897-11a barcodes—a unique identifier for piping and appurtenances of gas distribution systems— for comprehensive tracking and traceability of components from manufacturing through retirement. It has been used to capture new asset installation information, relocate assets, and prevent excavation damage.

GTI Energy also provided tooling and practices for the industry to use in implementation. A Purchasing Specification Guidelines for Marking Polyethylene Gas System Components developed in cooperation with AGA provides language that natural gas utility companies can use in purchasing specifications to require vendor compliance with ASTM F2897-11a to mark pipe and fittings for asset tracking and traceability.