Analytical Techniques for Selection of Repair-or-Replace Options for Cast Iron Gas Piping Systems--Phase I

摘要

A Cast Iron Maintenance Optimization System (CIMOS) was developed to identify failure-prone segments of cast iron gas piping systems and to determine the most economical timing for replacing specific segments of such piping systems. The CIMOS provides a practical analytical tool that can be used by the gas industry to: (a) estimate probabilities of breaks and leaks on different cast iron piping system segments; (b) evaluate whether it is more economical (in terms of total current and future expected costs) to replace any given pipeline segment in the current year or to continue maintaining it with repairs as needed; (c) find the optimal group of pipeline segments to be replaced, and their priority order, for any designated budget; and (d) select the most cost-effective repair policy for those segments which would not be replaced. The CIMOS was fully developed and tested by one gas utility.