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The Future of Pipeline Geohazard Management: Introducing Orkus 

Effective geohazard management is critical for pipeline operators to maintain asset integrity and prevent costly failures.

However, the industry faces significant challenges in managing geohazard risks due to the limitations of traditional tools and processes. Klarian, in collaboration with Thurber Engineering, has developed Orkus, a purpose-built geohazard management solution designed to address these challenges head-on. 

The Geohazard Landscape: Understanding the Risks 

Pipelines are exposed to a wide range of geohazards, including landslides, erosion, and flooding. While geohazards account for only 7% of pipeline incidents in Western Europe, they are responsible for a disproportionately high number of catastrophic failures such as ruptures, which have severe environmental and economic consequences. 

In North America, operators encounter one new geohazard site requiring management every 2 to 6 kilometres of pipeline, depending on terrain. Mountainous regions experience significantly higher frequencies of hazards compared to flat prairie areas. For example: 

  • Mountainous terrain: 0.417 geohazard sites per kilometre 
  • Prairie terrain: 0.208 geohazard sites per kilometre 

Moreover, pipelines experience one new section of exposed pipeline annually for every 1,000 kilometres of operating length due to geotechnical and hydrotechnical hazards. This exposure rate is approximately 100 times more frequent than rupture rates caused by other mechanisms. 

Why Current Approaches Fall Short 

Despite the frequency and severity of geohazards, many operators rely on generic database tools or manual processes that fail to address key operational needs: 

  1. Lack of spatial visualisation: Generic tools do not integrate GIS mapping or terrain data, making it difficult to identify hazard locations in context. 
  2. Reactive workflows: Without predictive analytics, operators often respond to issues only after they escalate into emergencies. 
  3. Compliance challenges: Manual processes for regulatory reporting are time-consuming and prone to errors, leaving operators vulnerable to audits and penalties. 

Orkus: A New Approach to Geohazard Management 

Recognising these gaps, Klarian partnered with Thurber Engineering – a firm with nearly 70 years of expertise in geotechnical engineering – to develop Orkus. This innovative platform combines Thurber’s deep understanding of geohazards with Klarian’s industrial IoT expertise to deliver a comprehensive solution for proactive risk management. 

Key Features of Orkus 

  1. Geospatial Visualization: Orkus integrates LIDAR data and detailed mapping layers, enabling operators to visualize risks in detail. 
  2. Customisable Risk Algorithms: Users can use the platform’s pre-loaded risk algorithm or customise it to their own use case. This means that geohazard mitigations are led by an operator’s own geotechnical experts rather than constrained by software. 
  3. Straightforward Workflows: The platform generates alerts and work orders based on customisable risk thresholds, streamlining mitigation efforts. 
  4. Regulatory Compliance: Orkus supports compliance with standards like API 1177 and CSA Z662. 

The Economic Case for Proactive Geohazard Management 

The cost of addressing geohazard-related pipeline failures can be severe, with some incidents exceeding $10 million in damages and environmental fines. By investing in proactive solutions like Orkus, operators can significantly reduce these costs while improving safety and reliability: 

  • Reduced repair costs: Preventative measures are far less expensive than emergency interventions. 
  • Minimized downtime: Faster response times ensure uninterrupted operations. 
  • Enhanced reputation: Compliance with environmental regulations strengthens stakeholder trust. 

Conclusion: A New Era for Pipeline Safety 

Geohazards may account for a small percentage of pipeline incidents overall, but their consequences can be devastating if left unmanaged. With Orkus, Klarian and Thurber Engineering have created a tool that empowers operators to move from reactive firefighting to proactive risk mitigation. 

By combining cutting-edge technology with decades of geotechnical expertise, Orkus sets a new standard for pipeline geohazard management – one that prioritises flexibility, ease-of-use, and security. 

Ready to transform your approach to geohazard management? Email info@klarian.com to discuss how Orkus can protect your assets.