Quantitative Analysis Regarding the Incidents to the Pipelines of Petroleum Products for an Efficient Use of the Specific Transportation Infrastructure

Abstract

The transportation infrastructure for petroleum products contains complex pipeline systems, developed on a global scale and totaling investments of hundreds of millions of dollars. The operation and maintenance of these systems have to be performed in relation to the analysis of incidents of various types, which take place in various areas of the world. The present paper aims to analyze in as much detail as possible, from a statistical point of view, the case of the pipeline system for petroleum products in Romania in order to streamline the operation of this critical infrastructure for Romania. Through the statistical tools, we established the hierarchies of the causes of the analyzed incidents, weights of the effects generated by these sources of accidents, and correlations between various parameters, in order to create a useful plan of measures and actions in the efficient operation of the pipeline system. The importance and topicality of the subject is also demonstrated by the major negative impact of the accidents in this sector, through product leaks from pipes in the soil and in watercourses, which generate significant pollution values, thus influencing the balance of the environment.