The presentation will examine the application of Systems Engineering principals to the current and future sustainment of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. 

Sustaining the Trans Alaska Pipeline – A Systems Engineering Perspective

This luncheon presentation will discuss the current and future sustainment capability of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System from a Systems Engineering (SE) perspective.  The SE approach considers the Pipeline system from a broader perspective, taking into account the crude-oil pipeline, pump stations, feeder pipelines, maintenance systems, and the environment.  The architecture of the Pipeline system, its subsystem components and their relationships and dependencies is examined with the objective of facilitating understanding of the problems and solutions. End-of-life issues and transition to alternative uses of the Pipeline are also addressed.

This study addresses three components: 1) analysis of technologies needed to meet the lower flow requirements to maintain Pipeline efficient operation, 2) development of a reference model and process for guiding the selection of cost effective technologies, and 3) development of a transition roadmap for alternative uses and re-uses of the Pipeline to address end-of-life decommissioning.