The objective of preparing this Handbook was to make available, in one volume, essential scientific, engineering, and technical knowledge on integrity and safety of oil and gas pipelines. The aim was to help ensure the safe operation of pipeline networks that we depend on for reliability in service, deliverability of energy, protection of the environment, and safety of the public.

This book, containing 52 chapters, is divided into the following eight parts:

The breadth of coverage will help make the book useful to engineers, scientists, technicians, and students from a wide range of disciplines. The depth of coverage is intended to meet the needs of those who require a high level of detail. In addition to the case histories presented in Part VIII, there are practical examples with solutions to problems and analytical discussion throughout the book. References to other books, journals, and standards that readers can consult for further information are listed.

The 86 authors who have contributed the 52 chapters come from different sectors — industry, academia, and government—and from 14 countries, bringing diverse perspectives to pipeline integrity and a balance of practice and theory.

I would like to convey my thanks to the team of authors for contributing chapters in their areas of specialty. I would also like to highlight the contributions of the reviewers who, anonymously, reviewed the draft chapters and provided their comments, suggestions, and recommendations for the authors, so as to enhance the quality of the chapters, documenting the current state of knowledge. In addition, the International Advisory Board provided helpful advice and guidance in the preparation of the Handbook.

I would like to thank Bob Esposito, Michael Leventhal, and the staff at John Wiley & Sons, Inc. for their encouragement. The concept for this book was developed in discussion with Bob Esposito about the Banff Workshops on managing pipeline integrity, which I organized over a period of nearly 20 years, beginning with the 1993 Workshop. These workshops continue to be held biennially.

If this Handbook helps in the quest to achieve the objective that we all share of zero incidents—no incidents, in the world of engineering and business where “zero” means “zero” and “no” means “no”—then the efforts of the entire team who worked tirelessly in preparing it will have been rewarded.