What is PDAM?

The Pipeline Defect Assessment Manual (PDAM) gives definitive guidance on the assessment of defects in pipelines. Actually, 'PDAM' is the name given to both:

• the manual that contains defect assessment methods, and
• the joint industry project that produced the manual.

Consequently, the manual is the end product of the project, but the project consisted of many other elements (see below).

The Joint Industry Project has been sponsored by 21 international oil and gas companies.

PDAM presents the 'best' currently available methods for the assessment of pipeline defects (such as corrosion, dents, gouges, weld defects, etc.), in a simple and easy-to-use manual, and gives guidance in their use. It is based on an extensive critical review of published 'fitness-for-purpose' methods and test data. PDAM is intended to be another tool that will assist pipeline engineers in maintaining pipeline integrity.

The PDAM project commenced in 1999 and was completed in 2003. The project continues today: as more sponsors join PDAM, the manual can be constantly updated. The sponsors can choose to direct effort into any area of pipeline defect assessment that contributes to the manual.