Modified FMEA hazard identification for cross-country petroleum pipeline using Fuzzy Rule Base and approximate reasoning

The pipeline industry's existing and new safety challenges require flexible powerful techniques for performing a risk-based analysis of cross-country petroleum product systems. One the traditional tools prediction failure is Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) technique due to its ease application. However, many limitations have been identified in application especially pipelines developing countries. Firstly, data often either unavailable or unreliable, therefore identification risk priority numbers three factors ( i.e. probability failure, severity detection) relies on experts' elicitation. Secondly, domain experts provide diverse opinions knowledge, which could produce different assessment rankings it difficult harmonise multidisciplinary nature FMEA team. Thirdly, there lack systematic way accounting relative importance individual factors, carries results not representing true picture assessed system. Consequently, this paper proposes approach, called modified FMEA, by integrating noted benefits hybrid with Fuzzy Rule Base (FRB) Grey Relations Theory (GRT) order overcome drawbacks. study utilises both fuzzy grey theory include assign weighting each factor assessment. are then used determine rank modes under types conditions. A case Nigeria's system 2 B conducted examine applicability validity approach. show practical methodology domain. approach offers more effective method identifying hazards geographies limited unreliable data. oil gas will aid decision making uncertainty inspection maintenance. • proposed conduct high uncertain external shows methodology. It provides an opportunity incorporate experience knowledge when uncertain. most impact appropriately captured.