ANALYSIS OF LOSSES AND LEAKS DURING THE TRANSPORT AND STORAGE OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS LEAVING THE ANGO-ANGO BASE (MATADI) VIA SEP CONGO PIPELINES PL-46 AND PL-66 TO KINSHASA (2018-2022)

The transportation and storage of petroleum products via multi-product pipelines constitute a strategic link in energy supply. However, these systems remain exposed to significant losses and spills. This study analyses the physical and economic losses associated with the transportation and storage of petroleum products, focusing on the phenomena of leaks, evaporation, corrosion, loosening of connections, sabotage and batch contamination. The methodological approach is based on a descriptive and comparative statistical analysis, supplemented by a cause analysis using the FMEA method (Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis). The results indicate that physical losses can account for between 0.5% and 2% of transported volumes, while the volumes of contaminated products in multi-product pipelines can reach 1% to 3% of the total flow, leading to downgrades as well as additional costs related to storage and reprocessing. Beyond the economic impacts, petroleum product spills cause major environmental consequences, including soil and water resource pollution, as well as an increased risk of fire and explosion.