Motorizing block valves is an important issue relating to controlling or reducing liquid leakage volume in case of a pipe rupture. During pipeline construction, installation of block valves is considered to meet operation and maintenance requirements, and to reduce potential leak volumes. In existing pipelines, the main concern is the choice of which valves should be motorized. Criteria are needed to define this choice. An algorithm was developed to define potential pipeline leakage due to gravity where the influence of one valve over another is verified, as well as the contribution of check valves existing in the pipeline. This work defines a parameter based on the length protected by the valve and the reduction of potential leakage. This parameter was used with efficiency indicators to calculate potential leakage for each valve eligible to be motorized. Factors relative to location, such as environmental sensitivity, risk assessment, social effects, and device proximity to contingency resources, are also considered. After considering all aspects, a final classification recommending specific valves to be prioritized for motorization can be proposed. This methodology, applied experimentally on a segment of Transpetro's Sao Paulo - Brasilia pipeline (OSBRA), proved to be an important technological and management tool.