Pipeline Research Council International http://www.prci.org The Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) is the preeminent global collaborative research development organization of, by, and for the energy pipeline industry. en ntessel@prci.org Copyright 2012 2012-01-17T16:33:09+00:00 News: Pipeline Industry R&D Summit Led by PRCI http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_hosts_pipeline_industry_rd_summit/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_hosts_pipeline_industry_rd_summit/#When:15:33:09Z In support of the current initiatives and high level of interest in the pipeline community on research and development (R&D) programs, PRCI hosted an R&D Summit in Houston, Texas on December 7 & 8, 2011. The R&D Summit was organized to establish consensus and unified agreement of the top priorities for pipeline R&D and developing a process by which the top priorities can be addressed in a more efficient and more collaborative manner by the industry stakeholders. The R&D Summit provided the forum needed to solicit input from industry experts with a diverse range of needs and interests, develop a framework to achieve better collaboration to meet the needs of the industry, and focus energy and resources on activities that have the greatest impact and benefit. Another objective of the R&D Summit was to bring together and align two separate initiatives of the liquids pipeline industry, AOPL/API Pipeline Safety Improvement Areas (or PSIAs) and INGAA Integrity Management Continuous Improvement (or IMCI), each of which has identified pipeline research as a core component to further improving pipeline safety and achieving the ultimate goal of zero incidents. The R&D Summit was an initial step to developing the pipeline industry R&D Roadmap, which is part of PRCI’s Strategic Plan. The R&D Summit included two half-day sessions for the participants. Day 1 included several presentations followed by discussion on improving the current model for pipeline R&D. The presentations provided an overview of the current state of the pipeline industry R&D program and where the industry needs to be, including the future vision for pipeline R&D and an improvement to the existing processes and programs to promote a comprehensive and unified pipeline industry R&D Roadmap. Day 2 was dedicated to breakout sessions that provided an opportunity for industry subject matter experts to address the top priorities (as defined from the AOPL/API PSIAs and the INGAA IMCI), the gaps associated with each, and defining how to address the gaps. The outputs from the breakout sessions on Day 2 have provided the foundation for the initial development of the pipeline industry R&D Roadmaps, which are being drafted by PRCI and will be distributed for review by the industry organizations and stakeholders when completed. The R&D Summit is the first in a series of meetings and workshops that PRCI is sponsoring to work toward the development of the pipeline industry unified R&D Roadmap. The initial meeting in Houston focused on integrity management R&D programs for onshore transmission pipelines. PRCI plans to organize separate meetings to solicit greater input from distribution pipeline operators/organizations, Facility Integrity Management, and offshore and subsea pipelines, with facility integrity and subsea pipelines being established R&D programs within PRCI. The next session to promote and advance the R&D Roadmap will be in Phoenix, Arizona as part of the PRCI 2012 Research Exchange Meeting. In addition, PRCI will sponsor a meeting with European operators in conjunction with the May 2012 Pipeline Program Technical Committee Meeting, which is being held in Barcelona, Spain. PRCI acknowledges the participation and support of the American Petroleum Institute (API), the Association of Oil Pipelines (AOPL), the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA), the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA), and the European Pipeline Research Group (EPRG), and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), each of which attended the R&D Summit and contributed substantially to the successful outcome of the Summit. Pipeline Industry R&D Summit Led by PRCI In support of the current initiatives and high level of interest in the pipeline community on research and development (R&D) programs, PRCI hosted an R&D Summit in Houston, Texas on December 7 & 8, 2011. The R&D Summit was organized to establish consensus and unified agreement of the top priorities for pipeline R&D and developing a process by which the top priorities can be addressed in a more efficient and more collaborative manner by the industry stakeholders. The R&D Summit provided the forum needed to solicit input from industry experts with a diverse range of needs and interests, develop a framework to achieve better collaboration to meet the needs of the industry, and focus energy and resources on activities that have the greatest impact and benefit. Another objective of the R&D Summit was to bring together and align two separate initiatives of the liquids pipeline industry, AOPL/API Pipeline Safety Improvement Areas (or PSIAs) and INGAA Integrity Management Continuous Improvement (or IMCI), each of which has identified pipeline research as a core component to further improving pipeline safety and achieving the ultimate goal of zero incidents. The R&D Summit was an initial step to developing the pipeline industry R&D Roadmap, which is part of PRCI’s Strategic Plan.

The R&D Summit included two half-day sessions for the participants. Day 1 included several presentations followed by discussion on improving the current model for pipeline R&D. The presentations provided an overview of the current state of the pipeline industry R&D program and where the industry needs to be, including the future vision for pipeline R&D and an improvement to the existing processes and programs to promote a comprehensive and unified pipeline industry R&D Roadmap. Day 2 was dedicated to breakout sessions that provided an opportunity for industry subject matter experts to address the top priorities (as defined from the AOPL/API PSIAs and the INGAA IMCI), the gaps associated with each, and defining how to address the gaps. The outputs from the breakout sessions on Day 2 have provided the foundation for the initial development of the pipeline industry R&D Roadmaps, which are being drafted by PRCI and will be distributed for review by the industry organizations and stakeholders when completed.

The R&D Summit is the first in a series of meetings and workshops that PRCI is sponsoring to work toward the development of the pipeline industry unified R&D Roadmap. The initial meeting in Houston focused on integrity management R&D programs for onshore transmission pipelines. PRCI plans to organize separate meetings to solicit greater input from distribution pipeline operators/organizations, Facility Integrity Management, and offshore and subsea pipelines, with facility integrity and subsea pipelines being established R&D programs within PRCI. The next session to promote and advance the R&D Roadmap will be in Phoenix, Arizona as part of the PRCI 2012 Research Exchange Meeting. In addition, PRCI will sponsor a meeting with European operators in conjunction with the May 2012 Pipeline Program Technical Committee Meeting, which is being held in Barcelona, Spain.

PRCI acknowledges the participation and support of the American Petroleum Institute (API), the Association of Oil Pipelines (AOPL), the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA), the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA), and the European Pipeline Research Group (EPRG), and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), each of which attended the R&D Summit and contributed substantially to the successful outcome of the Summit.

]]> 2012-01-17T15:33:09+00:00 News: PRCI Completes Full-scale Testing Milestone for Mechanical Damage Program http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_completes_full-scale_testing_milestone_for_mechanical_damage_program/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_completes_full-scale_testing_milestone_for_mechanical_damage_program/#When:15:11:51Z In 2008, PRCI initiated a significant program to establish a detailed experimental database to support the development and validation of improved burst and fatigue strength models for assessing the interaction of mechanical damage with secondary features (gouges, corrosion, and welds). The use of this data to develop and validate mechanistic models will produce reliable tools to assess a wide range of mechanical damage forms, thereby increasing safety, targeting areas that require maintenance, and supporting the improvement of pipeline standards and codes of practice. Many of the parameters related to the failure modes and mechanisms from the historical database are unknown and the models developed based on those data can be improved. Development of the experimental database is accomplished through the completion of full-scale testing using highly instrumented tests to evaluate conditions that lead to immediate failure via burst/rupture, and delayed failure due pressure cycling and fatigue. The full-scale testing work includes two projects that are dedicated to studying dent+gouge features in pipelines: MD-4-1: Full-Scale Experimental Validation of Mechanical Damage Assessment Models; testing in modern steels MD-4-6: Full-scale Experimental Validation of Mechanical Damage Assessment Models – Extension of MD-4-1; testing in vintage steels PRCI has recently completed the full-scale testing for the MD-4-1 project, which has provided additional industry data for burst and fatigue failure for five (5) separate dent+gouge defects. The same 5 defects were created for testing of both failure modes, with the defect characteristics being defined based on available industry records of the types of mechanical damage failures that operators have experienced in the past and input from mechanical damage subject matter experts. The dent+gouge defects were created using controlled conditions and the GDF Suez Pipe Aggression Rig (PAR), which simulates heavy construction equipment (e.g., backhoe) impacting a pipeline. The initial tests were completed using X 52 and X 70 pipeline to create the test samples as a representation of more modern steels (defined as post 1970 construction). Completing this work is a significant milestone for the PRCI Mechanical Damage Program, as the testing results provide the data needed for developed improved models for assessing the impacts of mechanical damage and making repair and rehabilitation decisions. The data from the full-scale testing program have been compiled and delivered to the SMEs that are developing the improved mechanical damage models for burst and delayed failure (being addressed separately under PRCI projects MD-4-3, burst failure model, and MD-4-4, fatigue failure model), and work on the models has started. With the completion of the full-scale testing program for dent+gouge damage in modern steels, PRCI is preparing for testing in pipes that represent vintage steels, targeting lower grade, low-toughness materials that are consistent with pre-1970s era pipeline construction (MD 4-6 project). The defects will include a subset of the same 5 features used for modern steels for comparative evaluation and analysis of the effects of material properties on the behavior of dent+gouge damage. Test with these samples will follow the same procedures, instrumentation plans, and reporting as the modern steels samples. The data will be used for further development and validation of the mechanical damage models, and to provide important insights on the behavior of pipe steel affected by damage under a range of material types. The results from the full-scale testing program will be discussed and presented at the PRCI 2012 Research Exchange Meeting along with the preliminary results of mechanical damage models for burst and fatigue failure. Please contact Mark Piazza, PRCI Program Manager, with any questions related to the Mechanical Damage program and full-scale testing. This full-scale testing program is being implemented in coordination with PHMSA. PRCI Completes Full-scale Testing Milestone for Mechanical Damage Program In 2008, PRCI initiated a significant program to establish a detailed experimental database to support the development and validation of improved burst and fatigue strength models for assessing the interaction of mechanical damage with secondary features (gouges, corrosion, and welds). The use of this data to develop and validate mechanistic models will produce reliable tools to assess a wide range of mechanical damage forms, thereby increasing safety, targeting areas that require maintenance, and supporting the improvement of pipeline standards and codes of practice. Many of the parameters related to the failure modes and mechanisms from the historical database are unknown and the models developed based on those data can be improved. Development of the experimental database is accomplished through the completion of full-scale testing using highly instrumented tests to evaluate conditions that lead to immediate failure via burst/rupture, and delayed failure due pressure cycling and fatigue. The full-scale testing work includes two projects that are dedicated to studying dent+gouge features in pipelines:

  • MD-4-1: Full-Scale Experimental Validation of Mechanical Damage Assessment Models; testing in modern steels
  • MD-4-6: Full-scale Experimental Validation of Mechanical Damage Assessment Models – Extension of MD-4-1; testing in vintage steels

PRCI has recently completed the full-scale testing for the MD-4-1 project, which has provided additional industry data for burst and fatigue failure for five (5) separate dent+gouge defects. The same 5 defects were created for testing of both failure modes, with the defect characteristics being defined based on available industry records of the types of mechanical damage failures that operators have experienced in the past and input from mechanical damage subject matter experts. The dent+gouge defects were created using controlled conditions and the GDF Suez Pipe Aggression Rig (PAR), which simulates heavy construction equipment (e.g., backhoe) impacting a pipeline. The initial tests were completed using X 52 and X 70 pipeline to create the test samples as a representation of more modern steels (defined as post 1970 construction).

Completing this work is a significant milestone for the PRCI Mechanical Damage Program, as the testing results provide the data needed for developed improved models for assessing the impacts of mechanical damage and making repair and rehabilitation decisions. The data from the full-scale testing program have been compiled and delivered to the SMEs that are developing the improved mechanical damage models for burst and delayed failure (being addressed separately under PRCI projects MD-4-3, burst failure model, and MD-4-4, fatigue failure model), and work on the models has started.

With the completion of the full-scale testing program for dent+gouge damage in modern steels, PRCI is preparing for testing in pipes that represent vintage steels, targeting lower grade, low-toughness materials that are consistent with pre-1970s era pipeline construction (MD 4-6 project). The defects will include a subset of the same 5 features used for modern steels for comparative evaluation and analysis of the effects of material properties on the behavior of dent+gouge damage. Test with these samples will follow the same procedures, instrumentation plans, and reporting as the modern steels samples. The data will be used for further development and validation of the mechanical damage models, and to provide important insights on the behavior of pipe steel affected by damage under a range of material types.

The results from the full-scale testing program will be discussed and presented at the PRCI 2012 Research Exchange Meeting along with the preliminary results of mechanical damage models for burst and fatigue failure. Please contact Mark Piazza, PRCI Program Manager, with any questions related to the Mechanical Damage program and full-scale testing.

This full-scale testing program is being implemented in coordination with PHMSA.

]]> 2012-01-17T15:11:51+00:00 News: PRCI Completes Workshop to Initiate Facility Integrity Management Program http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_completes_workshop_to_initiate_facility_integrity_management_program/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_completes_workshop_to_initiate_facility_integrity_management_program/#When:15:02:31Z PRCI sponsored a workshop on October 24, 2011 at the New York Helmsley Hotel in conjunction with the Technical Committee meetings to support the development of a comprehensive Facility Integrity Research Program. The workshop was attended by representatives of pipeline operating companies, inspection and service providers, and industry organizations (e.g., NACE). The attendees represented a wide range of disciplines, experience, and subject matter expertise. The purpose of this workshop was to allow PRCI member companies and other industry stakeholders to identify the requirements for a comprehensive approach to managing the threats and risks associated with operating pipeline facilities. During the workshop, much of the emphasis was on gathering input provided by workshop participants to establish the program framework. PRCI sponsored the workshop to address the increasing level of interest in the pipeline industry related to inspection and integrity management of pipeline facilities, as many pipeline operators have recognized facility integrity as an important component of the overall integrity management program and have developed (or are developing) their own internal FIMPs. The PRCI program is targeted to provide industry-wide and accepted guidance for benchmarking industry best practices and standards. A series of presentations were included as part of the workshop to provide the current status of projects and programs being planned or performed by PRCI and other industry work and initiatives focused on facility integrity issues. This information was needed to present the current baseline and program status across the industry. The presentations addressed the following topic areas: Current Status of PRCI Pipeline R&D for Facility Integrity Management Program API Recommended Practices and Standards for Facility Integrity Overview CEPA Guidance for Facility Integrity Management Practical Approaches to Managing Facility Integrity (two separate presentations) Following the presentations, there was a breakout session to discuss gaps that need to be addressed for an industry accepted standard for a comprehensive Facility Integrity Management Program and gather the input for the program framework document. The breakout session provided the opportunity for the workshop participants to brainstorm and debate the issues and develop recommendations for the program. Key outcomes of the workshop include: establishing a leadership team for the program, determining additional relevant reports and association guidelines that would be relevant to program road mapping, and identifying current gaps in failure susceptibility assessment and mitigation in order to build upon current information. All of these topics of discussion aided in forming the basis of the program and will serve as the catalyst for the program development as work begins on the individual projects that make up the Facility Integrity Program. PRCI is finalizing a report on the workshop proceedings and outcomes and will distribute the report to all participants and post in PRIME for member company review when completed. Please contact Carrie Greaney, PRCI Research Manager with any questions or if you would like additional information. PRCI Completes Workshop to Initiate Facility Integrity Management Program PRCI sponsored a workshop on October 24, 2011 at the New York Helmsley Hotel in conjunction with the Technical Committee meetings to support the development of a comprehensive Facility Integrity Research Program. The workshop was attended by representatives of pipeline operating companies, inspection and service providers, and industry organizations (e.g., NACE). The attendees represented a wide range of disciplines, experience, and subject matter expertise. The purpose of this workshop was to allow PRCI member companies and other industry stakeholders to identify the requirements for a comprehensive approach to managing the threats and risks associated with operating pipeline facilities. During the workshop, much of the emphasis was on gathering input provided by workshop participants to establish the program framework. PRCI sponsored the workshop to address the increasing level of interest in the pipeline industry related to inspection and integrity management of pipeline facilities, as many pipeline operators have recognized facility integrity as an important component of the overall integrity management program and have developed (or are developing) their own internal FIMPs. The PRCI program is targeted to provide industry-wide and accepted guidance for benchmarking industry best practices and standards.

A series of presentations were included as part of the workshop to provide the current status of projects and programs being planned or performed by PRCI and other industry work and initiatives focused on facility integrity issues. This information was needed to present the current baseline and program status across the industry. The presentations addressed the following topic areas:


  • Current Status of PRCI Pipeline R&D for Facility Integrity Management Program
  • API Recommended Practices and Standards for Facility Integrity
  • Overview CEPA Guidance for Facility Integrity Management
  • Practical Approaches to Managing Facility Integrity (two separate presentations)

Following the presentations, there was a breakout session to discuss gaps that need to be addressed for an industry accepted standard for a comprehensive Facility Integrity Management Program and gather the input for the program framework document. The breakout session provided the opportunity for the workshop participants to brainstorm and debate the issues and develop recommendations for the program. Key outcomes of the workshop include: establishing a leadership team for the program, determining additional relevant reports and association guidelines that would be relevant to program road mapping, and identifying current gaps in failure susceptibility assessment and mitigation in order to build upon current information. All of these topics of discussion aided in forming the basis of the program and will serve as the catalyst for the program development as work begins on the individual projects that make up the Facility Integrity Program.

PRCI is finalizing a report on the workshop proceedings and outcomes and will distribute the report to all participants and post in PRIME for member company review when completed. Please contact Carrie Greaney, PRCI Research Manager with any questions or if you would like additional information.

]]> 2012-01-17T15:02:31+00:00 News: PRCI Kicks Off 2012 Research Program http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_kicks_off_2012_research_program/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_kicks_off_2012_research_program/#When:18:16:45Z The 2012 PRCI Research Program has been initiated and we would like to thank the volunteers leaders from the member companies for their hard work and dedication. Below is the 2012 Technical Committee leadership roster. Committee members are a crucial part of PRCI’s operating model, a partnership between members and staff that has produced industry defining research for over 50 years. Compressor & Pump Station Chair: Bill Couch, El Paso Vice-Chair: Ralph Dickau, Enbridge Corrosion Chair: Laurie Perry, SoCalGas Vice-Chair: David McQulling, Panhandle Vice-Chair: Robert Worthingham, TransCanada Design, Materials & Construction Chair: David Horsley, BP (acting) Vice-Chair: Arti Bhatia, Alliance Vice-Chair: Rick Gailing, SoCalGas Measurement Chair: Jim Witte, El Paso Vice-Chair: Craig Chester, Williams Operations & Integrity Chair: Mures Zarea, GDF Suez Vice-Chair: John O’Brien, Chevron Underground Storage Chair: Larry Kennedy, El Paso Vice-Chair: Tim Maddox, NiSource PRCI’s 2012 Program addresses a spectrum of research needs and opportunities covering nearly every aspect of pipeline operations. The Pipeline Technical Committees The Pipeline Technical Committees (TC) met on October 25-27, 2011 in New York. The goal of the meetings was to plan for the timely and efficient starts of the pipeline research projects approved for 2012 funding by the Board at its September meeting. The three pipeline technical committees each focus on one of the three main areas of interest to our membership: Design Materials & Construction, Operations & Integrity and Corrosion. Technical committee specific highlights are presented by TC below. The Corrosion Technical Committee conducted a review of all ongoing research projects in its three primary areas of emphasis: External Corrosion, Internal Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Cracking, and planned for the efficient starts of the recently funded 2012 research projects. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here. Additionally, the committee elected Laurie Perry of Southern California Gas as Chairman following the leadership of Albert van Roodselaar of Chevron Pipeline who fulfilled that position since 2009. The committee also appointed David McQuilling of Panhandle Energy as Vice Chair in the area of External Corrosion. We would like to extend our gratitude to Albert for his leadership and commitment to PRCI and wish him luck in his future endeavors. We are excited to welcome long-standing Corrosion TC member Laurie Perry. The Design Materials and Construction Technical Committee (DMC) conducted a review of all ongoing projects as well as planning for the start-up of newly funded work. For the new projects, project teams were confirmed and schedules established for the research contract awards. The 2012 funded program included continuing research in the CO2 transport arena with a project to develop a design tool building on the PRCI-APIA-EPRG funded work completed this year to determine the decompression wave speed of CO2 mixtures with the full range of likely impurities. Along with continuing research to address new and continuing industry requirements in the welding, design, materials, and structural assessment, PRCI has initiated two unique research projects focused on modernizing construction methods to achieve greater efficiency and higher quality. This research is unique in that it is jointly funded by PRCI, the International Pipeline & Offshore Contractors Association (IPLOCA) and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) Foundation and reflects high research priorities of all three organizations. The objectives of the research are to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the route selection process and to improve the process of assuring construction quality for energy transmission pipe placement. These initiatives will benefit from the extensive knowledge and experience that these three leading industry organizations will bring to bear from the perspectives of global and national owners, operators, constructors, and suppliers. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here. Tom Zimmerman of Enbridge Pipeline resigned from his position as DMC Chair to pursue other opportunities within his company. David Horsley of BP will serve as the interim Chair of the committee until an election is held later this year. We would llike to thank Tom for his service to PRCI and wish him well in his new position. The Operations & Integrity Technical Committee (O&I) completed an all-inclusive review of its projects and programs, including the four programs that were approved on the ballot. The meeting initially focused on the new projects approved on the 2012 ballot followed by a complete analysis and status report on all projects and programs that are currently being managed under the O&I Technical Committee. Several of the projects approved for 2012 are continuations of ongoing research projects, and many others are complimentary to prior work and further develop the research programs that are primary focus areas for the O&I Technical Committee, including Mechanical Damage Inspection and Prevention, NDE technology development and validation for pipeline inspection, leak detection, and Facility Integrity. The TC devoted a period of time to discussing the Research Roadmaps for the major programs managed by the committee. There was significant technical exchange among the TC members on the development of a new project for a Baseline Workload Study for Control Room Operations, which was arose to help operators in addressing the compliance requirements regarding the Control Room Management (CRM; see 49 CFR 192.631(e)5 for natural gas pipelines and 49 CFR 195.446(e)5 for hazardous liquids pipelines). The project was established to provide a means of determining an industry-wide benchmark for control room operator workload. PRCI has engaged other external organizations and interested stakeholders that also address control room management issues and metrics to participate in the project and will contact other industries that are also required to monitor control room operations (e.g., rail and nuclear). Work has started on the project and it is anticipated that the initial effort and analysis of the data collected will provide the foundation that operators can use in developing workload management plans for control room operations. It is expected that an industry database will be established and that the outcomes of this year provide a basis for continued data collection and more complex levels of analysis through a multi-year project. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here. The Facilities Technical Committees The Compressor and Pump Station Technical Committee met October 25-27 in San Francisco, CA. The meeting provided technical updates on all of the Committee’s ongoing projects, and project teams were formed for the newly-approved 2012 items. Two major programs were allocated continuing funds in 2011, Compressor Station Air Toxics (NESHAP) Compliance, and Zero/Zero (previously Compliant Optimized Reliable and Efficient Engine), which focus respectively on formaldehyde and VOC compliance and developing the capability for operators to achieve zero emissions exceedances with zero unit outages. A new focus of Zero/Zero is the definition, demonstration and implementation of onboard diagnostics (OBD) for compressor engines, in a manner similar to how OBD is utilized on automobiles. A special workshop was held to review a study on the industry experience of recip engine NOx retrofits: “NOx Retrofits Lessons Learned”. The February meeting will formally kick-off the 2013 planning process. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here. The Measurement Technical Committeemet on October 18-20 in Colorado Springs, CO. The meeting reviewed a large set of ongoing projects, staffed the newly funded 2012 measurement projects, and provided members with a final presentation on Active Meter Cleaning. The 2012 projects are focused on a variety of aspects of ultrasonic meter installation and operation, any of which can have a meaningful impact on the performance of these key, high volume custody transfer devices. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here. The Underground Storage Technical Committee met October 10-11 in Westminster, CO. . Discussion items included special presentations on Storage Well Inspection Methods and Gas Storage Field Gas Sampling, with project reviews on Salt Cavern Core Dilation Evaluation and Salt Cavern Brine String Integrity Testing. The 2012 Storage program is focused on Storage Field Integrity, and a variety of projects will be initiated to provide operators with additional tools to meet increasing integrity-related regulatory requirements for storage assets. The showcase activity for 2012 is a rigorous test of improved brine string stiffeners that, if successful, would enable significant increases in allowable fluid velocity, and generally greater brine string integrity. PRCI Kicks Off 2012 Research Program The 2012 PRCI Research Program has been initiated and we would like to thank the volunteers leaders from the member companies for their hard work and dedication. Below is the 2012 Technical Committee leadership roster. Committee members are a crucial part of PRCI’s operating model, a partnership between members and staff that has produced industry defining research for over 50 years.

Compressor & Pump Station
Chair: Bill Couch, El Paso
Vice-Chair: Ralph Dickau, Enbridge

Corrosion
Chair: Laurie Perry, SoCalGas
Vice-Chair: David McQulling, Panhandle
Vice-Chair: Robert Worthingham, TransCanada

Design, Materials & Construction
Chair: David Horsley, BP (acting)
Vice-Chair: Arti Bhatia, Alliance
Vice-Chair: Rick Gailing, SoCalGas

Measurement
Chair: Jim Witte, El Paso
Vice-Chair: Craig Chester, Williams

Operations & Integrity
Chair: Mures Zarea, GDF Suez
Vice-Chair: John O’Brien, Chevron

Underground Storage
Chair: Larry Kennedy, El Paso
Vice-Chair: Tim Maddox, NiSource

PRCI’s 2012 Program addresses a spectrum of research needs and opportunities covering nearly every aspect of pipeline operations.

The Pipeline Technical Committees


The Pipeline Technical Committees (TC) met on October 25-27, 2011 in New York. The goal of the meetings was to plan for the timely and efficient starts of the pipeline research projects approved for 2012 funding by the Board at its September meeting. The three pipeline technical committees each focus on one of the three main areas of interest to our membership: Design Materials & Construction, Operations & Integrity and Corrosion. Technical committee specific highlights are presented by TC below.

The Corrosion Technical Committee conducted a review of all ongoing research projects in its three primary areas of emphasis: External Corrosion, Internal Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Cracking, and planned for the efficient starts of the recently funded 2012 research projects. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here. Additionally, the committee elected Laurie Perry of Southern California Gas as Chairman following the leadership of Albert van Roodselaar of Chevron Pipeline who fulfilled that position since 2009. The committee also appointed David McQuilling of Panhandle Energy as Vice Chair in the area of External Corrosion. We would like to extend our gratitude to Albert for his leadership and commitment to PRCI and wish him luck in his future endeavors. We are excited to welcome long-standing Corrosion TC member Laurie Perry.

The Design Materials and Construction Technical Committee (DMC) conducted a review of all ongoing projects as well as planning for the start-up of newly funded work. For the new projects, project teams were confirmed and schedules established for the research contract awards. The 2012 funded program included continuing research in the CO2 transport arena with a project to develop a design tool building on the PRCI-APIA-EPRG funded work completed this year to determine the decompression wave speed of CO2 mixtures with the full range of likely impurities. Along with continuing research to address new and continuing industry requirements in the welding, design, materials, and structural assessment, PRCI has initiated two unique research projects focused on modernizing construction methods to achieve greater efficiency and higher quality. This research is unique in that it is jointly funded by PRCI, the International Pipeline & Offshore Contractors Association (IPLOCA) and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) Foundation and reflects high research priorities of all three organizations. The objectives of the research are to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the route selection process and to improve the process of assuring construction quality for energy transmission pipe placement. These initiatives will benefit from the extensive knowledge and experience that these three leading industry organizations will bring to bear from the perspectives of global and national owners, operators, constructors, and suppliers. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here. Tom Zimmerman of Enbridge Pipeline resigned from his position as DMC Chair to pursue other opportunities within his company. David Horsley of BP will serve as the interim Chair of the committee until an election is held later this year. We would llike to thank Tom for his service to PRCI and wish him well in his new position.

The Operations & Integrity Technical Committee (O&I) completed an all-inclusive review of its projects and programs, including the four programs that were approved on the ballot. The meeting initially focused on the new projects approved on the 2012 ballot followed by a complete analysis and status report on all projects and programs that are currently being managed under the O&I Technical Committee. Several of the projects approved for 2012 are continuations of ongoing research projects, and many others are complimentary to prior work and further develop the research programs that are primary focus areas for the O&I Technical Committee, including Mechanical Damage Inspection and Prevention, NDE technology development and validation for pipeline inspection, leak detection, and Facility Integrity. The TC devoted a period of time to discussing the Research Roadmaps for the major programs managed by the committee. There was significant technical exchange among the TC members on the development of a new project for a Baseline Workload Study for Control Room Operations, which was arose to help operators in addressing the compliance requirements regarding the Control Room Management (CRM; see 49 CFR 192.631(e)5 for natural gas pipelines and 49 CFR 195.446(e)5 for hazardous liquids pipelines). The project was established to provide a means of determining an industry-wide benchmark for control room operator workload. PRCI has engaged other external organizations and interested stakeholders that also address control room management issues and metrics to participate in the project and will contact other industries that are also required to monitor control room operations (e.g., rail and nuclear). Work has started on the project and it is anticipated that the initial effort and analysis of the data collected will provide the foundation that operators can use in developing workload management plans for control room operations. It is expected that an industry database will be established and that the outcomes of this year provide a basis for continued data collection and more complex levels of analysis through a multi-year project. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here.

The Facilities Technical Committees


The Compressor and Pump Station Technical Committee met October 25-27 in San Francisco, CA. The meeting provided technical updates on all of the Committee’s ongoing projects, and project teams were formed for the newly-approved 2012 items. Two major programs were allocated continuing funds in 2011, Compressor Station Air Toxics (NESHAP) Compliance, and Zero/Zero (previously Compliant Optimized Reliable and Efficient Engine), which focus respectively on formaldehyde and VOC compliance and developing the capability for operators to achieve zero emissions exceedances with zero unit outages. A new focus of Zero/Zero is the definition, demonstration and implementation of onboard diagnostics (OBD) for compressor engines, in a manner similar to how OBD is utilized on automobiles. A special workshop was held to review a study on the industry experience of recip engine NOx retrofits: “NOx Retrofits Lessons Learned”. The February meeting will formally kick-off the 2013 planning process. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here.

The Measurement Technical Committeemet on October 18-20 in Colorado Springs, CO. The meeting reviewed a large set of ongoing projects, staffed the newly funded 2012 measurement projects, and provided members with a final presentation on Active Meter Cleaning. The 2012 projects are focused on a variety of aspects of ultrasonic meter installation and operation, any of which can have a meaningful impact on the performance of these key, high volume custody transfer devices. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here.

The Underground Storage Technical Committee met October 10-11 in Westminster, CO. . Discussion items included special presentations on Storage Well Inspection Methods and Gas Storage Field Gas Sampling, with project reviews on Salt Cavern Core Dilation Evaluation and Salt Cavern Brine String Integrity Testing. The 2012 Storage program is focused on Storage Field Integrity, and a variety of projects will be initiated to provide operators with additional tools to meet increasing integrity-related regulatory requirements for storage assets. The showcase activity for 2012 is a rigorous test of improved brine string stiffeners that, if successful, would enable significant increases in allowable fluid velocity, and generally greater brine string integrity.

]]> 2012-01-13T18:16:45+00:00 News: COO Eric Thomas Receives Edward N. Henderson Award http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/coo_eric_thomas_receives_edward_n._henderson_award/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/coo_eric_thomas_receives_edward_n._henderson_award/#When:12:53:37Z Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI), is pleased to announce that Eric Thomas, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for PRCI, has received the Edward N. Henderson Award for distinguished service to the industry and to the Gas Machinery Research Council (GMRC). The award was presented at the closing awards ceremony of the Gas Machinery Conference on October 5, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. Eric Thomas COO “Eric Thomas provided strong leadership in his two years as the GMRC Chairman,” stated Mike Grubb, President & CEO of the Southern Gas Association. “Under his leadership, GMRC secured a Department of Energy grant for ‘Advanced Reciprocating Compressor Technology’ which helped sustain and grow our research program. Eric has been a tireless contributor and supporter of the natural gas industry and is well deserving of the Edward N. Henderson award.” Mr. Thomas has been involved in pipeline industry research for over 30 years, which includes participating in organizations such as the Gas Technology Institute (GTI), the Institute of Gas Technology (IGT), and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) Foundation. He also served as Chairman of the Board for both PRCI and GMRC. For ten years, he served as the industry appointee to the Technical Pipeline Safety Standard Committee (TPSSC), the federal advisory committee that provides peer reviews of all proposed pipeline safety rules to assure technical feasibility, reasonableness, cost-effectiveness and practicability. He has been the COO at PRCI since 2007. It is with bittersweet emotion that we announce Mr. Thomas’ retirement from PRCI at the end of 2011. While he will no longer be serving full-time in the position of COO, he will continue working with PRCI in a part-time controller role beginning in January 2012. Since joining PRCI, Mr. Thomas has achieved a number of accomplishments. Most notably, he led an initiative for research deployment optimization where we examined the organization’s program execution capabilities relative to our growing portfolio of projects and membership to further strengthen PRCI as a leader in research for the pipeline industry. PRCI President Cliff Johnson stated, “Eric has been a key player in shaping the future of PRCI. He has also been a great resource for me during my transition to President over the last year. On behalf of our members and staff, I thank him for his many contributions to PRCI and would like to congratulate him on this momentous period of his life.” In his retirement, Mr. Thomas plans to spend time with his lovely wife Rhonda and enjoy the countryside on his motorcycle. COO Eric Thomas Receives Edward N. Henderson Award Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI), is pleased to announce that Eric Thomas, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for PRCI, has received the Edward N. Henderson Award for distinguished service to the industry and to the Gas Machinery Research Council (GMRC). The award was presented at the closing awards ceremony of the Gas Machinery Conference on October 5, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Eric Thomas
COO



“Eric Thomas provided strong leadership in his two years as the GMRC Chairman,” stated Mike Grubb, President & CEO of the Southern Gas Association. “Under his leadership, GMRC secured a Department of Energy grant for ‘Advanced Reciprocating Compressor Technology’ which helped sustain and grow our research program. Eric has been a tireless contributor and supporter of the natural gas industry and is well deserving of the Edward N. Henderson award.”

Mr. Thomas has been involved in pipeline industry research for over 30 years, which includes participating in organizations such as the Gas Technology Institute (GTI), the Institute of Gas Technology (IGT), and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) Foundation. He also served as Chairman of the Board for both PRCI and GMRC. For ten years, he served as the industry appointee to the Technical Pipeline Safety Standard Committee (TPSSC), the federal advisory committee that provides peer reviews of all proposed pipeline safety rules to assure technical feasibility, reasonableness, cost-effectiveness and practicability. He has been the COO at PRCI since 2007.

It is with bittersweet emotion that we announce Mr. Thomas’ retirement from PRCI at the end of 2011. While he will no longer be serving full-time in the position of COO, he will continue working with PRCI in a part-time controller role beginning in January 2012. Since joining PRCI, Mr. Thomas has achieved a number of accomplishments. Most notably, he led an initiative for research deployment optimization where we examined the organization’s program execution capabilities relative to our growing portfolio of projects and membership to further strengthen PRCI as a leader in research for the pipeline industry.

PRCI President Cliff Johnson stated, “Eric has been a key player in shaping the future of PRCI. He has also been a great resource for me during my transition to President over the last year. On behalf of our members and staff, I thank him for his many contributions to PRCI and would like to congratulate him on this momentous period of his life.”

In his retirement, Mr. Thomas plans to spend time with his lovely wife Rhonda and enjoy the countryside on his motorcycle.

]]> 2011-12-14T12:53:37+00:00 News: PRCI Announces its 2012 Program for Energy Pipeline Research http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_announces_its_2012_program_for_energy_pipeline_research/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_announces_its_2012_program_for_energy_pipeline_research/#When:14:10:14Z Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI), announces its 2012 Research Program as approved by the Board of Directors at its September 2011 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To assure the success of the 2012 program, PRCI members have contributed nearly $9 million in direct funding to more than 50 projects. “Through the collaborative research model that PRCI employs we have developed a research agenda for 2012 that will continue to deliver on the organization’s core mission of technology development in support of safer and more environmentally friendly approaches to operating and maintaining the energy pipeline infrastructure around the world. Each of our members is committed to the long term reliability, safety and integrity of their systems. Through the collaborative process and commitment of financial and intellectual resources we are able to clearly agree on the needs of the industry and advance a technology development program that addresses those needs,” stated Eric Amundsen, Chair of PRCI. PRCI’s 2012 Program will address a spectrum of research needs and opportunities covering nearly every aspect of pipeline and facilities operations. The following highlights a number of specific initiatives in 2012 that will advance the energy pipeline industry: Corrosion – Re-inspection intervals for pipelines experiencing external corrosion; coatings performance and effectiveness; internal corrosion threat assessment; SCC susceptibility evaluations; SCC mitigation and repair; and, pipeline integrity and assurance of reliability for SCC. Design, Materials & Construction – Alternate gas products research continues with projects to improve members’ design capabilities for new pipelines to transport CO2; research seeking to improve transmission pipeline construction efficiency while maintaining required quality standards, an effort being conducted with the support of the International Pipeline and Offshore Contractors Association (IPLOCA) and the Interstate Natural Gas Association Foundation (INGAA Foundation); continued research in the areas of materials, welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) with the evaluation of composite pipeline repair systems for offshore pipeline repair challenges and reinforcement of onshore lines to permit continued rated service, which will offer substantial cost avoidance and reduction of transmission line outage time; projects to advance the state of the art in transmission pipeline weld quality and efficiency; structural integrity assessment especially fitness for service of vintage pipelines; and, structural significance of mechanical damage. Operations & Integrity – A comprehensive portfolio that is focused on developing new technology and improving tools and methods for onshore and offshore pipeline integrity management, including four separate programs that are directed at high priority needs in the pipeline industry – ERW/longitudinal seam pipe; small leak detection for liquid pipelines; mechanical damage inspection and characterization; and automating monitoring and surveillance of pipeline right of way corridors. These programs are complemented by a number of projects directed at development of non-destructive evaluation technologies, both inside (in-line inspection) and outside (in ditch methods) the pipe, quantifying the performance capabilities of current technologies, and improving methods and applying technology for pipeline damage prevention. Compressor & Pump Station – A program for compressor engine compliance with current and expected air toxics regulations; a program to derive reliability and fuel efficiency improvements, as well as enhanced compliance capabilities from the application of retrofit NOx control technologies; gas turbine emissions compliance; evaluation of the applicability of the NO2 dispersion model currently mandated by EPA; the effect of ethanol on pump station components, and liquid CO2 pump station technology challenges. Measurement – Continued focus on the performance of ultrasonic meters under varying operating conditions and installation configurations, and a meter station design tool expanded to include linear meter options. Underground Storage – A program for storage field integrity to provide additional tools to storage field operators (both reservoir and caverns) to meet emerging storage facility integrity management requirements. Cliff Johnson, President of PRCI, commented “This research agenda demonstrates willingness by the industry to continue looking for ways to ensure a safer and more efficient pipeline network. As we look for the next opportunities, PRCI has taken the lead to host a Pipeline R&D Summit to establish an overarching agenda for all of the industry for onshore pipelines. This event will be held in early December in Houston, Texas and will be attended by PRCI members and leading stakeholders in the pipeline industry. These collaborative efforts continue to move the industry forward.” PRCI Announces its 2012 Program for Energy Pipeline Research Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI), announces its 2012 Research Program as approved by the Board of Directors at its September 2011 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To assure the success of the 2012 program, PRCI members have contributed nearly $9 million in direct funding to more than 50 projects.

“Through the collaborative research model that PRCI employs we have developed a research agenda for 2012 that will continue to deliver on the organization’s core mission of technology development in support of safer and more environmentally friendly approaches to operating and maintaining the energy pipeline infrastructure around the world. Each of our members is committed to the long term reliability, safety and integrity of their systems. Through the collaborative process and commitment of financial and intellectual resources we are able to clearly agree on the needs of the industry and advance a technology development program that addresses those needs,” stated Eric Amundsen, Chair of PRCI.

PRCI’s 2012 Program will address a spectrum of research needs and opportunities covering nearly every aspect of pipeline and facilities operations. The following highlights a number of specific initiatives in 2012 that will advance the energy pipeline industry:

  • Corrosion – Re-inspection intervals for pipelines experiencing external corrosion; coatings performance and effectiveness; internal corrosion threat assessment; SCC susceptibility evaluations; SCC mitigation and repair; and, pipeline integrity and assurance of reliability for SCC.
  • Design, Materials & Construction – Alternate gas products research continues with projects to improve members’ design capabilities for new pipelines to transport CO2; research seeking to improve transmission pipeline construction efficiency while maintaining required quality standards, an effort being conducted with the support of the International Pipeline and Offshore Contractors Association (IPLOCA) and the Interstate Natural Gas Association Foundation (INGAA Foundation); continued research in the areas of materials, welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) with the evaluation of composite pipeline repair systems for offshore pipeline repair challenges and reinforcement of onshore lines to permit continued rated service, which will offer substantial cost avoidance and reduction of transmission line outage time; projects to advance the state of the art in transmission pipeline weld quality and efficiency; structural integrity assessment especially fitness for service of vintage pipelines; and, structural significance of mechanical damage.
  • Operations & Integrity – A comprehensive portfolio that is focused on developing new technology and improving tools and methods for onshore and offshore pipeline integrity management, including four separate programs that are directed at high priority needs in the pipeline industry – ERW/longitudinal seam pipe; small leak detection for liquid pipelines; mechanical damage inspection and characterization; and automating monitoring and surveillance of pipeline right of way corridors. These programs are complemented by a number of projects directed at development of non-destructive evaluation technologies, both inside (in-line inspection) and outside (in ditch methods) the pipe, quantifying the performance capabilities of current technologies, and improving methods and applying technology for pipeline damage prevention.
  • Compressor & Pump Station – A program for compressor engine compliance with current and expected air toxics regulations; a program to derive reliability and fuel efficiency improvements, as well as enhanced compliance capabilities from the application of retrofit NOx control technologies; gas turbine emissions compliance; evaluation of the applicability of the NO2 dispersion model currently mandated by EPA; the effect of ethanol on pump station components, and liquid CO2 pump station technology challenges.
  • Measurement – Continued focus on the performance of ultrasonic meters under varying operating conditions and installation configurations, and a meter station design tool expanded to include linear meter options.
  • Underground Storage – A program for storage field integrity to provide additional tools to storage field operators (both reservoir and caverns) to meet emerging storage facility integrity management requirements.

Cliff Johnson, President of PRCI, commented “This research agenda demonstrates willingness by the industry to continue looking for ways to ensure a safer and more efficient pipeline network. As we look for the next opportunities, PRCI has taken the lead to host a Pipeline R&D Summit to establish an overarching agenda for all of the industry for onshore pipelines. This event will be held in early December in Houston, Texas and will be attended by PRCI members and leading stakeholders in the pipeline industry. These collaborative efforts continue to move the industry forward.”

]]> 2011-12-01T14:10:14+00:00 News: PRCI Elects New Chair, Vice Chair, and Executive Committee Member http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_elects_new_chair_vice_chair_and_executive_committee_member/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_elects_new_chair_vice_chair_and_executive_committee_member/#When:14:16:22Z The Board of Directors of Pipeline Research Council International, Inc., (PRCI), elected Eric J. Amundsen, Vice President, Chief Asset Integrity Officer, with Panhandle Energy, as Chair for 2011-2013 at its Annual Meeting on September 20, 2011. He replaces Paul F. MacGregor, Vice President, Operations and Project Services for TransCanada PipeLines Ltd., who will continue on the Executive Committee as Past Chair. In addition, the Board elected Christophe Renier, Gas Facilities Director with France-based GDF Suez, as Vice Chair. Eric Amundsen Chairman Mr. Amundsen has been a PRCI Board member since 2005, serving most recently as Vice Chair, a member of the Executive Committee, and Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, and preceded that as a member of the Compressor and Pump Technical Committee where he has served approximately eight years. Mr. Amundsen has 29 years of operations and engineering experience in the natural gas transmission pipeline industry. Since graduating from Iowa State University in 1982 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mr. Amundsen has held numerous leadership positions with Panhandle Energy. Panhandle Energy owns and operates 15,000 miles of interstate and offshore Gulf of Mexico transmission pipelines and one of the nation’s largest LNG import terminals. In his current position as VP and Chief Asset Integrity Officer, he is responsible for all technical and integrity aspects of Panhandle Energy’s asset operations including pipeline integrity management, corrosion control, metallurgical services, compressor maintenance and reliability, control/automation systems, gas measurement, environmental services, quality management, geographic information systems and enterprise asset management systems. In his 29 years of professional experience, Mr. Amundsen has held direct leadership positions in the areas of pipeline construction management and quality assurance, pipeline materials qualification, pipeline integrity management, compression asset reliability and field technical operations for a variety of interstate natural gas transmission companies under the Panhandle umbrella of companies. About his new role in PRCI, Mr. Amundsen noted, “This is an exciting time to become the Chairman of PRCI. Knowledge base, technologically superior tools and sound process are keys to success for any company engaged in the transportation of energy via pipelines. PRCI has always been focused on advancing the underlying technology that impacts all three of these components. As a result of recent high profile incidents, the energy pipeline industry has been catalyzed to systematically step improve its safety performance and they are looking to PRCI to provide timely research and technology to enable that change. PRCI is committed to meeting this challenge in the pipeline integrity arena while at the same time continuing to deliver technology advancement in the areas of design, materials and construction, compressor and pump, measurement and underground storage for all of our members around the world.” In addition to Messrs Amundsen, Renier, and MacGregor, the Board also seated one new member on the Executive Committee, Harold Kraft, Vice President, Engineering & Construction with Alliance Pipeline Limited. Consequently, the following Board directors comprise PRCI’s leadership team: Eric J. Amundsen, Chair Christophe Renier, Vice Chair Paul F. MacGregor, Past Chair Kevin Bodenhamer, Enterprise Products Phillip H. DePriest, Marathon Pipe Line LLC Harold Kraft, Alliance Pipeline Limited John R. Pustulka, National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation T. Evan Smith, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company Jesus Soto, Jr., El Paso Corporation In considering the Board’s new executive committee, PRCI President Cliff Johnson noted that “This is a dynamic group of individuals and they are true leaders in the pipeline R&D field. We are at a defining moment in the pipeline industry and the Executive Committee and the Board are in a great position to direct PRCI to ensure that the safety and integrity needs of our global pipeline infrastructure are addressed.” PRCI Elects New Chair, Vice Chair, and Executive Committee Member The Board of Directors of Pipeline Research Council International, Inc., (PRCI), elected Eric J. Amundsen, Vice President, Chief Asset Integrity Officer, with Panhandle Energy, as Chair for 2011-2013 at its Annual Meeting on September 20, 2011. He replaces Paul F. MacGregor, Vice President, Operations and Project Services for TransCanada PipeLines Ltd., who will continue on the Executive Committee as Past Chair. In addition, the Board elected Christophe Renier, Gas Facilities Director with France-based GDF Suez, as Vice Chair.

Eric Amundsen
Chairman


Mr. Amundsen has been a PRCI Board member since 2005, serving most recently as Vice Chair, a member of the Executive Committee, and Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, and preceded that as a member of the Compressor and Pump Technical Committee where he has served approximately eight years. Mr. Amundsen has 29 years of operations and engineering experience in the natural gas transmission pipeline industry. Since graduating from Iowa State University in 1982 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mr. Amundsen has held numerous leadership positions with Panhandle Energy. Panhandle Energy owns and operates 15,000 miles of interstate and offshore Gulf of Mexico transmission pipelines and one of the nation’s largest LNG import terminals.

In his current position as VP and Chief Asset Integrity Officer, he is responsible for all technical and integrity aspects of Panhandle Energy’s asset operations including pipeline integrity management, corrosion control, metallurgical services, compressor maintenance and reliability, control/automation systems, gas measurement, environmental services, quality management, geographic information systems and enterprise asset management systems.

In his 29 years of professional experience, Mr. Amundsen has held direct leadership positions in the areas of pipeline construction management and quality assurance, pipeline materials qualification, pipeline integrity management, compression asset reliability and field technical operations for a variety of interstate natural gas transmission companies under the Panhandle umbrella of companies.

About his new role in PRCI, Mr. Amundsen noted, “This is an exciting time to become the Chairman of PRCI. Knowledge base, technologically superior tools and sound process are keys to success for any company engaged in the transportation of energy via pipelines. PRCI has always been focused on advancing the underlying technology that impacts all three of these components. As a result of recent high profile incidents, the energy pipeline industry has been catalyzed to systematically step improve its safety performance and they are looking to PRCI to provide timely research and technology to enable that change. PRCI is committed to meeting this challenge in the pipeline integrity arena while at the same time continuing to deliver technology advancement in the areas of design, materials and construction, compressor and pump, measurement and underground storage for all of our members around the world.”

In addition to Messrs Amundsen, Renier, and MacGregor, the Board also seated one new member on the Executive Committee, Harold Kraft, Vice President, Engineering & Construction with Alliance Pipeline Limited. Consequently, the following Board directors comprise PRCI’s leadership team:


  • Eric J. Amundsen, Chair
  • Christophe Renier, Vice Chair
  • Paul F. MacGregor, Past Chair
  • Kevin Bodenhamer, Enterprise Products
  • Phillip H. DePriest, Marathon Pipe Line LLC
  • Harold Kraft, Alliance Pipeline Limited
  • John R. Pustulka, National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation
  • T. Evan Smith, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company
  • Jesus Soto, Jr., El Paso Corporation

In considering the Board’s new executive committee, PRCI President Cliff Johnson noted that “This is a dynamic group of individuals and they are true leaders in the pipeline R&D field. We are at a defining moment in the pipeline industry and the Executive Committee and the Board are in a great position to direct PRCI to ensure that the safety and integrity needs of our global pipeline infrastructure are addressed.”

]]> 2011-10-19T14:16:22+00:00 News: Message from the President http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/message_from_the_president/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/message_from_the_president/#When:16:45:07Z This has been an interesting Quarter at PRCI. We have added two new Pipeline Operating Company Members, Plains All American Pipeline and PetroChina Pipeline Company, and one new Technical Program Associate Member, Emerson Therm-O-Disc. It is great to see that a number of key leaders in our industry are looking to PRCI to assist in the development of needed technology to continue to ensure the safety and integrity of our critical pipeline infrastructure. We ask all of our current PRCI members to welcome our new members in the upcoming PRCI meetings. Cliff Johnson President Recently, I have had the opportunity to present at the China Oil & Gas International Pipeline Conference in Langfang China; at CORCON Corrosion Conference & Expo in Mumbai, India; the Rio Pipeline Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and at the DNV Pipeline Committee Meeting in London, U.K. (subsea pipeline focus). These events have provided us the opportunity to introduce PRCI to number of companies that are not familiar with PRCI but are looking for solutions to their pipeline safety and integrity issues. We are actively working with a number of pipeline operators from around the world to increase our membership and strengthen our knowledge of the status of the global pipeline infrastructure. These efforts demonstrate the global influence of PRCI and the vital role that we play in pipeline R&D. These new relationships will bring in new ideas and opportunities. (read full story) PRCI Strategic Planning Throughout the summer, the Action Teams were working on completing the action items for the strategic plan for 2012 – 2017. As mentioned in the last issue of Throughput, the goals are: PRCI will execute and deliver innovative technical solutions using a nimble and flexible R&D process model. PRCI research is viewed as direction setting by stakeholders through the communication of technology needs, ongoing R&D, & innovative solutions for the pipeline industry. PRCI will compel participation by fostering a collaborative culture that enables quality research, networking opportunities, professional development, and industry leadership. Develop & maintain the worldwide collaborative pipeline industry R&D “roadmap.” Identify and pursue step change solutions for the energy pipeline industry. The action items will be critical for achieving these goals. There has been a substantial amount of activity on each of the Goals and supporting Action Items. The Goals and Action Items will be posted on our website by end of the year. R&D Roadmapping Summit The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) is currently working on the Integrity Management Continuous Improvement (IMCI) effort, and the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL) are working on Pipeline Safety Improvement initiatives. Both of these efforts have a heavy focus on technology development to assist the industry in moving forward to address pipeline integrity and safety. Both groups are working closely with PRCI. Through our involvement with each effort, we have been able to identify a list of the top ten common issues for the oil and gas industry. This has fueled the discussion on developing an industry wide collaborative R&D roadmap (PRCI Strategic Goal 4). To that end we will be working with industry and other research organizations to hold an R&D Roadmapping Summit in Houston, Texas on December 7 & 8, 2011 to develop the onshore pipeline R&D Roadmap. Visit our website for details as they come available. NTSB Recommendation The NTSB findings from the September 2010 San Bruno Pipeline Rupture were released in September. One of the recommendations was directed toward the American Gas Association (AGA) and INGAA regarding unpiggable pipelines. PRCI, GTI, and NYSEARCH were contacted by AGA and INGAA to assist in developing a response. PRCI organized a meeting with all of the trade associations and the research organizations to discuss what has been accomplished already in this area and what are the opportunities moving forward. The attendees in the meeting agree that there is a need to develop a collaborative framework to address this recommendation. During the meeting, a couple of key issues that arose were the need to maximize the limited resources (money and volunteer time) to complete the research and the need to consider new and possibly greater funding for research. The outcomes of the meeting were: 1) there has been a lot of work done already in this area; 2) there are some tools available to address some of the issues; and 3) there are some opportunities for additional technology development. The group will develop a response to the NTSB recommendation and will begin work to create a roadmap to address the gaps remaining for unpiggable pipelines. Update on PHMSA Funding This summer the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Ray LaHood, announced that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will no longer fund collaborative research with the pipeline industry. This has had a dramatic impact on the PHMSA R&D program and the partnership with PRCI. Throughout the summer, we have been working closely with PHMSA to understand this new policy and to determine what it means for our research program. It had a number of different impacts on our program. For the work where PRCI is the prime contractor, the projects are almost complete and will be finished by the end of the year and as a result, there is no impact on this work. There a number of projects that PRCI co-funded with PHMSA and most of those will be funded to completion in the next six to nine months. However, there are three projects that PHMSA decided to pull funding from the completely. Of those, one was also canceled by the PRCI project team. This was a 2011 project and the team wanted more time to look at the scope of the project and determine the direction without PHMSA funding. The other two were on the recent 2012 Research Program Ballot with the additional funds being requested. Both of these projects were carried forward through the ballot. One of the projects, Development of the Dent Weld Interaction Criteria and Extension of the Dent Modeling Matrix to Include Dent Interaction with Metal Loss (MD-4-9), will be re-scoped for this upcoming year and will request additional funding on the 2013 ballot. There were two projects where PHMSA decided to fully fund the work and not accept any industry co-funding. One of these was an existing PRCI Right-of-Way Automated Monitoring Program (ROW-3) that we recently reached out to include PHMSA funding, and this is our work with NASA. The project team recommended that we develop a complementary project to continue working on this issue and begin looking at some of the tools available to address this issue. We will cooperate as much as we can with PHMSA on their project and we will use the results of their work to support our efforts. The other project was a new effort that we approved at the Board meeting in March 2011 looking at ERW issues. PHMSA will be fully funding the work (roughly $1 million) without industry co-funding. We have been working with PHMSA to fully understand the scope of the project has they have asked the contractor to re-scope the work in light of no industry funding. Similar to the Right-of-Way Automated Monitoring Program (ROW-3), the team recommended that we pursue a complementary project that will begin examining some of the resources available to address this issue. These two projects were approved on the recent ballot. We will continue to work with PHMSA as much as we can to ensure that a successful R&D program can be achieved. It is in the best interest of the industry that we support these efforts. As we wrap-up 2011, there is an increased focus on technology development and R&D, and PRCI is working closely with our members and industry partners to reassure the public and government that we are committed to continuing to be the safest mode of transportation. Message from the President This has been an interesting Quarter at PRCI. We have added two new Pipeline Operating Company Members, Plains All American Pipeline and PetroChina Pipeline Company, and one new Technical Program Associate Member, Emerson Therm-O-Disc. It is great to see that a number of key leaders in our industry are looking to PRCI to assist in the development of needed technology to continue to ensure the safety and integrity of our critical pipeline infrastructure. We ask all of our current PRCI members to welcome our new members in the upcoming PRCI meetings.

Cliff Johnson
President


Recently, I have had the opportunity to present at the China Oil & Gas International Pipeline Conference in Langfang China; at CORCON Corrosion Conference & Expo in Mumbai, India; the Rio Pipeline Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and at the DNV Pipeline Committee Meeting in London, U.K. (subsea pipeline focus). These events have provided us the opportunity to introduce PRCI to number of companies that are not familiar with PRCI but are looking for solutions to their pipeline safety and integrity issues. We are actively working with a number of pipeline operators from around the world to increase our membership and strengthen our knowledge of the status of the global pipeline infrastructure. These efforts demonstrate the global influence of PRCI and the vital role that we play in pipeline R&D. These new relationships will bring in new ideas and opportunities. (read full story)

PRCI Strategic Planning

Throughout the summer, the Action Teams were working on completing the action items for the strategic plan for 2012 – 2017. As mentioned in the last issue of Throughput, the goals are:

  1. PRCI will execute and deliver innovative technical solutions using a nimble and flexible R&D process model.
  2. PRCI research is viewed as direction setting by stakeholders through the communication of technology needs, ongoing R&D, & innovative solutions for the pipeline industry.
  3. PRCI will compel participation by fostering a collaborative culture that enables quality research, networking opportunities, professional development, and industry leadership.
  4. Develop & maintain the worldwide collaborative pipeline industry R&D “roadmap.”
  5. Identify and pursue step change solutions for the energy pipeline industry.

The action items will be critical for achieving these goals. There has been a substantial amount of activity on each of the Goals and supporting Action Items. The Goals and Action Items will be posted on our website by end of the year.

R&D Roadmapping Summit

The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) is currently working on the Integrity Management Continuous Improvement (IMCI) effort, and the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL) are working on Pipeline Safety Improvement initiatives. Both of these efforts have a heavy focus on technology development to assist the industry in moving forward to address pipeline integrity and safety. Both groups are working closely with PRCI. Through our involvement with each effort, we have been able to identify a list of the top ten common issues for the oil and gas industry. This has fueled the discussion on developing an industry wide collaborative R&D roadmap (PRCI Strategic Goal 4). To that end we will be working with industry and other research organizations to hold an R&D Roadmapping Summit in Houston, Texas on December 7 & 8, 2011 to develop the onshore pipeline R&D Roadmap. Visit our website for details as they come available.

NTSB Recommendation

The NTSB findings from the September 2010 San Bruno Pipeline Rupture were released in September. One of the recommendations was directed toward the American Gas Association (AGA) and INGAA regarding unpiggable pipelines. PRCI, GTI, and NYSEARCH were contacted by AGA and INGAA to assist in developing a response. PRCI organized a meeting with all of the trade associations and the research organizations to discuss what has been accomplished already in this area and what are the opportunities moving forward. The attendees in the meeting agree that there is a need to develop a collaborative framework to address this recommendation.

During the meeting, a couple of key issues that arose were the need to maximize the limited resources (money and volunteer time) to complete the research and the need to consider new and possibly greater funding for research. The outcomes of the meeting were: 1) there has been a lot of work done already in this area; 2) there are some tools available to address some of the issues; and 3) there are some opportunities for additional technology development. The group will develop a response to the NTSB recommendation and will begin work to create a roadmap to address the gaps remaining for unpiggable pipelines.

Update on PHMSA Funding

This summer the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Ray LaHood, announced that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will no longer fund collaborative research with the pipeline industry. This has had a dramatic impact on the PHMSA R&D program and the partnership with PRCI. Throughout the summer, we have been working closely with PHMSA to understand this new policy and to determine what it means for our research program. It had a number of different impacts on our program. For the work where PRCI is the prime contractor, the projects are almost complete and will be finished by the end of the year and as a result, there is no impact on this work.

There a number of projects that PRCI co-funded with PHMSA and most of those will be funded to completion in the next six to nine months. However, there are three projects that PHMSA decided to pull funding from the completely. Of those, one was also canceled by the PRCI project team. This was a 2011 project and the team wanted more time to look at the scope of the project and determine the direction without PHMSA funding. The other two were on the recent 2012 Research Program Ballot with the additional funds being requested. Both of these projects were carried forward through the ballot. One of the projects, Development of the Dent Weld Interaction Criteria and Extension of the Dent Modeling Matrix to Include Dent Interaction with Metal Loss (MD-4-9), will be re-scoped for this upcoming year and will request additional funding on the 2013 ballot.

There were two projects where PHMSA decided to fully fund the work and not accept any industry co-funding. One of these was an existing PRCI Right-of-Way Automated Monitoring Program (ROW-3) that we recently reached out to include PHMSA funding, and this is our work with NASA. The project team recommended that we develop a complementary project to continue working on this issue and begin looking at some of the tools available to address this issue. We will cooperate as much as we can with PHMSA on their project and we will use the results of their work to support our efforts. The other project was a new effort that we approved at the Board meeting in March 2011 looking at ERW issues. PHMSA will be fully funding the work (roughly $1 million) without industry co-funding. We have been working with PHMSA to fully understand the scope of the project has they have asked the contractor to re-scope the work in light of no industry funding. Similar to the Right-of-Way Automated Monitoring Program (ROW-3), the team recommended that we pursue a complementary project that will begin examining some of the resources available to address this issue. These two projects were approved on the recent ballot.

We will continue to work with PHMSA as much as we can to ensure that a successful R&D program can be achieved. It is in the best interest of the industry that we support these efforts.

As we wrap-up 2011, there is an increased focus on technology development and R&D, and PRCI is working closely with our members and industry partners to reassure the public and government that we are committed to continuing to be the safest mode of transportation.

]]> 2011-10-17T16:45:07+00:00 News: Petrobras Hosts Board Meeting in Brazil & Coordinates PRCI Support to Rio Pipeline Conference http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/petrobras_hosts_board_meeting_in_brazil_coordinates_prci_support_to_rio_pip/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/petrobras_hosts_board_meeting_in_brazil_coordinates_prci_support_to_rio_pip/#When:13:18:27Z PRCI would like to thank Pedro Altoé Ferreira, PRCI Board Member from Petrobras, and his staff for hosting and sponsoring the 2011 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors in Rio de Janeiro on September 19-20, 2011. The group enjoyed a tour of Petrobras’ impressive R&D Center (CENPES) and attended numerous social events embracing Brazilian culture. Petrobras’ efforts were invaluable in coordinating PRCI’s participation in the Rio Pipeline Conference held September 20-22, 2011 which was attended by over 20 PRCI Board members and staff, in addition to numerous other member company representatives. The Rio Pipeline Conference was attended by more than 1,300 delegates, included over 150 exhibitors, and featured strong technical tracks. PRCI supported the conference with Cliff Johnson, PRCI President, providing a presentation during the closing session on Pipeline Technology Trends with a discussion ofthe future of collaborative pipeline R&D, “Collaborative Research Addressing Pipeline Integrity.” The focus of the presentation was the need to develop a global R&D roadmap for all facets of the oil & gas pipeline industry (onshore, offshore, and facilities). He stated that the first meeting to begin developing the roadmap was going to be held in Houston on December 7-8, 2011 and the focus for the meeting will be to develop the onshore pipeline component of the document. Additional meetings will be held over the next 12 to 24 months to complete the onshore roadmap and to focus on developing the other parts of the roadmap. Once it is complete, the goal is for it to be the industry wide roadmap and the central coordination point for all future R&D efforts. This effort will only work with a wide cross section of the industry and the R&D communities from around the world. Also presenting during the closing plenary session was Pedro Altoé Ferreira who addressed the specific challenges of Petrobras as the company continues to grow and take on new frontiers in the energy industry and the role of R&D in helping shape and guide the growth process. In addition, Mark Piazza, Sr. Program Manager for PRCI chaired a session on Subsea Pipeline Technology. While in Rio, PRCI opened a discussion with CTDUT, a non-profit research organization, about developing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on R&D. A number of PRCI Board Members and Staff was able to tour the CTDUT facilities and gain a greater appreciation of their capabilities. CTDUT is currently adding to their research center facilities and has volunteered to work with PRCI and its members to ensure that they are able to address the needs of the industry more fully. We hope to have the MOU signed by the end of the year. Arthur Braga, CTDUT Executive Director, will give a presentation at the Pipeline Technical Committee meetings next week in New York on their program and how they can be a resource for PRCI and its members. This is a great opportunity to strengthen the research resources for PRCI. Of special note, Mr. Cesar Buque, Technical Exchange Director for PRCI Member Company Applus RTD, received the Calgary Award, which is presented to the Best Paper presented at the Rio Pipeline Conference. Mr. Buque was presented with the award during the closing ceremonies for his presentation on the application of 3-dimensional ultrasound technology for pipeline inspection. As the award recipient, Mr. Buque will attend and present the paper at the International Pipeline Conference and Exhibition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in September 2012. Petrobras Hosts Board Meeting in Brazil & Coordinates PRCI Support to Rio Pipeline Conference PRCI would like to thank Pedro Altoé Ferreira, PRCI Board Member from Petrobras, and his staff for hosting and sponsoring the 2011 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors in Rio de Janeiro on September 19-20, 2011. The group enjoyed a tour of Petrobras’ impressive R&D Center (CENPES) and attended numerous social events embracing Brazilian culture. Petrobras’ efforts were invaluable in coordinating PRCI’s participation in the Rio Pipeline Conference held September 20-22, 2011 which was attended by over 20 PRCI Board members and staff, in addition to numerous other member company representatives.

The Rio Pipeline Conference was attended by more than 1,300 delegates, included over 150 exhibitors, and featured strong technical tracks. PRCI supported the conference with Cliff Johnson, PRCI President, providing a presentation during the closing session on Pipeline Technology Trends with a discussion ofthe future of collaborative pipeline R&D, “Collaborative Research Addressing Pipeline Integrity.” The focus of the presentation was the need to develop a global R&D roadmap for all facets of the oil & gas pipeline industry (onshore, offshore, and facilities). He stated that the first meeting to begin developing the roadmap was going to be held in Houston on December 7-8, 2011 and the focus for the meeting will be to develop the onshore pipeline component of the document. Additional meetings will be held over the next 12 to 24 months to complete the onshore roadmap and to focus on developing the other parts of the roadmap. Once it is complete, the goal is for it to be the industry wide roadmap and the central coordination point for all future R&D efforts. This effort will only work with a wide cross section of the industry and the R&D communities from around the world. Also presenting during the closing plenary session was Pedro Altoé Ferreira who addressed the specific challenges of Petrobras as the company continues to grow and take on new frontiers in the energy industry and the role of R&D in helping shape and guide the growth process. In addition, Mark Piazza, Sr. Program Manager for PRCI chaired a session on Subsea Pipeline Technology.

While in Rio, PRCI opened a discussion with CTDUT, a non-profit research organization, about developing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on R&D. A number of PRCI Board Members and Staff was able to tour the CTDUT facilities and gain a greater appreciation of their capabilities. CTDUT is currently adding to their research center facilities and has volunteered to work with PRCI and its members to ensure that they are able to address the needs of the industry more fully. We hope to have the MOU signed by the end of the year. Arthur Braga, CTDUT Executive Director, will give a presentation at the Pipeline Technical Committee meetings next week in New York on their program and how they can be a resource for PRCI and its members. This is a great opportunity to strengthen the research resources for PRCI.

Of special note, Mr. Cesar Buque, Technical Exchange Director for PRCI Member Company Applus RTD, received the Calgary Award, which is presented to the Best Paper presented at the Rio Pipeline Conference. Mr. Buque was presented with the award during the closing ceremonies for his presentation on the application of 3-dimensional ultrasound technology for pipeline inspection. As the award recipient, Mr. Buque will attend and present the paper at the International Pipeline Conference and Exhibition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in September 2012.

]]> 2011-10-17T13:18:27+00:00 News: PRCI Hosts Information Exchange with PetroChina http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_hosts_information_exchange_with_petrochina/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/news_single/prci_hosts_information_exchange_with_petrochina/#When:09:32:55Z PRCI recently hosted a delegation from PetroChina that visited North America as part of an information exchange on pipeline integrity management. The delegation was led by Mr. Jialing Ding, Vice President of the PetroChina Natural Gas Pipeline Company, and included representatives of PetroChina West East Pipeline Company, PetroChina West Pipeline Company, and PetroChina Beijing Gas Pipeline Company. The delegation visited PRCI member companies in Canada and the United States in late August 2011, including TransCanada Pipeline and Enbridge Pipeline in Alberta, Canada and Enbridge Energy Partners, Panhandle Energy, and Williams Gas Pipeline in Houston, TX. The objective of the visits was to provide the PetroChina delegation with an opportunity to exchange information on approaches used by pipeline operators in North American to manage their assets, including implementing pipeline integrity programs (including facilities), focus areas for research and technology development, and management of regulatory requirements. PetroChina uses the exchanges as a method of benchmarking its operations and seeking opportunities with other organizations to collaborate on improving pipeline safety and technology deployment. Special thanks are due to those PRCI member companies that sponsored the exchanges, particularly Mr. Bill Gu of GE Oil & Gas, who was instrumental in organizing the exchange and contributing exhaustive efforts to support the delegation during its travels. PetroChina has since joined PRCI and is now a full member of our organization. PRCI Hosts Information Exchange with PetroChina PRCI recently hosted a delegation from PetroChina that visited North America as part of an information exchange on pipeline integrity management. The delegation was led by Mr. Jialing Ding, Vice President of the PetroChina Natural Gas Pipeline Company, and included representatives of PetroChina West East Pipeline Company, PetroChina West Pipeline Company, and PetroChina Beijing Gas Pipeline Company. The delegation visited PRCI member companies in Canada and the United States in late August 2011, including TransCanada Pipeline and Enbridge Pipeline in Alberta, Canada and Enbridge Energy Partners, Panhandle Energy, and Williams Gas Pipeline in Houston, TX. The objective of the visits was to provide the PetroChina delegation with an opportunity to exchange information on approaches used by pipeline operators in North American to manage their assets, including implementing pipeline integrity programs (including facilities), focus areas for research and technology development, and management of regulatory requirements. PetroChina uses the exchanges as a method of benchmarking its operations and seeking opportunities with other organizations to collaborate on improving pipeline safety and technology deployment.

Special thanks are due to those PRCI member companies that sponsored the exchanges, particularly Mr. Bill Gu of GE Oil & Gas, who was instrumental in organizing the exchange and contributing exhaustive efforts to support the delegation during its travels.

PetroChina has since joined PRCI and is now a full member of our organization.

]]> 2011-10-14T09:32:55+00:00 Event: Pipeline Technology Conference (March 28-10, 2012) http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/pipeline_technology_conference_march_28-10_2012/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/pipeline_technology_conference_march_28-10_2012/#When:17:15:20Z From 28-30 March 2012 the Pipeline Technology Conference (ptc) will take place for the 7th time. It has always tried to establish an open dialogue between scientists, engineers, planners, designers, technology suppliers and operators and involved politics and the press where it made sense. During the years, the conference talked about a wide range of outstanding projects and many innovations, new technologies and developments. The steadily increasing number of participants from non-European countries shows that European know-how, technological excellence and well-proven technical standards are demanded more and more – in particular in the context of decades of trouble-free pipeline operation and life-cycle extension strategies. Since 2006, the main focus of the Pipeline Technology Conference (ptc) is on latest technologies and new developments in the international pipeline industry. Besides an overview on international key projects, new construction methods and innovative materials, ptc 2012 will provide interesting insights into new O&M, ILI and integrity management field studies and technologies. The practical nature of ptc was always based on the cooperation with our technical and scientific supporters and on a top-class international Advisory Committee. This year, the Advisory Committee has been further strengthened and is now co-chaired by Mr. Heinz Watzka from Open Grid Europe.  PRCI president Cliff Johnson is new member of the ptc advisory committee and PRCI is now official supporter of the Pipeline Technology Conference. At ptc 2012, Cliff Johnson will give a joint presentation with Dr. Gerhard Knauf from the European Pipeline Research Group on “Charting The Way Ahead for International Collaboration on Pipeline Research and Development”. The presentation is scheduled for the plenary session on 28 March in the afternoon. All this leads to the fact that, after 6 years of being part of HANNOVER MESSE trade show, ptc needs more space to keep pace with the increasing number of attendees and exhibitors. For the first time, it will now have its own exhibition hall and conference hotel. The conference will feature lectures and presentations on all aspects surrounding oil, gas and product pipeline systems. Get involved now and send in your presentation suggestion and book your place at the accompanying exhibition. Pipeline Technology Conference (March 28-10, 2012) Hannover, Germany

From 28-30 March 2012 the Pipeline Technology Conference (ptc) will take place for the 7th time. It has always tried to establish an open dialogue between scientists, engineers, planners, designers, technology suppliers and operators and involved politics and the press where it made sense.

During the years, the conference talked about a wide range of outstanding projects and many innovations, new technologies and developments. The steadily increasing number of participants from non-European countries shows that European know-how, technological excellence and well-proven technical standards are demanded more and more – in particular in the context of decades of trouble-free pipeline operation and life-cycle extension strategies.

Since 2006, the main focus of the Pipeline Technology Conference (ptc) is on latest technologies and new developments in the international pipeline industry. Besides an overview on international key projects, new construction methods and innovative materials, ptc 2012 will provide interesting insights into new O&M, ILI and integrity management field studies and technologies.

The practical nature of ptc was always based on the cooperation with our technical and scientific supporters and on a top-class international Advisory Committee. This year, the Advisory Committee has been further strengthened and is now co-chaired by Mr. Heinz Watzka from Open Grid Europe.  PRCI president Cliff Johnson is new member of the ptc advisory committee and PRCI is now official supporter of the Pipeline Technology Conference. At ptc 2012, Cliff Johnson will give a joint presentation with Dr. Gerhard Knauf from the European Pipeline Research Group on “Charting The Way Ahead for International Collaboration on Pipeline Research and Development”. The presentation is scheduled for the plenary session on 28 March in the afternoon.

All this leads to the fact that, after 6 years of being part of HANNOVER MESSE trade show, ptc needs more space to keep pace with the increasing number of attendees and exhibitors. For the first time, it will now have its own exhibition hall and conference hotel.

The conference will feature lectures and presentations on all aspects surrounding oil, gas and product pipeline systems. Get involved now and send in your presentation suggestion and book your place at the accompanying exhibition.]]> 2012-01-27T17:15:20+00:00 Event: Compressor & Pump Station Technical Committee Meeting (June 5-7, 2012) http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/compressor_pump_station_technical_committee_meeting_june_5-7_2012/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/compressor_pump_station_technical_committee_meeting_june_5-7_2012/#When:18:00:18Z Compressor & Pump Station Technical Committee Meeting (June 5-7, 2012) Denver, Colorado]]> 2012-01-24T18:00:18+00:00 Event: Compressor & Pump Station Technical Committee Meeting (October 23-25, 2012) http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/compressor_pump_station_technical_committee_meeting_october_23-25_2012/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/compressor_pump_station_technical_committee_meeting_october_23-25_2012/#When:17:55:56Z Compressor & Pump Station Technical Committee Meeting (October 23-25, 2012) Munich, Germany]]> 2011-11-02T17:55:56+00:00 Event: Pipeline Program Technical Committees Meeting (May 14-18, 2012) http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/pipeline_program_technical_committees_meeting_may_15-17_2012/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/pipeline_program_technical_committees_meeting_may_15-17_2012/#When:17:50:24Z The 2012 Spring Meeting of the Pipeline Technical Committees of Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI), will be our international meeting hosted by PRCI Member Applus RTD in Barcelona, Spain. The three committees that comprise the PRCI Pipeline Program are 1.) Design, Materials & Construction, 2.) Corrosion, and 3.) Operations & Integrity. The primary purpose of the meetings is to plan PRCI’s 2013 research program and the ballot by which your company’s Board Member will vote for the projects that will comprise that program. Specific questions regarding the program for this meeting should be directed to Mike Whelan, PRCI’s Director of Research Operations (mwhelan@prci.org). We look forward to your participation and a productive meeting! Pipeline Program Technical Committees Meeting (May 14-18, 2012) Barcelona, Spain

The 2012 Spring Meeting of the Pipeline Technical Committees of Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI), will be our international meeting hosted by PRCI Member Applus RTD in Barcelona, Spain.

The three committees that comprise the PRCI Pipeline Program are 1.) Design, Materials & Construction, 2.) Corrosion, and 3.) Operations & Integrity.

The primary purpose of the meetings is to plan PRCI’s 2013 research program and the ballot by which your company’s Board Member will vote for the projects that will comprise that program.

Specific questions regarding the program for this meeting should be directed to Mike Whelan, PRCI’s Director of Research Operations (mwhelan@prci.org).

We look forward to your participation and a productive meeting!]]> 2011-07-12T17:50:24+00:00 Event: Board of Directors Meeting (September 10-11, 2012) http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/board_of_directors_meeting_september_10-11_2012/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/board_of_directors_meeting_september_10-11_2012/#When:12:22:06Z Board of Directors Meeting (September 10-11, 2012) TBD]]> 2011-06-29T12:22:06+00:00 Event: Executive Committee Meeting (September 9, 2012) http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/executive_committee_meeting_september_9_2012/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/executive_committee_meeting_september_9_2012/#When:12:21:12Z Executive Committee Meeting (September 9, 2012) TBD]]> 2011-06-29T12:21:12+00:00 Event: Board of Directors Meeting (March 5-6, 2012) http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/board_of_directors_meeting_march_5-6_2012/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/board_of_directors_meeting_march_5-6_2012/#When:12:14:32Z Board of Directors Meeting (March 5-6, 2012) San Diego, California]]> 2011-06-29T12:14:32+00:00 Event: Executive Committee Meeting (March 4, 2012) http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/executive_committee_meeting_march_4_2012/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/executive_committee_meeting_march_4_2012/#When:12:12:29Z Executive Committee Meeting (March 4, 2012) San Diego, California]]> 2011-06-29T12:12:29+00:00 Event: Measurement Technical Committee Meeting (February 22-24, 2012) http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/measurement_technical_committee_meeting_february_8-10_2012/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/measurement_technical_committee_meeting_february_8-10_2012/#When:12:11:07Z Measurement Technical Committee Meeting (February 22-24, 2012) Maitland, Florida]]> 2011-06-29T12:11:07+00:00 Event: Measurement Technical Committee Meeting (May 29-31, 2012) http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/compressor_pump_station_technical_committee_meeting_may_22-24_2012/ http://prci.org/index.php/site/events_single/compressor_pump_station_technical_committee_meeting_may_22-24_2012/#When:12:09:19Z Measurement Technical Committee Meeting (May 29-31, 2012) Belgium]]> 2011-06-29T12:09:19+00:00