Author: PRCI
As communicated in prior editions of PRCI’s electronic newsletter Throughput, PRCI has been leading the industry in an effort to unify and promote convergence of the pipeline integrity R&D agenda. Through a series of R&D summits, PRCI is bringing together the leaders in the pipeline R&D community to establish a consensus on the direction and focus for pipeline R&D, with emphasis on a unified definition of the top priorities and developing a process by which the top priorities can be addressed in a more efficient and more collaborative manner. While the pipeline industry has established the fundamental elements of an effective R&D structure, there is a need to better define and coordinate the pipeline integrity R&D program across the various organizations and key stakeholders.
Consistent with our initiative and commitment, PRCI sponsored its third (and final) R&D Summit in support of its Collaborative Pipeline Industry R&D Roadmap on May 14, 2012. The R&D Summit was held in Barcelona, Spain in conjunction with PRCI’s Spring 2012 Pipeline Technical Committee Meetings. The summit was scheduled to provide the opportunity for inputs and perspective from European pipeline operators that did not have the opportunity to attend and participate in the two prior R&D Summits that were held in North American venues, including the first summit in December 2011 (Houston, TX) and the second summit in February 2012 (Phoenix, AZ).
The third summit placed specific emphasis on obtaining input and concurrence by non-North American pipeline operators and research contractors and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Attendance at the meeting included over 50 industry representatives with operators from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia present to provide contributions and confirm that the direction and primary topics addressed in the PRCI Collaborative Pipeline Integrity R&D Roadmap are truly addressing the pipeline integrity R&D needs on a global basis.
With the R&D Summit meetings now complete and input from a wide range and number of pipeline integrity stakeholders provided, PRCI is finalizing the roadmap for rollout to the industry and preparing a Final Report that describes the process and outcomes for the roadmapping exercise. The R&D Roadmap will be presented in its final form at the International Pipeline Conference in September 2012, where a Panel Session has been specifically scheduled to address Collaborative Industry Research & Development. The panel session, Panel Session No 5, is scheduled on September 24, 2012, beginning at 1:30 pm. The panel will be moderated by Mark Piazza, PRCI’s Director of Pipeline Programs. Please read more about PRCI’s preparations for the IPC here.