Author: PRCI
Through its staff and member company contributions, PRCI played a leading role in promoting the importance and value of pipeline research and technology development at the 2012 International Pipeline Conference (IPC), held September 24-28, 2012, in Calgary, Alberta. The IPC provides one of the best venues in the pipeline industry for the dissemination and deployment of PRCI’s research findings and results, with hundreds of technical sessions on a wide range of topics related to pipeline design/construction, operation and safety. PRCI made a substantial effort to support and participate at the IPC 2012, with virtually all of the technical tracks and the panel sessions including participation by representatives of PRCI staff and Technical Committee members. A large number of the technical papers published for the IPC 2012 were based on results derived from PRCI-funded research. In addition, the content of a number of the IPC tutorial sessions included substantial references to PRCI research findings and reports.
One of the most substantial contributions to IPC 2012 was PRCI’s leadership role in organizing and moderating the panel sessions on Collaborative Pipeline R&D. The session capitalized on the assembly of a world-wide, world-class group of technical experts attending IPC 2012 to confirm consensus on the direction and focus of the pipeline industry R&D Roadmap being developed by PRCI. The panel session included presentations by PRCI’s Director of Pipeline Programs, Mr. Mark Piazza, and member company representatives, Mr. Thomas Beuker of The ROSEN Group and Mr. Jean Grenier, representing Total S.A. Mr. Robert Smith of US DOT PHMSA was also a panel participant. The panel provided an analysis of the gaps and needs in the North American and international pipeline research framework, and reviewed emerging conditions and trends in the industry that impact the R&D programs. The panel also addressed the role of government in the collaborative R&D environment, coordination of pipeline industry trade organization efforts and initiatives, and cross-over opportunities with other industries. The Collaborative R&D Panel provided a wide range of perspectives on pipeline research and technology development and identified key areas where the pipeline industry needs and gaps are well-suited to a collaborative approach among a number of interested stakeholders. The panel session included a Question and Answer period for the audience to address the panelists and to provide input on the R&D Roadmap and best practices for collaborative R&D.
Presentation: Collaborative R&D Roadmap for the Energy Pipeline Industry (2 MB)
PRCI’s presentation from the Collaborative Pipeline R&D session can be accessed below.