Author: PRCI
As previously reported, the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released a Research Announcement in October 2012 that identified 20 separate topics being considered for government R&D funding. The Research Announcement solicited pipeline research projects/programs that target a wide range of challenges identified from the July 2012 R&D Forum that was sponsored by PHMSA and the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR). These topics cover technology development and the generation of new knowledge in the areas of Threat Prevention; Leak Detection; Anomaly Detection/Characterization; Anomaly Repair and Remediation; and Design/Materials/Welding/Joining/Valves. In the Research Announcement, PHMSA requested White Papers to define research projects and/or Consolidated Programs to address each of the topics. The Research Announcement indicates that PHMSA expects to provide up to $10 million of base R&D funding to support projects and programs identified as being responsive to the announcement.
Based on the consistency between the Research Announcement topic areas and several of PRCI’s research programs, PRCI submitted three (3) White Papers as Prime Contractor and is a partner and part of the Project Team on number of others. The majority of the White Papers are directed to the topics included in the Anomaly Detection/Characterization topic area and focus on inspection technology development and qualification. There was one White Paper supported by PRCI that is addressing the Leak Detection topic area, where PRCI is one of several companies that developed a Consolidated Program for a multi-faceted approach to evaluating and developing innovative solutions for detecting leaks from pipelines in liquid hydrocarbon service. In addition, PRCI also supported a White Paper that is focused on Anomaly Repair and Remediation.
PRCI’s response to the Research Announcement was based on a thorough analysis of the R&D topic areas relative to the PRCI research programs and R&D Roadmaps to define where synergies exist and where there were opportunities for partnering with PHMSA to strengthen both the industry and government programs. The analysis included review and discussion of the topic areas in the Research Announcement with the Pipeline Program Technical Committees while attending the Fall 2012 Technical Committee Meeting in Los Angeles, CA. The Technical Committees identified the target areas for PRCI to develop and submit White Papers and confirmed the cost share commitments in support of the proposed projects.
The White Papers submitted to PHMSA are being reviewed by a panel of pipeline industry professionals, which will make recommendations to PHMSA on selection and funding of R&D projects . The review is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2013. The next step in the process will be the development of detailed technical proposals and cost estimates to more fully develop the project ideas and concepts presented in the White Papers. Anyone requiring additional information on the Research Announcement and White Papers should contact Mark Piazza, PRCI’s Director of Pipeline Programs.