As part of the enhancements to its governance and research models to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness, PRCI has responded to the need to prioritize and execute key research initiatives in a timely manner. The establishment of Research Objectives (RO) for the organization will assist in driving our Research Portfolio and ensuring that we are addressing the key challenges facing the oil & gas pipeline industry.
These RO’s will provide the guidance needed to focus PRCI members on a unified and collaborative research agenda with key industry drivers that will focus on technology transfer, implementation of results, and a wide application of outcomes.
In March 2018, the Executive Assembly ratified the following ROs as guidelines for project development going forward.
Develop and/or validate technology and analytical processes capable of confirming pipeline material properties for pipeline integrity assessments.
Develop and enhance ILI technology to reliably detect, size and characterize specific indications that may be harmful to the integrity of the pipeline.
Develop, evaluate and enhance NDE technologies and operator & data analyst performance to assess the integrity of pipelines and associated infrastructure from outside or above the pipeline or facility.
Develop, demonstrate and validate repair systems, including those that can be deployed on in-service facilities. Determine the useful life and safe operating envelopes of such repair systems.
Develop, demonstrate and validate intrusion monitoring and surveillance technologies to enhance detection of third-party activities, ground movement and interferences potentially affecting pipeline infrastructure.
Reduce all product leaks and equipment emissions from all parts of the hydrocarbon transport and storage infrastructure by developing, demonstrating and validating processes and technologies to detect, quantify and mitigate such releases.
Improve the efficiency, operational flexibility and availability of compressor & pump station, measurement and storage facilities. Reduce the lifecycle cost of these facilities as flow patterns and market demands shift. Reduce custody transfer uncertainty and better identify trace gas constituents.
Define, understand and improve the key practices, including models, involved in the design, construction and integrity management of pipelines and related facilities.