Thu, July 23, 2015
Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) has officially opened its new Technology Development Center (TDC) in Houston, Texas. Less than a year after breaking ground, construction of the TDC has been completed on over eight acres, including a state-of-the-art pull test facility, an over 20,000 sq. ft. workshop and test facility with an additional 9,000 sq. ft. of office and meeting space.
The TDC is the result of a major commitment by the energy pipeline industry to address the key issues that it is facing to ensure the safety and integrity of the vital national and international pipeline infrastructure. It is a critical tool for the energy pipeline industry as we continue to strive for zero failures. The TDC will provide the industry with an independent third party site to fully understand the capabilities of current tools and to guide the development of the new technologies needed to push toward that goal.
“The TDC enables efficient and timely access to industry samples in support of technology projects and programs,” TDC Steering Committee member and Past Board Chair, Eric Amundsen stated. “The TDC is a success story in and of itself; there is no other similar or comparable collection in the world and will attract R&D efforts unique to the contained assets and capabilities.”
PRCI hosted a Grand Opening celebration at the TDC on July 15th that was attended by over 200 PRCI members and industry stakeholders. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the building and warehouse including the state-of-the-art pull test facility, as well as witness live demonstrations of technologies developed as a result of PRCI research. PRCI President Cliff Johnson remarked, “The Grand Opening of the TDC is an amazing opportunity for PRCI and its members. The TDC will shape the direction for PRCI and its members for years to come. With this new site, PRCI will be able to work closely with pipeline operators and solution providers to continue to enhance the tools that are needed to ensure pipeline integrity and safety and assist in the development of the next generation of tools.”
The construction and development effort has been spearheaded by the PRCI TDC Steering Committee made up of PRCI members and staff who have been heavily involved in TDC operations since its inception and understand the incredible opportunities and benefits the pipeline industry can reap from its utilization. PRCI would like to acknowledge the members of the Steering Committee for their dedication and support, as well as the PRCI member companies that have and continue to contribute samples and sponsor the TDC’s operations.
For more information regarding the TDC, please contact PRCI President, Cliff Johnson.