Report to the National Transportation Safety Board on your progress to develop and introduce advanced in-line inspection platforms for use in gas transmission pipelines not currently accessible to existing in-line inspection platforms, including a timeline for implementation of these advanced platforms. (P-11-32)

Working with the industry stakeholders mentioned above, PRCI supported the effort to develop a comprehensive report on the state of ILI technology and the future development plans. The report was summarized in a presentation to the NTSB with the emphasis on managing pipeline integrity threats, the development of ILI tools and technologies, the current state of the ILI industry, and developing the next generation of tools. As a result of the information presented, NTSB requested that supplemental information on expected timeframes and costs for new technology development and deployment. A copy of the report submitted to the NTSB can be accessed below. PRCI will provide additional information regarding the supplemental information to be prepared and submitted to NTSB in the next quarterly issue of Throughput and as general postings on our web page.

• Study how to encourage operators to expand usage of leak detection systems (LDS) and improve system effectiveness on the nation’s pipeline system.
  
• Study how remote control and automatic control valves can be installed to lessen the volume of natural gas and hazardous liquid released during catastrophic pipeline events.
  

PRCI member company representatives played a significant role in the meeting and all but a few of the panels included PRCI members or staff. PRCI presented the latest research activities in the areas of hazardous liquid and natural gas pipelines. Dave Bolon, Enterprise Products Partners, presented on behalf of PRCI regarding the hazardous liquids leak detection and Mark Piazza, PRCI Sr. Program Manager, presented the current research activities being implemented for natural gas leak detection, with emphasis on the use of advanced sensing technologies and subject matter experts in atmospheric sciences and gas behavior in the environment. These presentations provide a great opportunity for PRCI to highlight the latest work in these areas and to educate the industry and government. PRCI looks forward to working with PHMSA to continue to ensure the safety, integrity, and efficiency of our nations pipeline systems. To see a copy of the presentations please follow the link below.

In addition, much of the support to R&D activities, such as out-of-pocket costs of test equipment, equipment installation, supporting travel & meeting expenses, and project supplemental funding would likely also be a qualified research expense that would further increase the credit. Personnel expenses would be credited if an individual spent at least 80% of their time on qualified activities (which might be the case with staff dedicated to specific projects). Though some accounting effort would be required to make a correct filing, this could be an excellent opportunity to obtain a significant discount on your research investments. For pipelines operating as pass-through entities, such as master limited partnerships, the tax credit presumably would pass through to individual partners who could apply the credit against their taxes. R&D tax credits are also available at the state level in various states.

Attendees included key researchers in the pipeline arena, many PRCI member company representatives and US and Canadian regulators. To accommodate the breadth of research, there were parallel technical tracks:

• Corrosion led by Committee Chair Laurie Perry of SoCalGas;
  
• Design, Materials and Construction led by Committee Chair Tom Zimmerman of Enbridge;
  
• Mechanical Damage led by Operations and Integrity Committee Chair, Mures Zaréa of GDF Suez;
  
• Operations and Integrity led by Committee Vice-chair John O’Brien of Chevron; and,
  
• Underground Storage led by Committee Chair Larry Kennedy.
  

• Dave Johnson, Panhandle Energy
  
• John Kiefner, Kiefner & Associates
  
• Brian Leis, Battelle
  
• Robert Worthingham, TransCanada
  

The partnership with CTDUT will provide PRCI members with access to one of the leading research facilities in Brazil. Their facility has the capability for large scale testing for a wide range of pipeline and facility related projects. CTDUT is in the process of building a two kilometer 12-inch pipeline test loop that is expected to be completed in late 2012; a second 16-inch test loop is planned following construction of the 12-inch system. Working with CTDUT will enable PRCI to develop a relationship the with Brazilian Oil & Gas Pipeline Regulator (ANP), as CTDUT is approved for implementing R&D projects through a Brazilian program that is operated under the direction of ANP. CTDUT also has a well established relationship with PRCI member company Petrobras and PRCI believes the MOU with CTDUT will strengthen its presence in Brazil.

The MOU with GERG will enable PRCI to share research agendas, with possibility of engaging in joint projects and strategic collaboration to address key industry issues. A number of GERG members are not currently members of PRCI, so this relationship will provide an opportunity for PRCI to strengthen its presence in Europe as they look to build upon their current membership base.

With these new relationships and PRCI’s current membership and partnerships, PRCI represents over 60% of the pipelines in the world. This is a great base for us to leverage in establishing the global R&D Roadmap and to lead the industry in addressing the critical issues facing this vital infrastructure. During the upcoming Pipeline Technical Committee Meetings in Barcelona, PRCI has scheduled a one-day session for further developing and deploying the R&D Roadmap for onshore pipelines, with a focus on obtaining input from the European pipeline operating community. PRCI is planning to have the final draft of the R&D Roadmap available by the end of 2012. Please contact PRCI if you are interested in attending or would like additional information related to the R&D Roadmap meeting.

A History of Leading Pipeline Research

Since 1952, PRCI has been the leading collaborative technology development organization in the energy pipeline industry, conducting a research program valued at more than $50MM in the last five years alone. PRCI is a non-profit research organization that is comprised of energy pipeline operating companies located in the United States, Europe, Canada, South America, and the Middle East. PRCI’s success as the primary R&D platform for the pipeline industry is a result of the unique forum we provide for the identification of the research needs of the energy pipeline industry. The R&D programs are developed to respond to the drivers that define the industry, including business drivers, operations drivers, and legislative and regulatory drivers. PRCI’s collaborative model and broad membership provide significant depth, diversification, and knowledge base across a range of operating parameters and system configurations, geographic regions, and economic and regulatory models.

The energy pipeline industry is facing significant challenges – the series of high profile pipeline incidents over the past several years has heightened the awareness of regulators, pipeline operators, and the public to the significance of the pipeline infrastructure and has led to a renewed emphasis and focused attention on pipeline safety. PRCI and a number of organizations have established initiatives and made a commitment to further improving pipeline safety, with the goal of zero incidents. Regardless of the party or organization that has established a program or made a commitment, pipeline research has been identified as a core component of meeting the challenges confronting the industry.

Setting the R&D Agenda

In support of the current initiatives, PRCI has been leading the industry in an effort to unify and promote convergence of the pipeline industry 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 industry R&D program across the various organizations and key stakeholders.

There have been two R&D Summits held in December 2011 and February 2012. The summits have addressed the processes and procedures for establishing the priorities, defining the resource requirements to address those priorities, and distributing the R&D work. Roadmaps have been/are being developed in the following areas (not in order of priority):

• Unpiggable Pipelines
  
• ERW/Longitudinal Seam Welds
  
• Leak Detection
  
• Data Integration & Decision-making Processes/Tools
  
• SCC & Cracking – welds and pipe body
  
• Anomaly Assessment
  
• Mechanical Damage
  
• Damage Prevention
  
• Improvements in ILI Capabilities
  
• Facility Integrity
  
• Risk Assessment
  

NDT Best Practices

The PRCI meetings in Barcelona are being sponsored and hosted by one of our leading associate members, Applus RTD. Applus RTD is a global NDT and Inspection service provider, with specialized R&D, strongly focused on pipelines throughout their operating life from new construction through abandonment. In addition to the program described above, Applus RTD will be hosting an NDT Best Practices Session at their world-class facilities in Barcelona. The session will take place on Tuesday 15 May 2012 and will include experts from Applus RTD as well as PRCI members. Participants will have the opportunity to see and discuss technical concepts to AUT of pipeline girth welds, unpiggable pipelines, corrosion under insulation, fatigue, permanent monitoring, etc. Learn more at
www.applusrtd.com.

Continuing Collaboration

A key element in the success of the collaborative R&D model is the continual growth and diversification of the membership base. As PRCI is seeking to expand its presence in Europe and beyond, we are inviting European operating companies to participate in the R&D Roadmap Summit, a welcome reception, NDT Best Practices session in Barcelona. Clearly, pipeline operation is a global business and the practices and system life cycle issues are common to all systems and those who provide indispensable services to the industry. It is for this reason that international collaboration is the most efficient and effective means for delivering research and technologies that assure system productivity, safety, and positive environmental performance.

If your company is interested in attending any of these sessions, please contact PRCI at info@prci.org.

The R&D Summit included two half-day sessions for the participants. Day 1 included several presentations followed by discussion on improving the current model for pipeline R&D. The presentations provided an overview of the current state of the pipeline industry R&D program and where the industry needs to be, including the future vision for pipeline R&D and an improvement to the existing processes and programs to promote a comprehensive and unified pipeline industry R&D Roadmap. Day 2 was dedicated to breakout sessions that provided an opportunity for industry subject matter experts to address the top priorities (as defined from the AOPL/API PSIAs and the INGAA IMCI), the gaps associated with each, and defining how to address the gaps. The outputs from the breakout sessions on Day 2 have provided the foundation for the initial development of the pipeline industry R&D Roadmaps, which are being drafted by PRCI and will be distributed for review by the industry organizations and stakeholders when completed.

The R&D Summit is the first in a series of meetings and workshops that PRCI is sponsoring to work toward the development of the pipeline industry unified R&D Roadmap. The initial meeting in Houston focused on integrity management R&D programs for onshore transmission pipelines. PRCI plans to organize separate meetings to solicit greater input from distribution pipeline operators/organizations, Facility Integrity Management, and offshore and subsea pipelines, with facility integrity and subsea pipelines being established R&D programs within PRCI. The next session to promote and advance the R&D Roadmap will be in Phoenix, Arizona as part of the PRCI 2012 Research Exchange Meeting. In addition, PRCI will sponsor a meeting with European operators in conjunction with the May 2012 Pipeline Program Technical Committee Meeting, which is being held in Barcelona, Spain.

PRCI acknowledges the participation and support of the American Petroleum Institute (API), the Association of Oil Pipelines (AOPL), the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA), the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA), and the European Pipeline Research Group (EPRG), and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), each of which attended the R&D Summit and contributed substantially to the successful outcome of the Summit.

• MD-4-1: Full-Scale Experimental Validation of Mechanical Damage Assessment Models; testing in modern steels
  
• MD-4-6: Full-scale Experimental Validation of Mechanical Damage Assessment Models – Extension of MD-4-1; testing in vintage steels
  

Completing this work is a significant milestone for the PRCI Mechanical Damage Program, as the testing results provide the data needed for developed improved models for assessing the impacts of mechanical damage and making repair and rehabilitation decisions. The data from the full-scale testing program have been compiled and delivered to the SMEs that are developing the improved mechanical damage models for burst and delayed failure (being addressed separately under PRCI projects MD-4-3, burst failure model, and MD-4-4, fatigue failure model), and work on the models has started.

With the completion of the full-scale testing program for dent+gouge damage in modern steels, PRCI is preparing for testing in pipes that represent vintage steels, targeting lower grade, low-toughness materials that are consistent with pre-1970s era pipeline construction (MD 4-6 project). The defects will include a subset of the same 5 features used for modern steels for comparative evaluation and analysis of the effects of material properties on the behavior of dent+gouge damage. Test with these samples will follow the same procedures, instrumentation plans, and reporting as the modern steels samples. The data will be used for further development and validation of the mechanical damage models, and to provide important insights on the behavior of pipe steel affected by damage under a range of material types.

The results from the full-scale testing program will be discussed and presented at the PRCI 2012 Research Exchange Meeting along with the preliminary results of mechanical damage models for burst and fatigue failure. Please contact Mark Piazza, PRCI Program Manager, with any questions related to the Mechanical Damage program and full-scale testing.

This full-scale testing program is being implemented in coordination with PHMSA.

A series of presentations were included as part of the workshop to provide the current status of projects and programs being planned or performed by PRCI and other industry work and initiatives focused on facility integrity issues. This information was needed to present the current baseline and program status across the industry. The presentations addressed the following topic areas:

• Current Status of PRCI Pipeline R&D for Facility Integrity Management Program
  
• API Recommended Practices and Standards for Facility Integrity
  
• Overview CEPA Guidance for Facility Integrity Management
  
• Practical Approaches to Managing Facility Integrity (two separate presentations)
  

PRCI is finalizing a report on the workshop proceedings and outcomes and will distribute the report to all participants and post in PRIME for member company review when completed. Please contact Carrie Greaney, PRCI Research Manager with any questions or if you would like additional information.

Compressor & Pump Station
Chair: Bill Couch, El Paso
Vice-Chair: Ralph Dickau, Enbridge

Corrosion
Chair: Laurie Perry, SoCalGas
Vice-Chair: David McQulling, Panhandle
Vice-Chair: Robert Worthingham, TransCanada

Design, Materials & Construction
Chair: David Horsley, BP (acting)
Vice-Chair: Arti Bhatia, Alliance
Vice-Chair: Rick Gailing, SoCalGas

Measurement
Chair: Jim Witte, El Paso
Vice-Chair: Craig Chester, Williams

Operations & Integrity
Chair: Mures Zarea, GDF Suez
Vice-Chair: John O’Brien, Chevron

Underground Storage
Chair: Larry Kennedy, El Paso
Vice-Chair: Tim Maddox, NiSource

PRCI’s 2012 Program addresses a spectrum of research needs and opportunities covering nearly every aspect of pipeline operations.

The Pipeline Technical Committees

The Corrosion Technical Committee conducted a review of all ongoing research projects in its three primary areas of emphasis: External Corrosion, Internal Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Cracking, and planned for the efficient starts of the recently funded 2012 research projects. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here. Additionally, the committee elected Laurie Perry of Southern California Gas as Chairman following the leadership of Albert van Roodselaar of Chevron Pipeline who fulfilled that position since 2009. The committee also appointed David McQuilling of Panhandle Energy as Vice Chair in the area of External Corrosion. We would like to extend our gratitude to Albert for his leadership and commitment to PRCI and wish him luck in his future endeavors. We are excited to welcome long-standing Corrosion TC member Laurie Perry.

The Design Materials and Construction Technical Committee (DMC) conducted a review of all ongoing projects as well as planning for the start-up of newly funded work. For the new projects, project teams were confirmed and schedules established for the research contract awards. The 2012 funded program included continuing research in the CO₂ transport arena with a project to develop a design tool building on the PRCI-APIA-EPRG funded work completed this year to determine the decompression wave speed of CO₂ mixtures with the full range of likely impurities. Along with continuing research to address new and continuing industry requirements in the welding, design, materials, and structural assessment, PRCI has initiated two unique research projects focused on modernizing construction methods to achieve greater efficiency and higher quality. This research is unique in that it is jointly funded by PRCI, the International Pipeline & Offshore Contractors Association (IPLOCA) and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) Foundation and reflects high research priorities of all three organizations. The objectives of the research are to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the route selection process and to improve the process of assuring construction quality for energy transmission pipe placement. These initiatives will benefit from the extensive knowledge and experience that these three leading industry organizations will bring to bear from the perspectives of global and national owners, operators, constructors, and suppliers. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here. Tom Zimmerman of Enbridge Pipeline resigned from his position as DMC Chair to pursue other opportunities within his company. David Horsley of BP will serve as the interim Chair of the committee until an election is held later this year. We would llike to thank Tom for his service to PRCI and wish him well in his new position.

The Operations & Integrity Technical Committee (O&I) completed an all-inclusive review of its projects and programs, including the four programs that were approved on the ballot. The meeting initially focused on the new projects approved on the 2012 ballot followed by a complete analysis and status report on all projects and programs that are currently being managed under the O&I Technical Committee. Several of the projects approved for 2012 are continuations of ongoing research projects, and many others are complimentary to prior work and further develop the research programs that are primary focus areas for the O&I Technical Committee, including Mechanical Damage Inspection and Prevention, NDE technology development and validation for pipeline inspection, leak detection, and Facility Integrity. The TC devoted a period of time to discussing the Research Roadmaps for the major programs managed by the committee. There was significant technical exchange among the TC members on the development of a new project for a Baseline Workload Study for Control Room Operations, which was arose to help operators in addressing the compliance requirements regarding the Control Room Management (CRM; see 49 CFR 192.631(e)5 for natural gas pipelines and 49 CFR 195.446(e)5 for hazardous liquids pipelines). The project was established to provide a means of determining an industry-wide benchmark for control room operator workload. PRCI has engaged other external organizations and interested stakeholders that also address control room management issues and metrics to participate in the project and will contact other industries that are also required to monitor control room operations (e.g., rail and nuclear). Work has started on the project and it is anticipated that the initial effort and analysis of the data collected will provide the foundation that operators can use in developing workload management plans for control room operations. It is expected that an industry database will be established and that the outcomes of this year provide a basis for continued data collection and more complex levels of analysis through a multi-year project. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here.

The Facilities Technical Committees

The Measurement Technical Committeemet on October 18-20 in Colorado Springs, CO. The meeting reviewed a large set of ongoing projects, staffed the newly funded 2012 measurement projects, and provided members with a final presentation on Active Meter Cleaning. The 2012 projects are focused on a variety of aspects of ultrasonic meter installation and operation, any of which can have a meaningful impact on the performance of these key, high volume custody transfer devices. PRCI Members can view the meeting presentations here.

The Underground Storage Technical Committee met October 10-11 in Westminster, CO. . Discussion items included special presentations on Storage Well Inspection Methods and Gas Storage Field Gas Sampling, with project reviews on Salt Cavern Core Dilation Evaluation and Salt Cavern Brine String Integrity Testing. The 2012 Storage program is focused on Storage Field Integrity, and a variety of projects will be initiated to provide operators with additional tools to meet increasing integrity-related regulatory requirements for storage assets. The showcase activity for 2012 is a rigorous test of improved brine string stiffeners that, if successful, would enable significant increases in allowable fluid velocity, and generally greater brine string integrity.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) are pleased to announce the next Pipeline Research & Development Forum this July! These events are held periodically to generate a National research agenda that will foster solutions for the many challenges with pipeline safety and with protecting the environment.

The forum allows public, government and industry pipeline stakeholders to develop a consensus on the technical gaps and challenges for future research. It also reduces duplication of programs, factors ongoing research efforts, leverages resources and broadens synergies. The national research agenda coming out of these events is aligned with the needs of the pipeline safety mission, makes use of the best available knowledge and expertise, and considers stakeholder perspectives. Specifically the forum will:

1. Identify key pipeline technical challenges facing industry and government;
2. Disseminate information on current research efforts; and
3. Identify new research that can help to meet known challenges

The Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) is hosting the 19th Biennial Joint Technical Meeting on Pipeline Research on April 28 - May 3, 2013. This world-class forum reflects one of the most significant collaborations in pipeline research formed by the tripartite partnership of PRCI, the European Pipeline Research Group (EPRG), and the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) who together have members operating on five continents. The Joint Technical Meeting (JTM) is a unique opportunity to collaboratively demonstrate pipeline research excellence and to address the challenges confronting the pipeline industry at a global level.

The meeting will take place at the Sheraton on the Park Hotel in Sydney, Australia.

Additional details will follow in the coming months.

The CORE Symposium brings together operators and suppliers to present common needs and proven solutions that target a Compliant, Optimized, Reliable Engine (CORE) to meet NOx control regulations. This year the Symposium has a special focus on emission reductions through after treatment. An update on air regulation changes will be provided by Innovative Environmental Solutions. A training session on developing air specifications for lean combustion modifications will be presented by Advanced Engine Technologies Corp.  The target audience is environmental, project management, and plant reliability personnel involved in air emissions mitigation projects as well as suppliers with market-ready products and services to satisfy operating company needs. The Symposium is presented by TransCanada-ANR, with additional sponsorship by Dresser-Rand Enginuity and Cameron. The symposium will be held May 22-23 at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside, 13210 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas. More details on the meeting agenda and registration information can be obtained here.

Just prior to the symposium on the afternoon of May 21st, a workshop will be held to help identify the features, functions, and implementation methods desired from onboard engine/compressor diagnostic systems (OBD). This workshop will assist in the execution of ongoing PRCI projects. For the workshop to be successful, it is important to have in attendance individuals from the operating companies that can provide guidance in these areas. Specifically, individuals with the following expertise are desired to attend:

• Air emissions permitting and/or regulatory compliance
• Control system integration and support
• Engine and compressor technical support and performance monitoring
• Control system communications and SCADA
• Information technology specialists knowledgeable with control system networks, database storage systems, and reporting

There are no fees to attend this workshop but advanced registeration is requested in order to secure necessary space at the Omni Westside.

The PRCI Pipeline Program will be hosting its annual Research Exchange Meeting on February 5-7, 2013 in the Texas area at a location to be determined. The primary goal of the meeting is to provide a forum that facilitates the deployment and exchange of important research results and outcomes for completed and select ongoing research among the PRCI Technical Committees and with our research partners and other stakeholders.

In September 2012, members of the pipeline industry from around the world will gather in Calgary for the 9th International Pipeline Conference (IPC 2012). Organized by volunteers representing international energy corporations, energy and pipeline associations and governments, the IPC has become internationally renowned as the world’s premier pipeline conference. This is a not for profit conference and proceeds continue to support educational initiatives in the pipeline industry.

The conference will begin on Monday, September 24, with tutorial offerings in key areas of interest. Track sessions will begin the morning of Tuesday, September 25, and run through to Friday, September 28.

The International Pipeline Conference is designed to inform, enlighten and motivate, therefore we encourage you to actively participate in IPC 2012–five days of exceptional value which you won’t want to miss!

For more information please visit the International Pipeline Conference website at http://www.internationalpipelineconference.com.

The Fall 2012 meeting of the PRCI Pipeline Technical Committees (Corrosion; Design, Materials, and Construction; Operations & Integrity) will be held on October 30 - November 1, 2012 at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza in Los Angeles, California.  The Omni Los Angeles Hotel sits atop historic Bunker Hill in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, about 18 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The primary objectives of the meetings are:

• To organize the project teams in each Technical Committee to implement the results of the 2013 Ballot (http://ballot.prci.org/2013).
• To develop project execution plans for each 2013 project, including scope of work in view of Board approved funding, deliverables, recommended firm or list of firms, project time line, and as close to an RFP as can be achieved on site.

As the focus of this meeting is on the individual TC and its project teams, the general format of the meeting will consist of three separate meetings for each of the pipeline TC’s that will take place simultaneously.  There will be an opening plenary session for all three committees to meet together to discuss 2013 project plans or issues of common interest to the larger Pipeline Program.  Once the Board has completed voting for the ballot in late September, we will send out a detailed agenda including the individual projects that will be discussed.

We strongly encourage attendance by Project Team Leaders and those who wish to be active members of project teams.  Please note that we have not yet completed voting the 2013 research program.  If you are unsure whether you are a Board-assigned 2013 project team member, please consult your Board member after voting has closed in late September.]]> 2012-04-12T11:40:24+00:00