Throughput Newsletter - Volume 5, Issue 2

PRCI recently received notification from the US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT PHMSA) on the approval of R&D funding to support PRCI's substantial research effort on the Right of Way Automated Monitoring (RAM) Program. The RAM Program includes developing automated, integrated, and scalable sensing suites to provide safer, smarter, and more cost-effective aerial surveillance for detection, identification, and communication of machinery threats (i.e., construction machinery often associated with third party damage to pipeline infrastructure), changed conditions (erosion, subsidence), and leaks on pipeline right of ways and corridors. (read full story)

PRCI Responds to PHMSA Research Announcement on ERW Pipe Program

In January 2011, US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT PHMSA) issued a Research Announcement (DTPH56-11-RA-000001) soliciting technical proposals to implement a comprehensive study to understand longitudinal ERW seam failures. PRCI led the development of a technical proposal that addressed the Research Announcement requirements and organized a Program Team and Steering Committee to complete the work, which includes the American Petroleum Institute (API), the Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL), and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA, through the INGAA Foundation). The proposal was submitted by Battelle, who was selected to manage the development of the technical proposal on behalf of PRCI and our industry partners and coordinate the technical program with Kiefner and Associates and DNV Columbus. The proposal was submitted on March 21, 2011. (read full story)

President Cliff Johnson to Chair 4th Annual Pipe Tech World Summit in Rome

For the second year in a row, PRCI will be chairing, the Pipe Tech World Summit in Rome, Italy on June 6-8, 2011. This year's conference will be exploring the latest methodologies and solutions available to effectively deliver oil and gas to market from pipeline construction through to pipeline maintenance. Some of the topics will include: Managing Integrity and Risk of the Entire Infrastructure of Onshore Pipelines and Facilities; Reviewing Pipeline Integrity and Lifecycle Management - Short and Long Term Measures; Inspection and Monitoring of Unpiggable Pipelines and Repair Sleeves; and many more topics. This is a great opportunity for PRCI to continue to demonstrate its leadership role in Pipeline R&D and that it is a resource for industry to ensure pipeline and facility integrity.

Members of PRCI will receive a £500 discount on the delegate fee to attend. To secure your place at the Pipe Tech World Summit 2011 and receive you're your £500 discount please book at www.pipetechsummit.com/PRCI. Delegate Places now only cost £995 plus Tax. For more information or questions please visit www.pipetechsummit.com or contact Richard.jones@wtgevents.com or call +44 (0)207 202 7690.

PRCI Strategic Plan for 2012-2017

At the recent PRCI Board of Directors meeting in March, the Board approved a new strategic plan for PRCI for the next five years. This plan continues to build on the success of PRCI and it will further solidify PRCI as the source for energy pipeline R&D. Below is the mission statement and the five Strategic Goals for 2012-2017. Over the next few months the Board and Staff will develop the action items to support each of the goals.

PRCI Mission Statement. To be the global leader in collaborative energy pipeline research that provides safe, reliable, environmentally conscious and efficient means of delivery.

Goal 1. PRCI will execute and deliver innovative technical solutions using a nimble and flexible R&D process model.
Goal 2. PRCI research is viewed as direction setting by stakeholders through the communication of technology needs, ongoing R&D, & innovative solutions for the pipeline industry.
Goal 3. PRCI will compel participation by fostering a collaborative culture that enables quality research, networking opportunities, professional development, and industry leadership.
Goal 4. Develop & maintain the worldwide collaborative pipeline industry R&D "roadmap."
Goal 5. Identify and pursue step change solutions for the energy pipeline industry.

Schedule Set to Vote the 2012 Research Program Ballot

At its last meeting in March, the PRCI Board of Directors gathered to identify and dicuss the current industry drivers which the PRCI Technical Committees will use to develop project and program proposals for the 2012 PRCI Research Program Ballot. The schedule to vote the ballot is as follows:

Ballot Posted to PRCI Website: August 1, 2011
First Round of Online Voting: August 12-19
Second Round of Online Voting: August 26 - September 2
Third/Final Round of Online Voting: September 19 (conducted in-person at Board of Directors Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Welcoming New Members to PRCI

PRCI is pleased to announce that Operations Technology Development has joined PRCI in 2011 as Pipeline Industry Organization Member. Also joining PRCI in 2011 is Emerson Process Management as a Technical Program Associate Member in the Measurement Technical Committee.

Operations Technology Development (OTD) was established in May 2003 as an Illinois not-for-profit company to facilitate voluntarily funded, collaborative research on issues relating to gas operations and infrastructure, with a focus on reducing operating costs, enhancing safety, and increasing the operating efficiency of natural gas distribution systems. OTD's membership has grown to 20 members, representing utilities throughout North America. We would like to welcome President of OTD, Ron Snedic, who will be representing them on the PRCI Board of Directors.

Emerson Process Management, an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, water and wastewater treatment, mining and metals, food and beverage, life sciences and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Its brands include PlantWeb™, Daniel^®, Syncade™, DeltaV™, Fisher^®, Micro Motion^®, Rosemount^®, Ovation™ and AMS Suite. We would like to welcome Director of Ultrasonic Metering, Tom Mooney, who will serve as the Voting Representative for Emerson on the PRCI Measurement Technical Committee.

New Members on the Board of Directors

PRCI would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the following new representatives on the Board of Directors:

Scott Collier, Sr. Director, Performance Assurance is representing Buckeye Partners, L.P. on the Board.
Rick Morrow, Vice President, Engineering & Operations Staff is representing Southern California Gas on the Board.