CPS-1A  Modeling of NSCR Performance and EGO Sensor Output with Exhaust Mixtures from Natural Gas - Fueled Engines (member link)

CPS-1B  Evaluation of NOx Sensors for Control of Aftertreatment Devices (member link)

CPS-5-2  Alternatives to Gas Turbine Expansion Starters (member link)

CPS-9-8  Technology Challenges for Liquid CO₂ Pump Stations (read more)

MEAS-5-17  Evaluation of Enhanced Diagnostics for Orifice Meters (member link)

SIA-1-2  Sleeve End Fillet Weld Stress Intensity Factor Solutions (read more)

An essential element of member participation in PRCI is the database software tool to support the operation of our research program called PRIME (Pipeline Research Implementation Management Engine). PRIME is hosted by a third-party company, Intuit, using their QuickBase database tool. QuickBase is in the process of updating its software which includes an interface change that will affect all of its users, including PRIME users. While general functionality and content will remain the same, PRIME will have a new "look and feel" intended to enhance the user experience. A few screenshots comparing the old interface to the new interface are included below. These changes will take effect on April 25, 2013. (read full story)

Following notification by US DOT PHMSA on the approval of the three White Papers that PRCI submitted in response to the PHMSA Research Announcement for pipeline R&D projects, PRCI prepared and submitted technical proposals to more fully describe the scope of work and provide detailed costs estimates for the proposed projects. The three projects are within the Anomaly Detection/Characterization Focus Area listed in the Research Announcement (DTPH56-13-RA-000001) and each addresses inspection technology development and qualification. (read full story)

One of the great benefits of PRCI is access to world renowned leaders in the energy pipeline industry. Every two years PRCI and its tripartite R&D partners, the European Pipeline Research Group (EPRG) and the Australian Pipeline Industry Association's Research and Standards Committee (APIA-RSC), host the Joint Technical Meeting (JTM), held this year in Sydney, Australia from April 29th - May 3rd and hosted by the APIA-RSC together with the Energy Pipelines Cooperative Research Centre (EPCRC). This meeting is a world-class forum where representatives have the opportunity to learn about the latest pipeline research to address safety and integrity being conducted globally. (read full story)

Through its Operations & Integrity Technical Committee, PRCI is implementing a project to evaluate data and establish the reliability of in-line inspection (ILI) crack detection tools. The project will include a complete and comprehensive study of existing ILI and NDE/in ditch data that is available from pipeline operators to establish the performance reliability of detecting, identifying, and sizing/characterizing cracking and crack-like features in pipelines. Over the past several years, there have been a number of pipeline failure incidents that have been attributed to the presence of cracks/crack like features. These features have been in the body of the pipeline as well as girth welds and longitudinal seam welds. As a result of these incidents, the detection and characterization of cracks in pipelines has become a high-profile issue and is the subject of substantial attention in the pipeline industry. (read full story)

PRCI staff and member company representatives played a significant role in the proceedings at the 2013 Banff Pipeline Workshop, which was held from April 8-11, 2013, in Banff, Alberta, Canada. The workshop was attended by nearly 800 pipeline professionals and included a series of tutorials on the initial day of the workshop followed by 2 ½ days of presentations, discussion, and debate on specific topic areas that have a high level of interest and impact on the pipeline industry. The topic areas were managed through Working Groups, each of which captured detailed notes and action items from the discussions and provided a report out to all of the workshop attendees at the close of the session. (read full story)

PRCI is pleased to welcome back ConocoPhillips as a Pipeline Operating Company Member and to announce that Shell Global Solutions US Inc., RCP Inc. and Riccardelli Consulting Services have joined as Associate Members.

  

ConocoPhillips recently spun off its refineries, pipelines and chemicals assets ino a new company named Phillips 66, who maintained its PRCI membership. Subsequently, ConocoPhillips "rejoined" PRCI with a separate membership in 2013. ConocoPhillips is world's largest independent pure-play exploration & production company. While North America provides the majority of its production, they are active in almost 30 countries and in a wide range of geologic and geographic settings. Their production streams include light oil, heavy oil, oil sands, natural gas liquids, conventional natural gas, coalbed methane, shale gas and oil, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). We would like to welcome Tony Dotson, Pipeline Asset Manager, who is representing ConocoPhillips on the Board of Directors.

  

Shell Global Solutions US Inc. joined PRCI as a full Associate Member company in February 2013. Shell Global Solutions has its origins in the research and technical service organization that supported the Shell's activities worldwide. Shell Global Solutions helps improve its customers' business performance by providing energy consulting and innovative technology. Their technologies have been developed in response to the challenges that emerge when operating complex process plants in demanding operating environments. We would like to welcome David Wang, Principal Integrity and Inspection Engineer, who is representing Shell Global Solutions on the Board of Directors.

  

RCP Inc. (RCP) joined PRCI as a full Associate Member company in March 2013. RCP is a consulting firm that provides professional engineering capabilities and regulatory expertise to energy and energy-related companies. RCP has experience and actively participates in both gas and liquid pipeline industry association activities, providing a broad, deep understanding of pipeline operational, regulatory, and risk management issues. We would like to welcome William Byrd, President, who is representing RCP on the Board of Directors.

We are pleased to welcome Riccardelli Consulting Services (RCS) who joined PRCI in January 2013 as a Technical Program Associate Member of the Operations & Integrity Technical Committee. RCS is a professional team of pipeline integrity NDE specialists who are trained and experienced with direct assessment technology to detect, analyze, and validate in-service pipeline anomalies identified by ILI smart tools. They specialize in ultrasonic phased array mapping of internal corrosion and SCC crack sizing. RCS provides education and technical research for NDE of pipelines through their development and training academy located near Salt Lake City, Utah. We would like to welcome Sean Riccardelli, President/CEO, who is representing RCS on the committee.