Pipeliners Podcast

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Ross Adams of EnerSys Corporation interviewing Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat about how to overcome challenges in alarm management for the pipeline control room. In this episode, you will learn about the influence of the PHMSA CRM Rule on alarm management, the value of optimizing alarm rationalization to help controllers achieve situational awareness, the importance of linking together PSM in alarm management, and more topics. - Access the episode show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest David Miller of API providing listeners with insight on the API standards development process to promote safety throughout the oil and gas industry. In this episode, you will learn about the process that goes into approving a standard, how many standards are crafted each year, the audit and review process to maintain the integrity of standards, and the role of PHMSA incorporating these standards by reference in rulemaking that affects pipeline operators. You will also learn about upcoming standards in the works to address new technology, the critical role of industry subject matter experts participating in the development of new standards, and more interesting information about the API standards process. - Access the episode show notes and full transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guests Tyler Tunic of Williams and Blake Villarrubia of Audubon Companies discussing the important work of the Young Pipeline Professionals (YPP) organization in the U.S., and the Young Pipeliners International (YPI) organization in Canada, Mexico, and several other countries internationally. In this episode, you will learn about the YPP mission to accept the transfer of the duty of care for the pipeline industry to the next generation of pipeliners, how various YPI groups are making an impact across the globe, how to apply for the John Tiratsoo Award for Young Achievement, and what's planned for YPP in 2021. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Sarah Magruder Lyle, the President and CEO of the Common Ground Alliance, discussing damage prevention in pipeline operations. In this episode, you will learn about the role of Common Ground Alliance bringing together various stakeholders to support pipeline safety, the role of 811 advancing pipeline awareness and prevention efforts across the U.S., the next steps to increase safety coordination efforts to achieve positive safety outcomes, and how pipeliners play a critical role providing contractors with the appropriate tools and data. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Charlene Wright discussing how pipeline operators can more effectively view and approach regulatory compliance. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of processes organically flowing from the management of assets in pipeline operations, how to optimize recordkeeping to support compliance, the advancement of Pipeline SMS from a high-level discussion to implementation and culture change, and more critical topics. - Read the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Ross Adams of EnerSys Corporation returning to the podcast to discuss Hours of Service considerations in the pipeline control room, especially during the holiday season. In this episode, you will learn about how to manage or support Hours of Service in the current COVID-19 environment, how to support fatigue mitigation when controllers are working remotely, the importance of implementing safeguards when short-staffed, and the overall importance of supporting pipeline safety during the holiday season. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Scott Williams of EnerSys Corporation returning to the podcast to discuss the key technological developments around developing pipeline software applications for the cloud. In this episode, you will learn about the risk factors associated with moving to the cloud, how advances in technology have supported the development of cost-effective cloud-based pipeline technology applications, and what the future looks like for whether SCADA will move to the cloud. - Access show notes and the full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Robert Latimer of Right Way Land & Compliance discussing the pipeline land acquisition and local permitting process in Canada and the U.S. In this episode, you will learn about the role of a Land Agent helping advance pipeline projects, the importance of understanding the people and culture affected by pipeline projects in their community, the need to convey critical information about pipeline safety and leak detection, and much more. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features returning guest "Mr. Corrosion" Bob Franco of Franco Corrosion Consulting providing an introduction to pipeline coatings, specifically how to control external corrosion with coatings. In this episode, you will learn about what to consider when looking at different coatings to help prevent corrosion in pipelines, the different kinds of coatings that are available, and the history of coatings within the pipeline industry. - Access show notes, Bob Franco's newly published book, and the episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Doug Fisher of Rogue7 discussing the key technology elements of using analytics and machine learning to support the pipeline control room. In this episode, you will learn about how analytics and machine learning are applied to pipeline control, how it can add value and improve your ability to operate a pipeline, and how to separate safety data from operations data. You will also hear Doug's prediction on the future of analytics and machine learning in the pipeline industry over the next 5-10 years. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features returning guests Claudia Farrell and Rebekah Taylor of Burns & McDonnell discussing the unique history of the pipeline industry from 1937 to the present. In the second installment of this conversation, you will learn about the creation of OPEC in the Middle East, the role of eminent domain in the creation of pipelines across the U.S., the types of pipelines installed post-World War II, the introduction of regulations and new types of pipeline transportation systems in the Cold War era, and how this history has shaped today's modern pipeline industry. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Adrian Kane, Vice President of Atmos International, discussing the practical application of leak detection in the pipeline industry. In this episode, you will learn about the purpose of leak detection, the distinction between leak detection and leak prevention, and the key differences between approaches to leak detection in the U.S. compared to other countries/nations in the world. You will also learn how the pipeline industry is moving to the cloud to support remote work in leak detection. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Keith Coyle of Babst Calland returning to the podcast to report his takeaways from the recent GPAC/LPAC committee meetings on the proposed PHMSA rulemaking, Valve Installation and Minimum Rupture Detection Standards. In this episode hosted by Russel Treat, you will learn about the impetus behind this particular rulemaking, the 2011 Reauthorization of the Pipeline Safety Act and how it has impacted the pipeline industry, the applicability of rupture mitigation valve requirements to gathering lines, and how the November election season could affect rulemaking. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Denys Stavnychyi of Burns & McDonnell discussing the key steps that go into pipeline construction. In this episode, you will learn about the five categories of pre-construction planning, the pipeline construction process, the importance of planning vs. correction, and how to navigate the difficulties associated with constructing pipelines in different geographic regions. - Access the episode show notes and transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

Alan Mayberry, the Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety with PHMSA, talks to Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat about the PHMSA rulemaking process. In this episode, you will learn about the PHMSA rulemaking process, why it's important, and how Congress and PHMSA work together to go through the rulemaking process. You will also learn about the stakeholders involved in the process and how to get involved yourself. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Frank Onesto of Burns & McDonnell discussing the effects of alternating currents (AC) on pipelines and why this matters. In this episode, you will learn about the common impacts of AC on pipelines, the benefits of modern pipeline coatings, and the three AC interference mechanisms that you should know about. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Robert Ward and host Russel Treat discussing the latest information and trends around communication systems at the network edge. In this episode, you will learn about the latest industrial communication trends around LTE, PrivateLTE/CBRS, LPWAN's, and more, how SCADA, LPWAN, LoRaWAN, CBRS, LTE, Edge, and Wireless Sensors are evolving with the introduction of new sensor and controller connectivity technology capabilities, and what the future of the pipeline industry looks like when factoring in new approaches to connectivity. - Access show notes, terminology and definitions, and the full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features David Slavin of Burns & McDonnell discussing the fundamental elements of designing pipeline gas metering and regulating stations. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of metering and regulation in aiding the prevention of accidental ruptures, the key components of a metering and regulation station, and how metering and regulation varies between Transmission and Utilities. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Jim Linn of AGA and DNG-ISAC discussing pipeline cybersecurity, analysis, and information sharing. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of cybersecurity for the pipeline industry, how information is gathered to support ISAC, and how the DNG-ISAC determines potential cybersecurity threats. You will also learn about cybersecurity progress made in the industry from several years ago until today. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Lalit Chilana of Burns & McDonnell discussing the fundamental elements of pipeline horizontal directional drilling (HDD). In this episode, you will learn about the history of HDD, why HDD has been utilized more often in recent years, and the risks associated with HDD. You will also learn about the three-step process involved in horizontal directional drilling. - Access show notes and the full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Tod Barker of T.D. Williamson discussing how to use dig feedback to improve your pipeline integrity program. In this episode, you will learn about what dig feedback is, a new technology called Coherent Light Profilometry and how it improves pipe measurement accuracy, and the difference between data gathering and data verification. You will also learn about the benefits of effectively gathering and verifying data from a dig. - Read the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Claudia Farrell of Burns & McDonnell discussing the key factors that go into pipeline routing, permitting, and pre-construction planning. In this episode, you will learn about the processes and planning involved in building a pipeline, typical situations that affect pipeline routing, and the complexity around the pipeline permitting process. You will also learn about what can make the pre-construction process successful versus unsuccessful. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Dr. Jun Zhang, the CEO and founder of Atmos International, discussing her career in pipeline leak detection. In this episode, you will learn about Dr. Zhang's educational background, how she started Atmos International, the challenges she faced when starting a company in the pipeline industry, how leak detection technology has grown over the past 25 years, and her predictions for the future of pipeline leak detection. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guests Claudia Farrell and Rebekah Taylor of Burns & McDonnell discussing the unique history of the pipeline industry through 1937. In this episode, you will learn about how pipelines first came into play, who the major players were early in pipeline history, the introduction of new technology and regulations that affected pipeline expansion, lessons learned from early incidents, and more topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features returning guest John Erickson of the American Public Gas Association (APGA) discussing the lessons learned from gas utility incidents to help support pipeline safety. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of having procedures in place in the event of an accident, how to handle the situation if a gas utility incident occurs, and why you need to equip your team with effective decision-making skills for when the unexpected occurs. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Cheryl Campbell of the Gold Shovel Association discussing damage prevention in the pipeline industry. In this episode, you will learn about the history and importance of damage prevention and how the Gold Shovel Association has worked to prevent damage, to empower field teams to operate safely, and to protect workers and the public. You will also learn about the complexity of damage prevention and the stakeholders involved. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Mary Palkovich of Consumers Energy discussing the importance of the pipeline industry drawing from other industries to embrace a "safe harbor" approach of sharing information in an effort to increase pipeline safety. In this episode, you will learn about the safe harbor constraints in the pipeline industry, how pipeline operators can better share lessons learned to improve pipeline safety, how to improve training through more information sharing, the role of Pipeline SMS driving information-sharing and safe harbor to support safety across the industry, and more important topics. - Access show notes and the full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Jen Holmstadt of WSB discussing the process of evaluating geotechnical hazards in pipelining. In this episode, you will learn about complexity around geohazards in pipelining, geohazard assessment methods, and the importance of predictive methods when analyzing geotechnical hazards. You will also learn about the importance of understanding soil water content and how geohazards vary depending on a pipeline's geographic location. - Access episode show notes and the full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Brian Dresel of Black Hills Energy and Mayra Maese of Energy Worldnet (EWN) discussing how to tailor a pipeline training program to the specific needs and learning styles of pipeline professionals. In this episode, you will learn about the evolution of training in the pipeline industry, the complexity and the steps to take when creating a tailored training program, and the importance of identifying AOCs when tailoring your pipeline training program. You will also learn about the importance of being task-focused as opposed to regulation-focused when working in the control room and the importance of providing hands-on competency in training programs. - Read show notes and the full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features returning guest John Erickson of the American Public Gas Association (APGA) discussing the revisions to API Recommended Practice 1162 and the impact on public awareness. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of public awareness when dealing with pipeline leaks. You will also learn about how technology has affected the forms of communication used to update the public and how technology also contributed to the updates made to the API RP 1162 rule. - Access show notes, definitions, and the full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Coleman Sterling and James Cross of Energy Worldnet (EWN) discussing how the culture is changing in the pipeline industry and the subsequent impact on training. In this episode, you will learn about the evolution of pipeline industry training, achieving efficiencies in training, matching up training with the emotional intelligence of professionals, and the importance of being conceptual in the pipeline industry. You will also learn about the soft skills you need early in your pipeliner career versus the soft skills you need later in your career. - Access show notes and the full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Vicki Knott of Crux OCM discussing the advancement of innovative and cutting-edge automation capabilities in the pipeline control room. In this episode, you will learn about robotic industrial process automation, how this process can be utilized to support control room personnel, and the challenges of bringing this creative new idea to the market. Listen for a fascinating discussion of where technology is heading to support the control room. - Read the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Geoff Isbell and Mayra Maese of Energy Worldnet (EWN) discussing the important elements of pipeline operator qualification and contractor training. In this episode, you will learn about DCA OQIP and key takeaways from the New York State Department of Public Service operator qualifications whitepaper. You will also learn about the ASME B31Q standard and how it relates to OQIP. You will also gain insight into what's coming next for operator qualifications and contractor training in the pipeline industry. - Read show notes and the full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features one of our original guests, Will Gage, returning to the podcast to discuss Management of Change (MOC) in the pipeline control room. In this episode, you will learn about why MOC is different in the control room compared to other groups, the people that should be involved with MOC in the control room, and the importance of teamwork when supporting MOC. You will also learn about the value of automation in the control room, the challenges of ensuring that automation works correctly in the control room, and the importance of having a management system in the control room. - Read show notes and the full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Geoff Isbell and Dr. Matt Joiner of Energy Worldnet (EWN) discussing the value of training that delivers an authentic experience using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). In this episode, you will learn about why you should be interested in the capabilities of VR and AR training in the oil and gas industry, the challenges of using this technology to deliver meaningful training, and how to create training using VR and AR. - Read show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest John Erickson of the American Public Gas Association (APGA) discussing the important elements of Distribution Integrity Management for natural gas with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about the history of integrity management, how transmission integrity management differs from integrity management, and how geocentric data contributes to distribution integrity management. You will also learn about how the computer program SHRIMP helps with risk management. - Read the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features host Russel Treat providing an update from the joint GPAC and LPAC meetings in Washington, D.C. in November. Listen for an update on what was discussed during the meetings, where things stand with the Gas Gathering Rule and other rules moving through the PHMSA rulemaking process, how gas and liquid operators will be affected moving forward, next steps for Pipeline SMS adoption, and more valuable information from the meeting. - Read the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

The Pipeliners Podcast is honored to speak with PHMSA Administrator Howard "Skip" Elliott about his role as a President-appointee overseeing pipeline safety at the federal level. In this conversation with host Russel Treat, you will learn about the role of PHMSA in the federal government, what is required to close the small gap in pipeline safety to reach the industry goal of zero incidents, the circle of how technology, standards, and rulemaking interact, and the opportunity for advanced pipeline safety testing programs at the Transportation Technology Center. We encourage you to listen to this informative episode and share the podcast with other pipeline professionals that are interested in growing their capabilities to drive toward zero incidents. - Read the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Sean Donegan and Allan Adams of Satelytics discussing the specific application of using satellite imagery to perform leak detection on an entire basin. In this episode, you will learn about why the Satelytics data engine was formed, the future of data collection technology and why the algorithm continues to change over time, how Satelytics is working with oil and gas companies to share the cost of data collection, and the importance of cloud computing when collecting data.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Michael Stackhouse discussing crack management as part of an integrity management program. In this episode, you will learn about the history of crack assessment, how to understand the nature of cracks and then developing the appropriate response, how to manage assets so that cracks don't become a problem, and how to address the complex aspects of integrity management to ensure pipeline safety. - Read Full Episode Show Notes and Transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Sean Donegan and Allan Adams of Satelytics discussing the fundamentals of image analysis and the application to the pipeline industry. In this episode, you will learn about the history and development of image analysis, the technical aspects and science behind image analysis, and the importance of using image analysis to support pipeline operations for leak detection, inspection, and corrosion mitigation.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features pipeline historian KC Yost discussing the history of pipeline inspection in the industry. In this episode, you will learn about the interesting back-story of how pipeline inspection started. You'll also learn about how the industry has advanced through a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting the material integrity, having inspectors at each critical stage of the pipeline installation, and having processes to support coating, ditching, welding, and material selection.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest "Mr. Corrosion" Bob Franco of Franco Corrosion Consulting providing an introduction to the science of corrosion in pipelines. In this episode, you will learn about the basics of corrosion, why cathodic protection is essential when dealing with corrosion, the role of pigging when dealing with corrosion, and more valuable topics for all pipeliners.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Justin Shannon of Marathon returning to the podcast to lay out a plan for how to start Risk Management in pipeline operations. In this episode, you will learn about how to start and implement a risk management program, how risk management applies to COVID-19, using risk management to support leak detection, and the framework you should use when developing a risk management program. You will also learn about the math behind risk management.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features the latest in a series of several episodes with Jay Almlie of the EERC and iPIPE consortium hosted by Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about future technology in development today to support the Oil & Gas industry, such as augmented reality for a backhoe operator, artificial intelligence, ground-penetrating radar, and more.

Michael Comstock, the co-founder and Principal of C&M Regulatory Pipeline Consultants, joins Russel Treat to discuss operator qualification in this edition of the Pipeliners Podcast. In this episode, you will learn about the components of operator qualification, the OQ Rule, and how operator qualification applies to contractors. You will also learn about how operator qualification was started after multiple incidents occurred in the 1990s (Bellingham incident and others).

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features the latest in a series of several episodes with Jay Almlie of the EERC and iPIPE consortium hosted by Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about the challenges, successes, and failures Jay has experienced with iPIPE. You will also learn more about what iPIPE members and Jay have learned that they did not anticipate in the beginning of the partnership. Finally, you will learn how iPIPE is helping operators improve operation and safety and what makes iPIPE unique in the pipeline industry.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features regulation expert Keith Coyle returning to the podcast to discuss the new Underground Gas Storage Rule published by PHMSA in January. In this episode, you will learn about what led to the new final rule being passed, important aspects that were included in the rule, the pattern of incident and then regulatory response, state and federal responses to incidents, the gray area of whether natural gas storage facility control rooms are covered by Control Room Management, and more topics related to this rulemaking.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode continues our iPIPE series focusing on the vendor's perspective with John van Pol of Ingu and Sean Donegan of Satelytics, hosted by Russel Treat. In this episode, you will primarily learn about iPIPE how vendors have had success with interesting technologies through iPIPE. You will also learn about the vendor process, what led John and Sean to participate in the iPIPE program, and their advice for gaining support for technologies you believe are valuable to pipelining.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features host Russel Treat giving a shout-out to the listeners! Russel highlights the recent Podcast Listener Survey, talks about what the podcast is doing to improve the weekly show, previews the conferences he will be attending this spring, and recaps the overall value of the podcast to listeners.