Pipeliners Podcast

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.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode continues our iPIPE series focusing on the operator's perspective with Brian Epperson of Hess and Greg Tilley of DCP Midstream, hosted by Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about two operators' perspectives of iPIPE, why Brian and Greg's companies decided to partner with iPIPE, and how iPIPE has helped benefit their companies.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features the return of Dan Nagala to discuss what the new Data Acquisition of SCADA looks like in pipeline operations. In this episode, you will learn about where data communications in SCADA is headed for pipeline operators, the history of data communications, and Dan's technology predictions for the next five years.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features the second of several episodes with Jay Almlie of the EERC and iPIPE consortium hosted by Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about what technologies iPIPE chooses to invest their time, energy, money, and effort into proving out. You will also learn what a tech pitch is (like Shark Tank) and what the process entails for a technology provider to work with iPIPE.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Steve Allen of ENERGY worldnet, Inc. (EWN) discussing Pipeline Safety Management Systems (Pipeline SMS) from the perspective of how to achieve stakeholder collaboration. In this episode, you will learn about the stakeholders in pipeline safety, the most important industry initiatives such as API RP 1173, and the relationship of risk management to pipeline SMS.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features the first of several episodes with Jay Almlie of the EERC and iPIPE consortium hosted by Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about the iPIPE program, how the consortium started, the connection to the EERC and North Dakota governor, how a pipeline operator can think outside the box for AI, big data, and augmented reality, and more important topics introducing this series.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Steve Allen of ENERGY worldnet, Inc. (EWN) discussing pipeline safety from the perspective of a state regulator with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about the difference in jurisdictions between PHMSA and state regulators, the growing need for pipeline safety management systems at the state level, the importance of communication between state regulators and pipeline operators not just during the audit, and more important topics for operators.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features SCADA and IT guru William Gage returning to the podcast to discuss the recent introduction of 5G technology to enhance data communications. In this episode, you will learn about different standards of WiFi and the evolution of 5G technology. You will also learn about different types of networks, what type of locations they work best at, and how the oil and gas industry is using the latest technology to support data communications.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features cybersecurity expert Pascal Ackerman of ThreatGEN discussing security monitoring and incident response relevant to the pipeline industry. In this episode, you will learn about the WannaCry ransomware attack, how to use tools to help prevent viruses in your network, the importance of getting the architecture right and maintaining that architecture over time, and more topics.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Sam Acheson of PODS continuing the conversation about how the Pipeline Open Data Standard supports pipeline integrity and risk management. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of using technology such as GIS to support integrity management, how to collect and organize location-centric data in a system, the difference between qualitative and quantitative risk assessment, and more. Plus, hear about exciting, futuristic technology that is in the works to support inline inspection.

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.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features pipeline control room expert Charles Alday discussing the important elements of Workload Analysis and how to perform a workload assessment. In this episode, you will learn about the various methods used to analyze workload and fatigue, how to set benchmarks and use data to analyze objective and subjective factors, and how to blend software with human analysis of workload to ensure pipeline safety. Also, the episode concludes with important information for pipeline operators and control room managers on PHMSA performing audits in 2020. Find out when your operation can expect an audit.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Jackie Smith and Sam Acheson of PODS discussing how the Pipeline Open Data Standard supports pipeline integrity management. In this episode, you will learn how PODS can help pipeline operators comply with the Mega Rule, the benefits of using PODS resources in your operation, and how the Deming Method can be utilized to support total quality management and continuous improvement.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Doug Rothenberg, a pipeline alarm management expert, discussing the importance of situation management. In this episode, you will learn about situation management, how to improve situation management in your control room through Rothenburg's book, "Situation Management for Process Control," and the importance of understanding weak signals as a tool for situation awareness.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Greg Harpster of the LPG Charity Fund talking to Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat about how the charity supports oil and gas professionals during time of need. In this episode, you will learn about the LPG Charity Fund, the LPG industry, and the impact the LPG Charity Fund has made on the oil and gas community.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features Jackie Smith and Christopher Moravec of PODS discussing the technical aspects of the Pipeline Open Data Standard. In this episode, you will learn the importance of the PODS organization to the oil and gas industry, what to expect with the upcoming release of PODS 7, the importance of a common data modeling system, and the implications of the new PHMSA safety rules.

This week's Pipeliners Podcast episode features returning guest Stuart Saulters for a discussion about gas appliances and gas appliance standards with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn more about Stuart's move to the American Public Gas Association and what his position entails, the entities APGA serves, and the importance of gas appliance standards from the perspective of a pipeline professional.