Pipeliners Podcast

In this week's Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes first-time guest Sindee Lee (S.L.) Gillespie to discuss the interesting and unique world of protective coatings serving numerous industries, including pipelines. Sindee Lee explains how she got into the business, starting her company (G.O.A. Enterprises), and how the coating business has changed over time. She also discusses the environmental concerns surrounding different types of coatings, serving the unique needs of her clients, and how to solve the issue of trying to coat in wet or humid conditions. It's a fascinating conversation with plenty of new information for listeners.

In this week's Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes back SCADA and cybersecurity expert William Gage to discuss how to maximize your Operations Technology (OT) capabilities in pipeline systems. William shares his insight on the difference between IT and OT, the role of cybersecurity in OT systems, the importance of risk management, and more valuable topics. The conversation also focuses on how to bridge the gap in communication between the IT and OT sides to create a common understanding.

In this week's Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes back cybersecurity expert Clint Bodungen to discuss the importance of IT & OT convergence to support risk management in pipeline operations. Listen to this episode to learn about how technology is enabling IT and OT to bridge gaps to manage risk, the differences between the cybersecurity needs for IT and OT, the role of CISOs providing executive level oversight for both IT and OT, and the role of compliance for both sides of the equation. Ultimately, listen for an epiphany about the root cause of the differences between the IT and OT sides that could help solve this issue for companies.

In this week's Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes back Ross Adams of EnerSys Corp. to discuss the important elements of preparing for a PHMSA control room audit. The conversation is based on many discussions at industry conferences this year, where pipeline operators, control room managers, and other personnel have shared lessons learned on how to achieve compliance, improve efficiency, and utilize software to prepare for an audit. Listen for three key takeaways to directly apply to your operation and why you should start implementing new processes right away.

In this week's Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes back IT and OT professional Nicholas Guinn to discuss the importance of change management in pipeline operations. The conversation focuses on the tug-and-pull between operations and IT, especially in the areas of software implementation and updates, cybersecurity, and field communications. Russel and Nicholas provide actionable information for pipeliners who need to think about their systems and processes to maintain the integrity of their operation. Listen to this episode to gain valuable insight.

In this edition of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat provides an in-depth recap of the 2018 ASGMT School in Houston, Texas. The first half of the episode focuses on the new and emerging technology in the market to support more accurate and efficient measurement of natural gas. The second half of the episode focuses on the new BLM Onshore Order and the concerns raised by operators. Included is a big update from Russel on the timing of when rules will be enforced, which rules are in the process of being re-written, and what operators can expect in the coming years.

The Pipeliners Podcast welcomes new guest Stuart Saulters, a policy advisor for API, to discuss what goes into the API policymaking process. In this episode, you will learn about the three primary roles of API to develop standards and recommended practices for pipeline operations, working with policymakers to advocate for pipeline support, and educating the general public about the oil and gas industry. You'll even pick up a civics lesson on the role of the various government branches as it relates to regulating pipeline activity in America. Listen to this episode to gain unique insight into the regulatory process and how you can play an important role in addressing misconceptions.

The Pipeliners Podcast is completing a series on inline inspection with Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation. In this final episode of the series, host Russel Treat and Mr. Lamontagne discuss current and future technology used for ILI. Mr. Lamontagne provides his perspective on the current tools available for ILI, how to use these tools effectively, and where the technology is going to enhance the reliability of inspection. You will also learn about the technology coming down the pipe in the next two decades that could drastically improve inspection.

The Pipeliners Podcast is continuing a series on inline inspection (ILI) with Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation. In this episode, host Russel Treat and Mr. Lamontagne discuss data. Specifically, what should operators do with all of the data they're collecting? Mr. Lamontagne provides his perspective on data integration, what to look for in the data as it pertains to the condition of pipes in the field, the importance of using visualization and mapping to enhance your view of data, and other tools that can help you process the data to make informed decisions and reduce risk.

In a packed and highly-informative edition of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat welcomes fellow podcasters Mark LaCour and Patrick Pistor to discuss the latest oil & gas and pipeline safety trends. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of culture in an organization, how companies are focusing more on safety to achieve zero incidents, how training is changing to help a younger workforce get up-to-speed on best practices, the future of pipeline safety technology, and more important topics for pipeliners.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes first-time guest Jeremy Groover of Industrial Degauss to discuss the technology behind demagnetizing pipe for welding purposes. In this episode, you will learn about why pipes need to be demagnetized, the connection to inline inspection (ILI), and how to demagnetize pipe. Jeremy also takes listeners inside the process of demagnetizing pipe quickly and efficiently, which alleviates the headache of costly downtime.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes new guest Stephen Sponseller from PTC to discuss the important topic of SCADA communications software and where the technology is going. In this episode, you will learn about edge computing and the importance of capturing data for real-time analysis, how the devices used in the field continue to change and improve because of new technology, and the next big change in the next 3-10 years using AI. "I think three years from now, we're going to see this whole thing about edge computing beginning to proliferate, and it's going to change the way people think about how they build up their automation, communications, and control systems. I think the first earthquake is in the very near term."

The Pipeliners Podcast is continuing a series on inline inspection (ILI) with Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation. In this episode, host Russel Treat and Mr. Lamontagne discuss the important roles of geometry and mapping for inline inspection. In this episode, you will learn about the caliper and geometry tools used for inline inspection, why it's important to have accurate maps to track the movement of a pipeline due to changes in the environment, why highly-trained people are critical to process the data produced by these tools, and more. Stay tuned for more episodes in this inline inspection series covering corrosion, cracks, deformation, and the data that is used in inline inspection.

The Pipeliners Podcast is continuing a series on inline inspection (ILI) with Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation. In this episode, host Russel Treat and Mr. Lamontagne discuss the use of ultrasonics for inline inspection. In this episode, you will learn about the use of ultrasonic tools to capture information about corrosion and cracking, the advantages of using ultrasonic compared to MFL for inline inspection, the technology available for ultrasonic ILI, and more. Stay tuned for more episodes in this inline inspection series covering corrosion, cracks, deformation, and the data that is used in inline inspection.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat welcomes back measurement expert Ardis Bartle to discuss the Bureau of Land Management Onshore Order, which governs measurement for producing properties on the land managed or owned by the BLM a/k/a the U.S. government. Why should pipeliners care about the new BLM onshore order? Listen to this important episode to understand the implications for the pipeline industry, the latest rules in-play, and how politics influenced the new BLM order.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat welcomes back Giancarlo Milano of Atmos International to discuss the critical topic of simulators for pipeline training. The discussion focuses on three types of trainers typically used to support pipeline operations, the methods used to build up competency and measure the competency of a controller or operator, the importance of being able to interact with the SCADA and HMI, and more valuable training-related topics.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat flies solo in this episode with a recap of the important information and developments from the 2018 AGA Operations Conference held in Washington, D.C. In this episode, you will learn about the primary conversations during the conference including cybersecurity and its impact on gas control, the latest on NTSB's involvement in pipeline incident investigations, updates to the PHMSA regulatory rulemaking process, advanced pipeline safety requirements at the state level, and training topics for the workforce of the future. Russel Treat also reacts to PHMSA administrator Skip Elliott's recent testimony and hearing before the U.S. Congress and the subsequent rules that will be implemented in 2019 and 2020. This is a very informative episode about the state of the pipeline industry at the mid-way point of 2018.

Russel Treat is pleased to welcome back measurement advocate and industry consultant Ardis Bartle to the Pipeliners Podcast to discuss the latest trends in measurement training. The episode is based on the whitepaper on trends in training that Ardis presented at the AGA Operations Conference in June. Ardis discusses her research on where measurement technicians are learning their trade, why failures happen in the field, the importance of creating clarity about measurement in the industry, and how accurate measurement can achieve cost savings and compliance. Download this episode to get unique insight from Ardis on the measurement aspect of pipeline operations to increase your knowledge and awareness of the latest trends.

The Pipeliners Podcast is kicking off a new series on inline inspection (ILI) with Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation. Host Russel Treat and Mr. Lamontagne begin the series discussing magnetic flux leakage (MFL) technology. In this episode, you will learn about the value of MFL as the workhorse of inline inspection, how MFL can help discover metal loss, and the limitations of this technology. Stay tuned for more episodes in this inline inspection series covering corrosion, cracks, deformation, and the data that is used in inline inspection.

The Pipeliners Podcast is excited to deliver a series of episodes with Giancarlo Milano of Atmos International. In this fifth and final episode of the series on leak detection, Russel Treat and Giancarlo reverse roles with Giancarlo interviewing Russel about leak alarm response. In this episode, you will learn about the technological side of setting up leak alarms in the SCADA system, the importance of training controllers to respond to alarms, how software can reduce false alarms, and other important topics driving toward the ultimate goal of helping controllers achieve situational awareness. To listen to the full series of episodes on leak detection with Russel Treat and Giancarlo Milano, visit this page for all of Giancarlo's appearances on the Pipeliners Podcast.

The Pipeliners Podcast is excited to deliver a series of episodes with Giancarlo Milano of Atmos International. In this fourth episode of the series on leak detection, Russel Treat and Giancarlo discuss rupture detection. In this episode, you will learn what type of leak classifies as a rupture, the importance of your systems and measurements to provide visibility and alarming if a leak reaches the level of a rupture, how to properly address a rupture in a complex system, and other key topics related to pipeline ruptures. In the next episode of the series, Russel and Giancarlo will complete this series on leak detection by discussing leak alarm response and training.

The Pipeliners Podcast is excited to deliver a series of episodes with Giancarlo Milano of Atmos International. In this third episode of the series on leak detection, Russel Treat and Giancarlo discuss Negative Pressure Wave technology. In this episode, you will learn how this technology is used to determine whether there is a leak in a pipeline, when and where this technology is helpful in specific environments to protect high-consequence areas, and how this technology allows you to conduct leak detection without a metering requirement. In the next episode of the series, Russel and Giancarlo will extend the conversation beyond leak detection to rupture detection and the important considerations required in those circumstances.

The Pipeliners Podcast is excited to deliver a series of episodes with Giancarlo Milano of Atmos International. In the second episode of the series on leak detection, Russel Treat and Giancarlo discuss the statistical volume balance model for leak detection. In this episode, you will learn how the SVB model uses statistics to calculate the probability of a leak in a pipeline using key factors. You will also learn about the importance of the Sequential Probability Ratio Test to deliver the calculation necessary for this model. Is this an ideal model for pipeliners? Listen to find out. In the next episode of the series, Russel and Giancarlo will discuss the difference between leak detection and rupture detection, including the role of Negative Pressure Wave technology.

The Pipeliners Podcast is excited to kick off a series of episodes with Giancarlo Milano of Atmos International. In the first episode of the series on leak detection, Russel Treat and Giancarlo discuss the real-time transient model for leak detection. In this episode, you will learn about the technical details of leak detection, the latest technology that supports RTTM, and the resources that help pipeline operators implement, maintain, and diagnose using the real-time transient model. In the next episode of the series, Russel and Giancarlo will discuss the statistical volume balance model as a leak detection approach and how it differs from RTTM.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat provides a recap of the API Pipeline Conference and Cybernetics Symposium. Listen to Russel share his perspective on the various sessions and conversations related to pipeline safety and compliance. Also, Russel provides an important report on the regulations and recommended practices that were discussed at the conference. Pipeline operators can learn more about what is currently in place, what was tabled, and what is coming down the pipe later this year.

Industrial Cybersecurity expert Clint Bodungen returns to the Pipeliners Podcast to discuss an important trend for pipeline safety and training: the gamification of cybersecurity. In this episode, you will learn about Clint's new product designed to enhance the training capabilities in pipeline operations and other relevant industries. Russel and Clint will walk through pipeline incidents and events in a simulated environment to get an idea of this futuristic technology that is designed to help prevent future incidents. This episode is an insightful and compelling resource for control room team training, pipeline security threat awareness, and even for gamers who want to know about the latest technology using virtual reality (VR).

Team Training is a hot topic in the pipeline industry following the latest regulatory requirement issued by PHMSA for control room management. In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, learn from an industry veteran of more than 50 years, Charles Alday, who shares his knowledge of team training, roles and responsibilities, and unique training methods. You will also learn about the importance of the most basic communication in a pipeline operation to ensure clarity and understanding. This is especially important for situations when individuals who do not interact regularly could be called to work together during an abnormal operating condition.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Russel Treat welcomes the president of the Texas Pipeline Association, Thure (pronounced "Tur-ee") Cannon, to discuss pipeline regulations at the state level. You will learn about the differences between pipeline regulation at the state versus federal level, how Texans uniquely manage intrastate pipeline activity, and the latest research on the economic impact of the oil and gas pipeline industry on the Texas economy. If you are interested in pipeline regulations at the state level and how local communities influence pipeline projects, this is a must-listen episode.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat welcomes Nicholas Guinn of Summit Offshore Systems, Inc. to discuss the importance of IT for SCADA build and the logistics of managing compressors in pipeline operations. You will learn about the importance of understanding who will be using data and how the data will be used in a pipeline operation to define the SCADA system. You will also learn about various options for compressor optimization and how to prepare to adopt futuristic technology that will help operators develop a more robust system to meet future challenges.

Have you considered advocating for the energy and pipeline industries? You don't need an official position or a big title to advocate for smart energy practices in our country. In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, find out how David Holt of the Consumer Energy Alliance works with big players in Washington, D.C., oil and gas companies, and everyday Americans to find energy solutions that work for every community. You will also learn about the importance of educating friends, family, neighbors, and community leaders on supporting the expansion of clean energy capabilities that will reduce emissions and lower energy costs for individual households. Download this informative and important episode today!

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast captures the importance of meter proving to generate accurate measurements from a pipeline and save companies money. To help identify key issues in the field, Russel Treat welcomes industry expert Jane Williams to the podcast to discuss meter proving, the frequency of conducting proving measurements, how to correctly conduct a prove, the different types of meters available to conduct measurement, plus more topics. Download this episode to get a better understanding of how meter proving works and the factors that impact crude oil and natural gas measurement.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Russel Treat welcomes Daniel Nagala of UTSI International Corporation to discuss the latest cybersecurity threats and awareness issues facing the pipeline industry. The conversation focuses on what Mr. Nagala has seen in the field -- both domestically and internationally -- to identify the various challenges facing pipeline operators. Included is how to integrate new system capabilities with legacy systems without exposing operators to security risks. Also included in this episode is a discussion of what was learned from the TRISIS malware attack and how to address vulnerabilities. Download this episode to become more aware of cybersecurity issues facing operators!

How much data is enough? This is a common question when evaluating your data acquisition capabilities and the individual needs of your pipeline operation, particularly when considering the Computational Pipeline Model (CPM) approach to leak detection. However, there is a better question to ask: what am I trying to do, what are the limitations of my SCADA infrastructure and how much data do I need to accomplish each critical function? In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat addresses the importance of knowing what you need the data for so that you can decide whether to gather a high volume of data or more detailed, accurate information from your instruments in order to improve performance of your leak detection system. The episode also covers the critical area of timestamping data so that pipeline controllers can read the data correctly, achieve situational awareness, and react appropriately. If you or your team deals directly with SCADA systems, this episode is for you!

For the first time on the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat dives into the fundamentals of pipeline leak detection with guest Giancarlo Milano of Atmos International. In this episode, you will learn about the fundamentals of leak detection including external and internal prominent approaches to leak detection. Then, Giancarlo walks listeners through various computerized approaches beginning with basic mass balance through to the more complex real-time transient model (RTTM) for leak detection, Statistical Volume Balance, and Negative Pressure Wave. Also, you will learn about the latest leak detection technology that is being used in the field and the importance of adhering to the API 1175 standard. Download this informative episode today!

Russel Treat welcomes guest Ardis Bartle to the Pipeliners Podcast to discuss the importance of measurement standard operating procedures. In this episode, you will learn about field practice, the contracts and standards in the industry that dictate how SOPs should be implemented, managing legacy procedures that are inherited with an acquired company, and how changes to measurement technology affect SOPs. You will also learn about the most important acronyms in measurement standard operating procedures: API, AGA, GPA, and SOX. Listen to the episode to find out more.

For the first time on the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat dives into the topic of measurement analytics. To facilitate the discussion of this important topic affecting the future of the pipeline industry, Bruce Wallace of Peak AI Solutions joins Russel to discuss analytics, Big Data, learning algorithms, and more relevant issues. Listeners will learn about the different schools of thought related to learning algorithms, the importance of a measurement data management system, and how artificial intelligence will affect the future of pipelining as new technology is adopted and implemented.

Before you can take a deep dive into SCADA technology, you need to understand how to simplify the SCADA build. In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Russel Treat and guest Scott Williams review the ins and outs of setting up SCADA systems, getting buy-in from key stakeholders, and cutting off issues in the beginning to prevent headaches later in the process. You will learn that simplifying the SCADA build is about analyzing your available systems, planning the build, communicating in all phases, and making sure teams are on the same page to complete the project.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, you will learn about the important topic of inline pipeline inspection with guest Marc Lamontagne. Included is a discussion of the history of pigging and the three categories of threats to pipeline integrity. You will be in the same position as host Russel Treat walking through the pigging process, what tools are available to identify specific integrity threats, and the difference between axial and circumferential magnetic tools. Finally, the discussion concludes with a focus on the technology to capture data from an inline pipeline inspection. Learn how an active data management program or system can help manage risks, find anomalies, and then take action repairing leaks.

Would you like to know how a DOT-compliant control room is built from scratch? Do you want to understand the latest details of what should be included in a control room to comply with the CRM Rule? In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat welcomes Matt McClure of Oasis Midstream to discuss his experience standing up control rooms. This discussion covers the full spectrum of what goes into a new control room, including furniture, rest areas, SCADA systems, High Performance HMI, and more topics of interest. Russel and Matt also discuss the CRM Rule for control room management, including the considerations that go into training controllers to operate in a pipeline control room, ensuring safety and compliance following the Marshall Incident.

In the first Pipeliners Podcast episode of 2018, host Russel Treat welcomes Ross Adams back to the podcast to discuss the timely topic of control room team training. This episode goes into detail about the new frequently asked questions (FAQs) published by PHMSA at the start of this year. What do the FAQs mean for implementing the latest roles and responsibilities? What do they mean for the team training requirements for the pipeline control room? Also included in this episode is background on what originally led to these addendums to the Control Room Management Rule and why the FAQs are an important resource for control room managers.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat delivers his take on the PHMSA Pipeline Advisory Committee meetings held in December in Washington, D.C. After attending these meetings, Russel relays the information that came out of the discussions, what the conversations were among industry leaders and regulators, and what is coming in the future for pipeliners. Get ahead of the game before the latest changes are implemented by listening to this week's episode!

Do you want to feel instantly smarter? Listen to ICS cybersecurity guru, author, hacker, and educator Clint Bodungen talk to Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat about the latest cybersecurity issues and threats affecting the pipeline industry. Learn about the history of cybersecurity, threats that involve national security, and the rapidly-changing technology that helps assess new and unique threats to know how to react in each situation.

What is a High Performance HMI? Learn about the intricacies of this approach to the control room HMI from Jeremy Coleman of Northwest Natural, including how the high performance HMI delivers enhanced visual information to the control room enabling operators to more rapidly understand the operating condition. In this podcast episode hosted by Russel Treat, you will also learn about the history of the High Performance HMI and the latest technological developments, including how to the High Performance HMI manages the high volume of data available from SCADA.

Russel and William Gage discuss why cybersecurity matters for operators, what good security looks like, and why even places like churches need it.

Russel talks about Control Room Management and PHMSA guidelines with Ross Adams. They look ahead to new developments with PHMSA and what tools exist to help operators meet these requirements. Don't forget to visit the website pipelinerspodcast.com for a chance to win a Yeti tumbler!

Russel and guest Dan Turner talk about the Internet of Things and what it means in a SCADA context. They consider issues with communication and security and look ahead to how technology will change pipeline industries.

Welcome to the Pipeliners Podcast hosted by Russel Treat. This is a podcast for pipeline professionals and Bubba geeks who want to learn more about the world of pipelines.