Pipeliners Podcast

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features Russel Treat and first-time guest Jon Naylor discussing the process of securing pipelines in the field. Listen for the historical and current technology used to secure joints, the different types of methods used, the current testing standards, the importance of the three t's of industrial joint integrity, and more valuable insight.

In the fourth of a series of episodes, Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes Dan Sensel, Jason Dalton, and Kyle Miller from Marathon Pipe Line to discuss the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of leak detection systems. The discussion focuses on specific pipeline situations involving instrumentation, leak detection, optimizing alarms, pressure and metering considerations, the accuracy of measurement equipment, batched products, and more topics. Listen for real-world applications that you can apply to your operation and role to support leak detection, safety, and risk mitigation.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes back pipeline historian KC Yost to discuss an important industry membership group, The Pipeliners Association of Houston. Listen for valuable insight on the formation of the group, the association's mission of knowledge transfer to advance pipeline engineering and operating practices, the growth of the association's scholarship offerings to support aspiring professionals, and more. Whether you live and work in Houston or elsewhere in the U.S., discover how the information in this episode applies to your local region.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat takes you deep into the weeds this week to connect Plato's Allegory of The Cave to the API 1165 industry standard for pipeline control room displays, thanks to insight from pipeline consultant Charles Alday. Listen for the latest information on the expected 2019 update to API 1165, the goal of the update to incorporate the latest technology to help pipeline controllers achieve deeper understanding of what they are seeing, the importance of supporting controllers for abnormal situations, and the latest industry statistics on the sources of abnormal situations.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat hosts an educational and timely episode of the podcast covering natural gas pipelines. Part 1 of the episode focuses on the history of natural gas pipelines in the United States to understand the context of regulations. Part 2 focuses on current rulemaking and proposed changes that will affect pipeliners involved in natural gas gathering, transmission, and distribution. You will also learn about the current focus on pipeline safety, including the five guiding principles adopted by INGAA to support the industry's goal to achieve zero incidents.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes back Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation for an important discussion on pipeline integrity, as it relates to the 2019-2020 NTSB "Most Wanted List." In this episode, you will learn what NTSB is recommending to PHMSA in regards to pipeline inspection, integrity management, and pressure testing. Within these topics, you will learn about very complex issues that are in the early stages of being dropped into a regulatory framework. Listen for what you need to know right now to stay ahead of the curve.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat hosts an informative episode dissecting the new Gas Gathering Rule that is advancing through the PHMSA rulemaking process. Find out what you need to know about the rulemaking timeline, what is covered under the new rule, the types of lines that will be brought under the new rule, the importance of area classification, and the effect of the U.S. government shutdown on the rulemaking process. Also, find valuable links, notes, and resources on the podcast episode page at PipelinersPodcast.com.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat is joined by control room expert Ross Adams of EnerSys Corporation to discuss two important facets of control room management: alarm management and emergency response. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of advancing from alarm rationalization to Alarm Management, establishing clear definitions in the control room to ensure alignment among all personnel, having a plan to mitigate risk in each operating condition, and more. We are also seeking your feedback on this episode. In advance of Russel Treat presenting a whitepaper on this topic at the API Pipeline Conference & Control Room Forum, we are seeking industry input on alarm management and emergency response. After listening to the episode, please contact the show at PipelinersPodcast.com or reach out to Russel Treat on LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/russeltreat) with your input.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat flies solo in this episode discussing the 2019-2020 NTSB "Most Wanted List." Russel dissects the open safety recommendations published by the NTSB, specifically the safety notices for pipeline operators, gas utilities, PHMSA, and vendors. In addition to listening to the podcast, take the time to review the information and resources in the episode show notes at PipelinersPodcast.com and on the NTSB website at NTSB.gov.

In the third of a series of episodes, Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes Dan Sensel, Jason Dalton, and Kyle Miller from Marathon Pipe Line to discuss how relief valves work and best operate in liquid pipelining. You will learn a lot of math in this episode. We hope that you can apply the calculations, processes, and real-world experience relayed by the Marathon trio directly in your role. Also, listen for unique insight on the relief valve technology used right now in the field.

In this week's Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes back cybersecurity expert Clint Bodungen to discuss the latest developments in cybersecurity, specifically cyber vulnerabilities and quantifying risk. You will learn about the CVSS scoring system that Clint's team is building upon to create the IVSS system for comprehensive risk quantification calculation for industrial cybersecurity, how to think about the current industrial standards for cybersecurity, and more critical topics.

In this week's Pipeliners Podcast episode, host Russel Treat reverses roles as the interview subject. Listen to renown broadcaster Jason Spiess of The Crude Life Network interview Russel about the Pipeliners Podcast, the growth of our podcast in its second year, and more interesting tidbits you may not know about!

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat hosts a fascinating, insightful, and educational episode with KC Yost, a third-generation pipeliner who has 100 years of family industry knowledge to draw from. Listen for insight on how the pipeline industry has changed over time, the technology that has sprouted out from experiments and real-world problem-solving, and the futuristic technology could will provide even more value to the industry. You will also hear great anecdotes and stories ranging from the Civil War era to modern-day pipelining that help illustrate the origins and history of the industry.

In the second of a series of episodes, Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes Dan Sensel, Jason Dalton, and Kyle Miller from Marathon Pipe Line for an important discussion of how to manage slack line in a liquid pipeline. In this episode, you will learn about what causes a slack line, the risks associated with a slack line, what should be included in your operations plan to manage a slack line, the impact of a slack line on leak detection, and various calculations to help identify the appropriate steps to take.

The Pipeliners Podcast kicks off 2019 with a very special episode. Russel Treat welcomes Ryan Sitton, a Texas Railroad Commissioner, for the first episode of the new year. In this episode, you will learn about the three primary functions of the railroad commissioners in Texas, how the Railroad Commission acts as an advocate for the oil and gas industry at the state level, the mind-blowing future growth opportunities for production in Texas, and how technology is affecting the law of the land. Listen to this important and encouraging episode for pipeliners, then share the episode with your friends, family, and colleagues in the industry.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat hosts a special Christmas edition of the Pipeliners Podcast. As our Christmas gift to you, we are giving away an iTunes gift card! But, you must be one of the first 25 listeners to correctly answer the trivia question presented in the episode.

The Pipeliners Podcast is honored to welcome Cliff Johnson, the president of the Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI), for a timely and important discussion with host Russel Treat. The discussion centers on how the PRCI has developed a data hub to collect, store, and share information from across the pipeline industry to continue advancing the industry's capabilities and the creation of the PRCI Technology Development Center. You will learn about the work being done to improve safety, increase the use of technology in real-life and real-world settings, and the importance of training the next generation of professionals. Be sure to share this episode with other pipeline professionals who are interested in the present use of technology and data to advance the industry.

In the first of a series of episodes, Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes Dan Sensel, Jason Dalton, and Kyle Miller from Marathon Pipe Line to discuss API 1175 and Leak Detection Program Management. In this episode, you will understand the distinction of API 1175 as a management system practice versus a regulatory requirement, the importance of performing Gap Analysis before implementing API 1175, and the critical step of establishing the right leak detection culture before investing in technology.

The Pipeliners Podcast is continuing a series on pipeline safety management systems (SMS) by welcoming David Murk of API for the first time. Russel Treat and David discuss the formation of RP 1173 that set the standard for pipeline SMS systems, how the RP is scalable and flexible to meet the needs of pipeline operators and midstream companies, the current phase of implementation, and relevant tools to help operators and companies achieve full implementation.

The Pipeliners Podcast welcomes back Jeremy Coleman of Northwest Natural to discuss the challenges of Alarm Management, dating back to the original conceptualization getting the process going. Jeremy and host Russel Treat walk through the timeline of advancing from the concept of Alarm Management to achieving compliance to optimizing Alarm Management for pipeline operations excellence. Included in the discussion are the real-time tools used by controllers in the control room and the post-analytic tools used by management to understand how to modify alarms. Listen for a full discussion of the value provided to each stakeholder in pipeline operations. Plus, listen all the way through for a special challenge from Russel and Jeremy to add to the conversation!

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat hosts the one-year anniversary edition of the podcast reviewing the past year of episodes. Listen for Russel's observations, insights, and takeaways from a full year of podcast episodes with many great guests who appeared on the first year of the show.

The Pipeliners Podcast is pleased to welcome first-time guest Yogi Schulz of Corvelle Consulting to discuss the key elements of a SLMS (Safety and Loss Management System) in Canada. You will learn about the differences between pipeline regulations in the U.S. and Canada, the importance of collecting evidence that supports "assurance" for compliance purposes, and how to determine the appropriate audit support for all size pipeline operations. Listen for valuable insight to apply directly to your role!

The Pipeliners Podcast welcomes API policy advisor Stuart Saulters to discuss the important elements of a pipeline safety management system (Pipeline SMS). In this episode, you will learn about the industry's shift to implementing Pipeline SMS following the pipeline incidents in 2010, how API RP 1173 was created, the importance of changing the culture in pipeline operations to get the most benefit from API 1173, and how to close gaps in your operation.

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.