Maintenance
Feds Open Criminal Probe into Natural Gas Explosions
Federal prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into the natural gas explosions and fires that rocked three communities north of Boston in September.
GE's Avitas Gains First BLVOS Approval after Shell Oil Study
Avitas Systems, a GE venture, received the first civil approval to fly an unmanned aerial vehicle with radar beyond visual line of site (BVLOS) after a successful study with Shell Oil, marking an important step toward long-range pipeline monitoring with drones.
Firefighters Sue SoCal Gas over Aliso Canyon Leak
Firefighters who worked in and around the site of a massive natural gas leak have sued Southern California Gas Co., alleging the utility knowingly let them be exposed to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals.
You Do Leak Detection, but Do You have Breach Detection?
Pipeline companies invest considerable effort preventing, detecting, and responding to leak incidents, but are they investing enough effort preventing, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity incidents? Since, in principle, a cyber-incident could lead to a leak incident, companies should consider breach detection as part of their overall leak prevention program.
Stopping Corrosion Under Insulation in Global Oil and Gas Facilities
Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is the root cause of many of the global petrochemical industry’s most serious problems including forced shutdowns, lost production, early repair and replacement, as well as safety and environmental consequences that can cost millions of dollars per incident.
Controlling and Stopping Flow in Polyethylene (PE) Natural Gas Pipelines
While there are several established ways to control and stop flow in PE pipes, new techniques have emerged and are worth considering. Here are some options and the advantages and disadvantages that should help you in evaluating the best method for your PE pipeline.
Enbridge: Petitions Against Approved Line 3 'Expected'
Line 3 pipeline opponents have petitioned Minnesota to reverse its approval of the replacement project, which Enbridge described as an expected step in the process.
Strategy Shaped by Volatility
Among major supply factors, deferred maintenance continues to challenge global production. Maintenance is especially critical in basins with aging asset infrastructure, as recently evidenced by the crack in the North Sea Forties pipeline.
Composite Sleeves Restore Gas Pipeline Integrity in Gujarat
A recent composite repair carried out in Gujarat, India, illustrates how local installers redressed pipeline damage, rapidly restoring line integrity and delivering a safe and durable solution.
Machinery Torsional Issues in Pipeline Stations
The torsional issues and problems reported for pipeline machineries, such as gas compressor trains and pump trains, can sometimes cause operational problems, even damages or failure.
Leak Detection Going to the Dogs
Dogs can perform a multitude of services including protection, therapy, rescue, and tracking to name a few. They can be trained to detect virtually anything, including pipeline leaks.
Dozens of Gas Blasts Rock Boston Suburbs, Killing at Least 1, Injuring 12
Dozens of explosions, apparently triggered by a natural gas pipeline rupture, rocked three communities near Boston on Thursday, killing at least one person, injuring 12 and prompting the evacuation of hundreds, officials said.
Preparing Pipelines for Successful In-Line Inspection
Gauge pigs provide insight into some conditions inside the pipe, but not all of them. They’re not intended to measure pipeline cleanliness or indicate if debris has built up to the point that it will impair the inspections tool’s data-gathering capabilities.
Pipeline Digs Get Assist From PMO
Performing direct assessments to verify a pipeline’s MAOP is not new, but as federal regulations become more stringent, the volume of digs will increase significantly, and operators need to keep up with the pace.
Introduction to Vibration-Based Leak Detection Technology
There are various technologies available in the market for pipeline leak detection and loss monitoring. While leak detection system cannot reduce the probability of a leak, using the appropriate system for a pipeline can significantly reduce the risk of a leak and rupture.
In-Line Inspection of Low-Pressure, Low-Flow Gas Pipelines
Maintaining control of an In-Line Inspection (ILI) tool’s speed is one of the most critical elements in successfully assessing the condition of a pipeline. Success is defined as receiving an intact tool at the conclusion of the inspection and acquiring data of sufficient quality to achieve the vendor’s sizing and accuracy specifications.
Accessible Pipeline Data Becomes Focal Point of Safety
Many of the world’s most vulnerable pipelines are in developed and municipal areas, where it can be difficult to locate miles of gas pipelines in these regions. And where locations exist, the data may not be in an easily retrievable and shareable format.
Enbridge, Baker Hughes Partner on Enhanced Inspection for Pipeline Safety
Enbridge and G.E. company Baker Hughes launched testing of new, ultrasonic phased array pipeline inspection tool sensors designed to enhance accuracy and identification of crack features and to deliver greater detail on the condition of a pipeline.
Memphis Utility Makes Big Inroads in 30-Year Replacement Plan
As the largest three-service municipal utility in the United States, Memphis Light, Gas and Water faces a myriad of repair and maintenance decisions. Among its chief concerns is the safety of its gas distribution system, particularly the 330 miles of cast-iron gas mains it began replacing in 1992 as part of a $100 million program.
What a Gas Measurement Technician Needs to Know for Success
The position of measurement technician is one of the most important roles in the transmission pipeline operation. This article discusses those requirements and the knowledge and skills that a measurement technician must possess to be successful.
Closer Look at Flammability, Inerting of Complex Hydrocarbon Mixtures
In the lifetime of oil and gas pipelines there are numerous events that could pose the potential of an explosion hazard. In case of air purging, flammable mixtures are created in pipelines in an uncontrolled manner. This article covers basic flammability and inerting principles and applications of mobile nitrogen unit technology has been proven safer than air purging while maintaining high operational flexibility.
Unidirectional Composite Repairs: A One-Way Approach to Failure
Composites can be easily over-summarized, in the same way a layman may state that all pipes are just metal. The author sets the record straight on one common design choice: using unidirectional strands or fabrics.
PPSA/PRCI Host ILI Demonstration for Young Pipeline Professionals
The Pigging Products and Services Association (PPSA) and the Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) hosted a pull through ILI demonstration for Young Pipeline Professionals at the PRCI’s Technology Development Center (TDC) in Houston.
System Repairs Pipe Through Direct Bonding
Milliken Infrastructure Solutions' PolyBrute system is the first structural reinforcing system that can bond directly to polyethylene and polypropylene pipe, while reducing repair time by 50% or more when compared to traditional repair methods.
Australian Pipeline Maintenance Contract Extension Awarded
Comdain Infrastructure has received a contract extension with Australian gas distributor, Multinet Gas. The contract extension, which has an estimated value of more than $300 million and begins July 1, 2017, continues Comdain’s existing position as the preferred service provider in Victoria’s Southe..
- Keystone Oil Pipeline Resumes Operations After Temporary Shutdown
- Freeport LNG Plant Runs Near Zero Consumption for Fifth Day
- Biden Administration Buys Oil for Emergency Reserve Above Target Price
- Mexico Seizes Air Liquide's Hydrogen Plant at Pemex Refinery
- Enbridge to Invest $500 Million in Pipeline Assets, Including Expansion of 850-Mile Gray Oak Pipeline
