Operations
New Diagnostics for Flow Meter Intelligence
Emerson launched the latest version of its Smart Meter Verification software for Coriolis and magnetic flow meters.
Fluor Federal Petroleum Streamlines Emergency Response Technology
Fluor Federal Petroleum, the operations and maintenance contractor providing services to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) project, needed to find a way to streamline communications and save time when communicating with their employees, particularly in the event of a workplace emergency.
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.
Pipe Pressure Before Explosions was 12 Times too High
The pressure in natural gas pipelines prior to a series of explosions and fires in Massachusetts last week was 12 times higher than it should have been, according to a letter from the state's U.S. senators to executives of the utility in charge of the pipelines.
Official: Pressure Sensors Focus of Gas Explosions Investigation
The investigation into the Boston-area natural gas explosions is partially focused on pressure sensors that were connected to a gas line that was being taken out of service shortly before the blasts, the head of the National Transportation Safety Board said.
California Jury Finds Plains All American Guilty in Oil Spill Trial
A California state jury found Plains All American Pipeline guilty of criminally fouling state waters or harming wildlife in a 2015 oil spill along the Pacific Coast.
Securing Open SCADA Systems for Pipeline Operations
Traditional SCADA systems used pipeline operational control are vulnerable in at least three main areas: operational information, production data and control logic. The more openly this data flows, the more cost-effectively the plant can be run, so there is much to be gained by securing the data exchange.
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.
NACE President Looks to Bolster Corrosion Education
NACE International’s president for 2018, Jeffrey Didas, discusses corrosion education and other issues of importance to the organization in its 75th anniversary year.
More Skin in the Game: New Technology to Find, Fix Leaks
Technology has not only helped re-energize the natural gas sector of the global energy economy, but also led to safety advancements, such as methane-detection systems continuously monitor and alert operators to a significant leak.
Making Simple Smart and Smart Simple: Cost-Effective, Low-Risk Pipeline Inspection
Three brief case studies highlight the challenge, solution and outcome where innovative pigging solutions have been successfully deployed to meet major offshore operator’s requirements.
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.
Embedding Operating Procedures in Pipeline SCADA
The pipeline SCADA operator has one of the most critical jobs in the industry and should be given all the help available to keep pipelines safe and operational. To this end, more than 25 years ago, a major oil company determined that SCADA-embedded operating procedures and safety features were needed.
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.
Worker Dies from Injuries in West Texas Pipeline Blaze
One worker died after a fire and series of pipeline explosions two days ago in Midland County, Texas, officials said on Friday. The name and age of the worker who died was not provided.
Lotus Midstream to Acquire Centurion Pipeline
Crude oil logistics provider Lotus Midstream entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Centurion pipeline system and a Southeast New Mexico crude oil gathering system from Occidental Petroleum. The transaction is expected to close later in the third quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions.
SoCalGas: Aliso Canyon Leak Costs Exceed $1 Billion
SoCalGas raised the estimated cost for the massive leak at its 2015-2016 Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility in Los Angeles to $1.014 billion, warning the "estimate may rise significantly" due to pending lawsuits, possible fines and other costs.
Texas Investigators Probe Pipeline Blaze that Injured 7
Authorities on Thursday were investigating what caused a fire and series of natural gas pipeline explosions in Midland County, Texas, that sent seven people to hospital and shut down five lines before being extinguished.
Larson Electronics
Larson Electronics released an explosion-proof hydrocarbon gas sensor with a Class I, Division 1 and 2 (Groups B, C, D) rating for combustible environments. The device is used to test and monitor levels of toxic gas in the air.
Polyguard Products
Polyguard Products introduced the RD-6® UVO overcoat, a single component, low VOC UV resistant, water-based liquid coating that protects Polyguard’s RD-6® anti-corrosion coating from damaging UV light rays when used for above-ground pipeline field joint girth welds, valves, fittings, and FBE coated pipe.
Honeywell
Honeywell's hands-free, wearable, connected plant technology features a head-mounted visual display that responds to voice and brings live data, documents, work procedures and health and safety information into view.
Siemens
Siemens has partnered with Newgate Instruments to introduce the JT400 Multivariable Gas Transmitter (MVG), an ultra-low power device custom-tailored for midstream and upstream gas production.
Instrument Simplifies Flow Data Control in Oil and Gas Operations
The Thermo Scientific AutoXP flow computer incorporates the functionality of a smart multi-variable transmitter in a single unit to simplify the generation, management and interpretation gas and liquids flow data in harsh operating environments.
Platform Simulates Pipeline Network
Elsyca V-PIMS is a graphical simulation platform for the integrity management of pipeline networks with respect to external corrosion. The platform simulates and visualizes the CP health status of the entire network based on known design information.
Chinese Pipeline Selects Rotork ELB for Increased Line Break Safety
The Rotork Electronic Line Break (ELB) is a self-contained system that continuously monitors pipeline pressure dynamics to provide early detection of pipeline breaks and initiate automatic valve actuator movement to a pre-selected emergency position.
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.
Seaway Crude Pipeline Loads First VLCC at Texas Marine Terminal
Seaway Crude Pipeline, which owns a pipeline system that transports crude oil from Cushing to the Gulf Coast and a Gulf Coast distribution network, loaded its first very large crude carrier (VLCC) at the company’s marine terminal in Texas City.
‘Cradle-to-Grave’ Documentation Enhances Safety in Pipeline Projects
It’s common practice to identify and log materials when they are delivered by the manufacturer and upon installation in the ground. Two California utilities have developed an approach in which the documentation travels with the materials at all times.
- Trump Aims to Revive 1,200-Mile Keystone XL Pipeline Despite Major Challenges
- Phillips 66 to Shut LA Oil Refinery, Ending Major Gasoline Output Amid Supply Concerns
- FERC Sides with Williams in Texas-Louisiana Pipeline Dispute with Energy Transfer
- Valero Considers All Options, Including Sale, for California Refineries Amid Regulatory Pressure
- U.S. Appeals Court Blocks Kinder Morgan’s Tennessee Pipeline Permits
- U.S. LNG Export Growth Faces Uncertainty as Trump’s Tariff Proposal Looms, Analysts Say
- Marathon Oil to Lay Off Over 500 Texas Workers Ahead of ConocoPhillips Merger
- Valero Considers All Options, Including Sale, for California Refineries Amid Regulatory Pressure
- Another Major U.S. Oil Refinery Shutting Down as Lyondell Confirms Houston Closure
- Chevron CEO Wirth Under Fire as Hess Deal Delay Drags Down Stock Performance
