Technology/R&D
T.D. Williamson Introduces Spiral Magnetic Flux Leakage Inspection Tool
T.D. Williamson, Inc. (TDW) recently announced the debut of its patent-pending spiral magnetic flux leakage (SMFL) inspection tool.
Gas Advocates Step Back, Look Forward
The Gas Technology Institute (GTI) holds an unusual position in the natural gas industry: although it is a nonprofit, its business plan is based around an intense focus on the market. And although it advocates for natural gas, it’s looking for long-term innovation, not short-term politics.
Pig Trap Design And Assessment Considerations
A pig trap must be designed to match the pipeline section design specifications. The mechanical design characteristics of the pig trap should meet or exceed the design pressure, have the same design factor, have compatible material type, be designed using the same design code and be suitable for the same temperature range as the pipeline section that it serves.
GTI Mourns the Passing of Bernie Lee
The Gas Technology Institute (GTI) notes with deep sadness the loss of one of its legacy leaders, Dr. Bernard S. “Bernie” Lee, who passed away on November 7, 2010.
Whats New In Valves And Valve Operators
Valves and valve operators from Cameron Valves & Management, Flowserve Corp., Dresser, Inc., US Valve Services and Training, Rupture Pin Technology, AnTech Ltd., R.W. Lyall and Polytec Co., Dresser’s Mooney, Flowserve Nordstrom, Leser, LLC, Siemens, Specialty Maintenance Products and CECO.
GTI and Zeus Development Publish New Encyclopedia of World LNG Industry
Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and Zeus Development Corporation have published the fifth edition of the World LNG Source Book, the most comprehensive report on global LNG facilities. This resource provides detailed information on more than 125 LNG baseload export and import terminals worldwide, including those that are operating and under construction.
Polyurethane And Pipeline Pigs Make A Perfect Match
Pigs have been squealing in pipelines for decades. A lot has changed, however, since the first modern-day pipeline pigs were introduced in the early 1940s. Many would cite the development in recent years of smart pigs, also called inline inspection (ILI) tools, as the biggest change. These pigs, which use sensors and computers to accurately inspect and analyze pipeline conditions and problems, do represent a vital improvement in the technology.
PPSA Celebrates 20th Anniversary
In 2010, the Pigging Products & Services Association (PPSA) celebrates its 20th anniversary. Based in the UK, PPSA was founded in 1990 to promote the knowledge of pigging and its related products and services by providing a channel of communication between the members themselves and with users and other interested parties. Its members are comprised of companies that manufacture or market pigging products or services, companies connected with the industry or individuals with an interest pigging products or services.
Multi-diameter Inline Tool Inspects The Previously Unpiggable
Around the world, almost 30% of oil and gas transmission pipelines are not suitable for inspection using conventional inline inspection (ILI) tools. In fact, many of these lines were built before intelligent pigging had even been invented. The challenges facing “unpiggable” pipelines are often associated with reduced bore valves, miter bends or changes in diameter. PII Pipeline Solutions has identified this as an opportunity to combine its pipeline inspection experience with the requirement of pipeline operating companies to develop technologies to inspect these challenging pipelines.
Inertial ILI Results Guide Repair And Risk-Based Mitigation Decisions
An intelligent inline inspection run including XYZ mapping provides valuable input in various assessment methodologies and the automated integration of the accurate pipeline centerline with its physical properties into a central pipeline integrity management software allows for a cost-effective and time-saving enhancement of the accuracy and reliability of the assessments results.
High Precision With Ultrasonic Pigging
Being subject to appropriate inspections, pipelines and piping/pipework offer an almost unlimited service life. Strength and actual service capabilities must be assessed at regular intervals. Especially for thin-walled pipes made of high-strength steel, it is of particular importance to conduct regular inspections and examinations to detect any flaws and defects before they actually start to cause problems. Here, ultrasonic and magnetic flux leakage (MFL) pigs have been established as proven and suitable tools for inspection applications.
Valve Makers Say Decline Of Last Year Expected To Reverse
After a 5% decline in 2009, the valve industry appears to have stabilized and will probably see some minor growth this year, according to a new report from the Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA).
PII Pipeline Solutions Opens New Pipeline Inspection Facility in Calgary
PII Pipeline Solutions, a GE Oil & Gas and Al Shaheen joint venture, marked the official opening of a new state-of-the-art services facility in Calgary on May 20. The facility is aimed to support North America’s oil and gas infrastructure with advanced pipeline inspection technology and services, and will specialize in pipeline crack analysis, serving Canadian, U.S. and European pipeline operators.
Gas Pipeline Construction Relied Heavily On HDD To Minimize Environmental Impacts
The recently completed Line 108 Replacement Project, an 11 mile long natural gas pipeline for Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) in northern California, featured the use of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) for portions of the pipeline installation beneath two rivers and two extremely sensitive natural areas.
Natural Gas Advancements For Industrial Customers
Outsourcing of jobs. Plants moving offshore. U.S. industrial manufacturing has seen tough times in recent years - and natural gas has been part of that journey. The U.S. economy, however, remains undergirded by a highly productive and continually changing manufacturing sector.
ROSEN Displays Pigging Tech at Houston Conference
ROSEN USA revealed its latest inline inspection technologies during an exclusive viewing party at the Pipeline Pigging and Integrity Management Conference held in Houston, Texas.
Crossing For 320-Mile CO2 Pipeline Challenges New HDD Company And Crew
Starting a new horizontal directional drilling company in the current economic conditions can be challenging, but John Dagenhart has seen the ups and downs of this industry during his 18-year career in the trenchless industry and is using this experience to help guide his newly formed company.
GTI releases primer on transporting biogas via pipeline network
Gas Technology Institute (GTI) has made publicly available a set of reports titled “<a href="http://www.gastechnology.org/webroot/app/xn/xd.aspx?it=enweb&xd=1ResearchCap/1_4EnvironSci/DairyWasteBiomethane.xml" title="Go to gastechnology.com to view the report">Pipeline Quality Biomethane: North American Guidance Document for Interchangeability of Dairy Waste Derived Biomethane</a>.”
What's New In Pigs and Pigging
Advances in pigs and pigging from Enduro, BJB Company, Pipeline Inspection Company, GE Oil & Gas PII, ROSEN, Inline Services and Pipeline Cleaners.
What's New: Valves and Valve Operators
Structural Integrity Associates and New Century Software, Pipe and Valve Technology Institute, Victaulic, Elster Perfection, Rotork, Metso Automation, Tyco Flow Control, Siemens Energy & Automation, WhiteStar Corp., Tinker & Rasor, ViaData LP, Emerson Process Management, Sensus, Pietro Fiorentini and TechCorr.
November Newsreel: Gazprom launches business in North America; Quanta acquires Price Gregory and more
<a href="http://pipelineandgasjournal.com/november-newsreel-gazprom-launches-business-north-america-quanta-acquires-price-gregory-and-more#gazprom">Gazprom Marketing & Trading Launches North American Natural Gas Business</a> <a href="http://pipelineandgasjournal.com/november-newsreel-gazprom-launches-business-north-america-quanta-acquires-price-gregory-and-more#quanta">Quanta Finalizes Price Gregory Acquisition; Forms New Natural Gas And Pipeline Division</a> <a href="http://pipelineandgasjournal.com/november-newsreel-gazprom-launches-business-north-america-quanta-acquires-price-gregory-and-more?page=2#bayou">Bayou Companies Acquiring Garneau Assets In Canada</a>
Pipeline Pigging And Cleaning: What Do We Really Know About It? Part 2
There are two types of pipeline cleaning programs available. One type is referred to as mechanical cleaning (the running of mechanical pigs dry) and is the answer most mentioned when asked, “Do you clean your pipelines?”
American Gas Foundation Releases Study on Natural Gas End Use Technologies
According to a new study released by the AGF, technological advancements in end use applications will position natural gas to remain a key component in an energy efficient future in the United States.
GTI Awarded Nearly $4 Million for California Energy Research and Development
The California Energy Commission has awarded nearly $4 million to the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) to research ways to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions in residential buildings.
TDW Offshore Services AS To Provide Pipeline Services For Sarawak Shell Berhad
TDW Offshore Services AS announced Sept. 8 that it has entered into a frame agreement with Amserve Engineering to provide pipeline services on behalf of Sarawak Shell Berhad in Malaysia.
What Do We Really Know About Pipeline Pigging And Cleaning?
Pigging technology today has been advancing exponentially, and what we mean by technology is not so much the hardware side but the application.
Michels Completes Crucial Water Crossings On Rex Pipeline Project
It may not be the largest or most extensive pipeline project out there, but according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Kinder-Morgan’s Rockies Express (REX) Pipeline is the largest currently under construction and members of the Commission have unofficially dubbed it, “The King of Pipelines.”
AGA, GTI Report More Direct Use of Natural Gas Will Cut Costs, Emissions
A recent study by the Gas Technology Institute reports the increased “direct use” of natural gas in homes and businesses will reduce energy consumption, consumer energy costs and national CO2 emissions.
Soft-Landing Semi-Active Valve For Reciprocating Compressors Inspires Confidence During Field Tests
Ongoing field testing of a semi-active valve (SAV) concept on a BP natural gas gathering facility reciprocating compressor through Oct. 3, 2008, demonstrated that the concept is practical and can significantly extend compressor valve life. Specifically, the field tests showed:
Michels Corporation: Making History For 50 Years
The Michels Corporation is celebrating its 50th year in business in 2009, marking its evolution from a small contractor specializing in gas pipeline construction to one of North America's largest, multi-division utility contractors.
- Enbridge Plans 86-Mile Pipeline Expansion, Bringing 850 Workers to Northern B.C.
- Intensity, Rainbow Energy to Build 344-Mile Gas Pipeline Across North Dakota
- U.S. Moves to Block Enterprise Products’ Exports to China Over Security Risk
- 208-Mile Mississippi-to-Alabama Gas Pipeline Moves Into FERC Review
- Court Ruling Allows MVP’s $500 Million Southgate Pipeline Extension to Proceed
- U.S. Pipeline Expansion to Add 99 Bcf/d, Mostly for LNG Export, Report Finds
- A Systematic Approach To Ensuring Pipeline Integrity
- 275-Mile Texas-to-Oklahoma Gas Pipeline Enters Open Season
- LNG Canada Start-Up Fails to Lift Gas Prices Amid Supply Glut
- Kinder Morgan Gas Volumes Climb as Power, LNG Demand Boost Pipeline Business
