The first Pipeliners Podcast episode of the new year features host Russel Treat recapping events of the past year and looking ahead to 2022. In this episode, Russel recaps the story of the Pipeliners Podcast from its inception in November 2017 to where it is now continuing to deliver education through conversation to pipeliners on a global basis. You will also learn about the plans for 2022, including the growth of the Pipeline Podcast Network. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Weldon Wright, the General Manager of Gas Certification Institute (GCI), discussing how to improve oil and gas measurement through the use of measurement SOPs and training. In this episode, you will learn about challenges in measurement related to RNG and hydrogen, the importance of measurement SOPs and training to get measurement right, and being aware of how changes to contracts and tariffs affect measurement. As a bonus, Weldon and host Russel Treat discuss the new Oil and Gas Measurement Podcast that will be launching soon on the Pipeline Podcast Network! Listen until the end for a preview of the new podcast hosted by Weldon. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Dr. Jim Oswell of Naviq Consulting discussing the importance of soil mechanics to support pipeline stress analysis. In this episode, you will learn about the benefits and value of understanding soil mechanics from the person who wrote the book on the topic. Dr. Oswell will also discuss the extent to which geotechnical issues are impacting the pipeline industry and how properly understanding soil mechanics can create a better pipeline project. Dr. Oswell and host Russel Treat also discuss how geotechnical input has helped the pipeline industry grow over time. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Floyd Baker of Antea North America discussing the use of digital twins technology in the pipeline industry. In this episode, you will learn about the fundamentals of digital twin technology, how this technology is being deployed throughout the oil and gas industry, how to start utilizing digital twin technology in the pipeline industry, the business case for getting started, and more valuable information around digital twins in pipelining. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Ross Adams of EnerSys Corporation discussing the challenges and opportunities presented in a PHMSA control room audit. In this episode, you will learn about the PHMSA audit process and how to maintain a posture of audit readiness. Russel and Ross also provide specifics on what can and cannot be controlled in an audit, the trend of PHMSA going deeper with their audit questions, the opportunity to utilize tools to streamline the audit, and how interdepartmental collaboration can help. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features several conversations recorded in-person during the AGA 2021 Operations Conference & Biennial Exhibition & Fall Committee Meetings. In this episode, you will hear Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat talk to the following guests in this order: Mike Slusarz of AGA, Alfred Musgrove of Pacific Gas & Electric, Michael Falk of Burns McDonnell, Steve Allen of Energy WorldNet, Anson Wong of Southern California Gas, Christopher De Leon of ADV Integrity, Philip La Sosa of TRC, and Christina Sames of AGA.  Listen for insights from each guest about what they learned during the AGA conference and during the Gas Control committee meetings.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Keith Coyle of Babst Calland returning to the podcast to discuss the timely news of PHMSA publishing the long-awaited final Gas Gathering Rule. In this episode, you will gain insights into what is contained in the final Gas Gathering Rule, including the significant legal deadlines and dates associated with the rule, the categories of gas gathering lines and their diameter limitations, what’s expected of the new classification of Type C and Type R operators, and the new limitations on incidental gathering. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Sheila Howard of P.I. Confluence discussing digitizing public awareness to support Pipeline Safety Management Systems (Pipeline SMS).  In this episode, you will learn about the value and benefits of incorporating a digital public awareness program into your existing program, some examples of how to digitize public awareness so that you can find a starting point in your operation, how digitizing public awareness supports the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle in Pipeline SMS, and more topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Tony Alston of EnerSys Corporation providing insight on how to perform an API 1165 HMI review in alignment with the recommended practice for Pipeline SCADA displays. In this episode, you will learn about the fundamentals of setting up HMI displays for controllers, the importance of performing a review to ensure that controllers can achieve situation awareness in each operating condition, the value of High-Performance HMI supporting pipeline safety and operations activity, and more topics covering pipeline SCADA and HMI. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Scott Williams of EnerSys Corporation returning to the podcast to discuss what you should know about SCADA for pipeline operations when setting up a new system or making a change. In this episode, you will learn about the important components of SCADA that can shape key choices, including reliability, communications, redundancy, data collection, and more. Scott and Russel also expand on the importance of having future-centric systems, how it affects communications and security, and how to understand the differences between SCADA systems and platforms. Scott also highlights SCADA tools to be cautious about and provides recommendations on how to have a properly functioning system between your SCADA engineers and controllers. As an added bonus, this episode is filled with laughter as Scott and Russel recount their past projects and what they’ve learned through the years. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Weldon Wright, the General Manager of Gas Certification Institute (GCI), discussing the importance of the three pillars of measurement to satisfy tariffs, contracts, company policies, and regulations. In this episode, you will learn about the purpose of measurement and the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs), training, and software to support measurement. Weldon also discusses how to establish a solid foundation of measurement in pipeline operations that incorporates the critical human element of measurement. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Keith Coyle and Brianne Kurdock of Babst Calland discussing the PHMSA enforcement process and enforcement actions with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about the legal aspects of PHMSA enforcement and what to expect from an inspection, a violation, and Congress’ newest emergency order tool. Brianne and Keith also discuss common violations they’re tracking and what to look out for regarding your own operation’s compliance with PHMSA regulations. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Matt Brown of Tetra Tech discussing the Pipeline Integrity Management Process with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about the key objectives of the entire pipeline integrity process, being able to identify and prioritize pipeline risks based on the likelihood of an incident times the consequence of an incident, the critical nature of data in Integrity Management, what’s next for Integrity Management to continue supporting pipeline safety, and more topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode is a celebration of the 200th episode of the podcast. Listen to host Russel Treat reflect on reaching this milestone providing education through conversation. Russel will also share shoutouts to listeners and supporters of the podcast, highlight major contributions to the podcast, and make an announcement about a future podcast that will be joining the Pipeline Podcast Network. - Access the full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Michael Stackhouse of Phillips 66 returning to the podcast to discuss the latest industry developments around data sharing to support Integrity Management. In this episode, you will learn about industry collaboration that is currently happening with inline inspection and NDE, how data is being shared across pipeline operators, the real-world tests that are being run at the PRCI testing center, the opportunity for pipeline operators to learn from each other and share data in a collaborative environment, and more Integrity Management topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Jackie Smith of ROSEN discussing how to use GIS to integrate with other available data to support pipeline integrity as operators strive to meet regulatory requirements and safety objectives. In this episode, you will learn how to support an Integrity Management System, how to create and analyze key data, the differences between structured data and unstructured data, the opportunity to use data more effectively to reduce risk and satisfy PHMSA regulations, and more important topics around pipeline data science. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Glenn Kelley of Muddy Boots discussing the opportunity to use a modern software platform to run field operations from your phone. In this episode, you will learn more about the features and functionality of the Muddy Boots all-in-one field operations platform, how the software platform solves common headaches for pipeline operators supporting field operations, the difference between using an all-in-one platform versus multiple applications in the field, and more topics related to optimizing field operations through the use of a field operations software platform. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Christopher De Leon of ROSEN discussing the recent 2021-2022 NTSB Most Wanted List recommendation for pipeline operators to optimize pipeline leak detection. In this episode, you will learn about how to run the right inline inspection tools to detect threats, the importance of having ILI systems and not just tools, how to support the human element of leak detection to drive toward zero incidents, the importance of how you’re collecting and using data to support leak detection, and more important topics for operators to consider. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features PRCI president Cliff Johnson returning to the Pipeliners Podcast to discuss the latest pipeline research projects and PRCI initiatives to advance the industry forward. Listen to this episode to learn more about what PRCI is focusing on, how the new Emerging Fuels Institute is supporting pipeline operators to thrive in the forthcoming hydrogen economy, the various opportunities to advance pipeline leak detection using new methods and technology, what can be done to close the safety gap to reach zero incidents, and more timely topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Mark Wright of ROSEN discussing how to use Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) for MAOP re-confirmation of pipeline assets. In this episode, you will learn about this risk management approach to MAOP re-confirmation, the key differences between ECA and other tests such as hydro tests, the need for better data to support an ECA assessment and similar types of assessments, how ECA can be a catalyst for operators to meet Materials Property Verification requirements, and more topics to help pipeline operators move the needle in MAOP re-confirmation. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Andrew Lu of the American Gas Association (AGA) previewing the 2021 AGA Operations Conference & Biennial Exhibition & Fall Committee Meetings. In this episode, you will learn more about why you should attend the AGA Fall conference this October in Florida, the protocols that AGA is following to consider the health and safety of everyone in attendance, the opportunity to learn from presentations and committee meetings on key natural gas topics, some of the events taking place during the week, and more topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Corey Richards of ROSEN discussing advanced tools available for pipeline operators to manage the unpiggable. In this episode, you will learn about how Inline Inspection capabilities have advanced to run inspection tools through unpiggable pipe, how to overcome ILI issues with older pipe and newer pipe that is unpiggable, things to consider around PHMSA regulations for unpiggable, and more information for pipeline operators to think about in regards to inspecting unpiggable pipe. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Steve Allen of Energy Worldnet (EWN) discussing Pipeline Safety Management Systems (Pipeline SMS) from the perspective of how to utilize cultural surveys to support pipeline safety on the path to zero incidents. In this episode, you will learn about the latest progress using cultural assessments to advance pipeline safety, how to involve contractors in a positive safety culture, the need for cultural surveys to be optimized for pipeline safety information-gathering, how lessons learned from the airline industry can move the needle in pipeline safety improvements, the recommended practices that could be revised in the coming years, and more topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Simon Slater of ROSEN discussing the importance of materials properties verification (MPV) as part of a pipeline operator’s Integrity Management (IM) program. In this episode, you will learn about how MPV fits into the three-legged stool of supporting an operator’s overall IM program, how the manufacturing of pipe has advanced over time, how to determine defects and related issues that affect the integrity of pipe, how to achieve the standard for obtaining traceable, verifiable, and complete (TVC) pipeline records, how to use data in a cost-effective manner to verify the property of pipeline already in the ground, and more important topics to support your operation’s IM program. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Carin Meyer of Atmos International discussing the importance of pipeline operators aligning with API 1130 to create a compliant Leak Detection System. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of advancing beyond just having a computational pipeline monitoring (CPM) system to support leak detection, how to use API 1130 to build a more robust leak detection program that is audit-ready, how to answer the four key questions that API 1130 says that operators need to be able to answer, how external changes are affecting leak detection audits, and more important information for pipeline operators. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Rhett Dotson of ROSEN discussing the important Integrity Management topic of how to manage pipeline geohazard threats. In this episode, you will learn about the different types of geohazard threats, the various tools that are currently being used to support threat detection, what the pipeline industry can learn from the airline industry about achieving incremental pipeline safety improvements, how to better involve pipeline operators in the process of identifying and responding to threats, and more valuable topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Charlene Wright of Wright & Associates discussing how pipeline operators can better manage and utilize contractors to perform regulatory tasks in pipeline operations. In this episode, you will learn more about how to navigate the fine line of providing instruction to contractors that are not employees, how to ensure that contractors will perform their work in accordance with state and federal regulations, the importance of selection, training, and oversight with contractors, the need to optimize recordkeeping to protect your operation, and more topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Ross Adams of EnerSys Corporation explaining what natural compliance is in the pipeline control room. In this episode, you will learn why pipeline operators should strive for natural compliance in the control room, the three systems required to achieve natural compliance (program management, process management, and task execution), why natural compliance is increasingly important during this current period of frequent and thorough PHMSA CRM inspections, how natural compliance is achieved in the context of Alarm Management, and more topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Sheila Howard of P.I. Confluence discussing the important aspects of a Pipeline SMS cultural survey as part of a pipeline operator’s efforts to support stakeholder engagement. In this episode, you will learn about how to structure questions to receive valuable feedback from pipeline personnel, the importance of tracking and acting on responses, the need for top-down buy-in to continue optimizing stakeholder engagement, how to engage additional stakeholders as part of a broader effort to increase pipeline safety, what can be learned from the airline industry’s progress, and more topics. - Access the episode show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Scott Hamilton of Hex Technology discussing bolting lessons learned from the perspective of a “recovering bolting expert.” In this episode, you will learn about bolting vs. welding joints, the standards used in the industry, how to optimize the relationship between engineers and assemblers to improve pipeline manufacturing, the importance of continuous training because technology continues to change, and more important topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Aron Semle of HighByte discussing the application of IIoT, MQTT, Sparkplug B, and the Universal Namespace to the pipeline industry. In this episode, you will learn about the latest IIoT technology available for use in pipeline industry, how IIoT technology is cutting days/weeks/months of effort down to minutes, the capabilities to structure data all the way to remote devices, the importance of the universal namespace to unify real-time data, and many more exciting technological developments that can simplify complex tasks for pipeliners. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Tony Straquadine, the Executive Director of the INGAA Foundation, discussing how the INGAA Foundation is serving the natural gas industry through advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative programs. In this episode, you will learn about the difference between the INGAA Foundation and INGAA, the various programs that INGAA Foundation has worked on and is working on to support the natural gas industry, how the current U.S. government administration is affecting the outlook for the industry, how pipeline professionals can get involved in supporting the industry, and more valuable topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Gary White, former president and CEO of P.I. Confluence, discussing how to implement Pipeline SMS in a way that optimizes stakeholder feedback. This is episode three in a three-part series on the subject of Pipeline SMS. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of starting with your objectives to implement Pipeline SMS, how to build an effective communication information exchange that leads to process improvements, the importance of defining processes as part of process management, and more topics that are valuable for effective implementation of Pipeline SMS. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Rodney Ring of Drone Worx discussing how drones can be used in the pipeline industry to support pipeline patrol. In this episode, you will learn about the latest technological advancements using drones in industrial settings, how drones can be deployed along a pipeline right-of-way, the positive outcomes from using drones to support pipeline patrol, the role of PHMSA approving drones for visual patrol of right-of-ways, what’s next for the technology, and more. - Access the episode show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This is a special edition of the Pipeliners Podcast covering the recent high-profile pipeline cybersecurity incident affecting Colonial Pipeline. In the episode, host Russel Treat is joined by IT and cybersecurity subject matter experts Pascal Ackerman and Clint Bodungen to discuss the latest news reports covering how the threat was launched, the use of ransomware by the adversary, what the bad actors are seeking as part of this event, and what this means for pipeline operators to take the appropriate steps to protect their data and systems.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Keith Coyle of Babst Calland returning to the podcast to provide an update on the latest progress in the PHMSA rulemaking process for the Gas Gathering Rule. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of how gathering lines are defined, the impact of the recently-updated API RP 80 that provides additional guidance on how to define gathering lines, what type of gathering lines need to comply with the PHMSA safety requirements in 49 CFR 192, how the transition to a new administration will impact the timing of the rulemaking being finalized, and more topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Gary White, former president and CEO of P.I. Confluence, discussing how to apply Pipeline SMS in pipeline operations. This is episode two in a three-part series on the subject of Pipeline SMS. In this episode, you will learn about how to implement the Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) cycle, an additional step that operators should take in the PDCA cycle, the importance of reviewing leading and lagging indicators in Pipeline SMS, the need for a mechanism that facilitates the process of checking for understanding, and more timely topics. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Matt Harrison of WellAware discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental social governance (ESG), and asset integrity have been impacted by the use of technology. In this episode, you will learn about how the pandemic accelerated the rate of technology adoption to support remote connectivity in pipeline operations, the dramatic shift to cloud management of data, the role of pipeline control rooms in data optimization, the tremendous opportunity for operators to improve their asset integrity programs, how to use technology to support mission-critical ESG initiative, and more topics. - Access the episode show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Deon Botes of ION PRO Services discussing the fundamentals elements of hot tapping and line stopping. In this episode, you will learn about why pipeline operators utilize hot tapping and line stopping to perform repairs without interrupting the line, the keys to being successful with a very technical engineering and mechanical process, how the process works from beginning to end, the importance of documentation and technology, and more key aspects. - Read the full show notes and episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Gary White, former president and CEO of P.I. Confluence, discussing the fundamentals of process management and pipeline SMS. This is episode one in a three-part series on this subject. In this episode, you will learn how to define process management, the keys to a successful Plan Do Check Act cycle in pipeline operations, why “check” is often overlooked and why this is critical in process management and Pipeline SMS, how to build an effective continuous improvement cycle, the importance of stakeholder communications, and other key aspects. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Mich Hager of K9 Pipe Inspections discussing the unique world of using highly-trained dogs to support leak detection. In this episode, you will learn about why dogs are very effective at detecting leaks in pipelines, the process of using dogs to detect leaks, how long it typically takes dogs to find a leak, the effectiveness of dogs compared to other inline inspection tools, and more interesting information about this opportunity for pipeline operators to enhance their leak detection program. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Debra Phillips of API providing listeners with insight on the recently-introduced API Energy Excellence Program. In this episode, you will learn about the goals of the API Energy Excellence Program, how API utilized the Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS) framework to develop the API Energy Excellence Program, the 13 core elements of the program, how PHMSA is involved from a regulatory perspective, and more topics about this new program. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Keegan Blake of Adelant Energy discussing his role in supporting pipeline personnel with a noise suppression tool for pipeline blowdown. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of noise suppression to protect the health of field personnel, the development of his product that is gaining traction with operators, and other key elements of noise suppression during pipeline blowdown. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Shawn Lyon, president of Marathon Pipe Line, and Carl Weimer, the Special Projects Advisor of the Pipeline Safety Trust, discussing the formation of a new API Recommended Practice covering Pipeline Public Engagement. In this episode, you will learn about the key driver of API 1185 for Pipeline Public Engagement, the goal of the new RP, which entities are involved in the formation of the RP, how this RP fits into the Pipeline SMS framework, the current progress and timeline to introduce a draft of the RP for review, and how the RP can help change the conversation between pipeliners, the public, and concerned entities to find solutions. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Sheila Howard of PI Confluence discussing process management applied to pipeline safety management. In this episode, you will learn about the key differences between processes and procedures, how to optimize the human element of pipeline process quality management, how process quality management can be integrated into day-to-day pipeline activities to ensure that the system and processes are safer, how to establish KPIs as part of a Pipeline SMS program, the future of PSMS to support zero incidents, and more valuable topics. - Access the episode show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Ritch Rappel of Enbridge and Andri Orphanides of API discussing the API 1169 certification program that was created to enhance pipeline construction inspection. In this episode, you will learn about what led to the introduction of API 1169 for inspection certification, the stakeholders that came together to build the framework to support pipeline safety, how attitudes and behaviors have changed over time, how the certification program can help pipeliners advance in their career, and more topics. - Access the episode show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Rick Moncrief of Caiman Energy and Blue Racer Midstream discussing the business of midstream with podcast host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about how E&P and midstream companies play a vital role in the oil and gas value chain, the cyclical nature of the midstream business, the value of partnerships between producers and midstream companies, how measurement plays a significant role in revenue collection, how fees are typically structured, and other valuable information. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features John Hill, the chair of the API Pipeline SMS Industry team, and Colin Frazier, the manager of system programs at API, discussing the creation and formation of API RP 1173 (Pipeline Safety Management Systems) with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about how the Pipeline SMS framework was developed, the foundational 10 elements of the framework, the various starting points for pipeline operators to start their Pipeline SMS journey, the importance of collaboration and peer-to-peer learning to support the industry, and the future of Pipeline SMS. - Access the show notes and full episode transcript at PipelinersPodcast.com.