This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features host Russel Treat giving a shout-out to the listeners! Russel highlights the recent Podcast Listener Survey, talks about what the podcast is doing to improve the weekly show, previews the conferences he will be attending this spring, and recaps the overall value of the podcast to listeners.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode continues our iPIPE series focusing on the operator’s perspective with Brian Epperson of Hess and Greg Tilley of DCP Midstream, hosted by Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about two operators’ perspectives of iPIPE, why Brian and Greg’s companies decided to partner with iPIPE, and how iPIPE has helped benefit their companies.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features the return of Dan Nagala to discuss what the new Data Acquisition of SCADA looks like in pipeline operations. In this episode, you will learn about where data communications in SCADA is headed for pipeline operators, the history of data communications, and Dan’s technology predictions for the next five years.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features the second of several episodes with Jay Almlie of the EERC and iPIPE consortium hosted by Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about what technologies iPIPE chooses to invest their time, energy, money, and effort into proving out. You will also learn what a tech pitch is (like Shark Tank) and what the process entails for a technology provider to work with iPIPE.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Steve Allen of ENERGY worldnet, Inc. (EWN) discussing Pipeline Safety Management Systems (Pipeline SMS) from the perspective of how to achieve stakeholder collaboration. In this episode, you will learn about the stakeholders in pipeline safety, the most important industry initiatives such as API RP 1173, and the relationship of risk management to pipeline SMS.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features the first of several episodes with Jay Almlie of the EERC and iPIPE consortium hosted by Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about the iPIPE program, how the consortium started, the connection to the EERC and North Dakota governor, how a pipeline operator can think outside the box for AI, big data, and augmented reality, and more important topics introducing this series.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Steve Allen of ENERGY worldnet, Inc. (EWN) discussing pipeline safety from the perspective of a state regulator with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about the difference in jurisdictions between PHMSA and state regulators, the growing need for pipeline safety management systems at the state level, the importance of communication between state regulators and pipeline operators not just during the audit, and more important topics for operators.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features SCADA and IT guru William Gage returning to the podcast to discuss the recent introduction of 5G technology to enhance data communications. In this episode, you will learn about different standards of WiFi and the evolution of 5G technology. You will also learn about different types of networks, what type of locations they work best at, and how the oil and gas industry is using the latest technology to support data communications.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features cybersecurity expert Pascal Ackerman of ThreatGEN discussing security monitoring and incident response relevant to the pipeline industry. In this episode, you will learn about the WannaCry ransomware attack, how to use tools to help prevent viruses in your network, the importance of getting the architecture right and maintaining that architecture over time, and more topics.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Sam Acheson of PODS continuing the conversation about how the Pipeline Open Data Standard supports pipeline integrity and risk management. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of using technology such as GIS to support integrity management, how to collect and organize location-centric data in a system, the difference between qualitative and quantitative risk assessment, and more. Plus, hear about exciting, futuristic technology that is in the works to support inline inspection.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features host Russel Treat providing an update from the joint GPAC and LPAC meetings in Washington, D.C. in November. Listen for an update on what was discussed during the meetings, where things stand with the Gas Gathering Rule and other rules moving through the PHMSA rulemaking process, how gas and liquid operators will be affected moving forward, next steps for Pipeline SMS adoption, and more valuable information from the meeting.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features pipeline control room expert Charles Alday discussing the important elements of Workload Analysis and how to perform a workload assessment. In this episode, you will learn about the various methods used to analyze workload and fatigue, how to set benchmarks and use data to analyze objective and subjective factors, and how to blend software with human analysis of workload to ensure pipeline safety. Also, the episode concludes with important information for pipeline operators and control room managers on PHMSA performing audits in 2020. Find out when your operation can expect an audit.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Jackie Smith and Sam Acheson of PODS discussing how the Pipeline Open Data Standard supports pipeline integrity management. In this episode, you will learn how PODS can help pipeline operators comply with the Mega Rule, the benefits of using PODS resources in your operation, and how the Deming Method can be utilized to support total quality management and continuous improvement.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Doug Rothenberg, a pipeline alarm management expert, discussing the importance of situation management. In this episode, you will learn about situation management, how to improve situation management in your control room through Rothenburg’s book, “Situation Management for Process Control,” and the importance of understanding weak signals as a tool for situation awareness.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Greg Harpster of the LPG Charity Fund talking to Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat about how the charity supports oil and gas professionals during time of need. In this episode, you will learn about the LPG Charity Fund, the LPG industry, and the impact the LPG Charity Fund has made on the oil and gas community.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Jackie Smith and Christopher Moravec of PODS discussing the technical aspects of the Pipeline Open Data Standard. In this episode, you will learn the importance of the PODS organization to the oil and gas industry, what to expect with the upcoming release of PODS 7, the importance of a common data modeling system, and the implications of the new PHMSA safety rules.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features returning guest Stuart Saulters for a discussion about gas appliances and gas appliance standards with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn more about Stuart’s move to the American Public Gas Association and what his position entails, the entities APGA serves, and the importance of gas appliance standards from the perspective of a pipeline professional.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features a timely discussion of the new PHMSA final pipeline safety rules with industry expert Keith Coyle and host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn how the PHMSA rulemaking process works, more about the three new PHMSA rules published to the federal registry in October 2019, and how PHMSA handles emergency orders. You will also learn about the critical difference between MCA and HCA in gas transmission pipelines, plus more details on the timing of pipeline reauthorization heading into the 2020 U.S. election season.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features first-time guest Stephen Swanson discussing process safety management (PSM) and pipeline alarm management with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about the opportunity to integrate process safety management and alarm management, the different needs of PSM and alarm management, the cultural challenges associated with knowledge and process transfer to a new workforce, and more topics.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features pipeline historian KC Yost returning to the podcast for Part 2 of a discussion about the history of the pipeline industry with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about pipeline routing and the history behind it, topography and how it impacts the industry, and KC’s work history with technological advancements in geo mapping. You will also hear about working in the pipeline industry now and how it compares to years past.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Scott Williams of EnerSys Corporation discussing the latest trends in data analytics and edge technology with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about Python, language series, Docker, and more. You will also get a deeper insight into data analytics and how the conversation around edge technology pertains to pipeline operators in the oil and gas industry.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features host Russel Treat providing an update on the Pipeliners Podcast nearing the 100-episode mark. Listen to this episode for updates on the podcast, the podcast’s history, and goals for the future. Also, learn more about the team that helps make this podcast possible and the exciting upcoming topics Russel will be discussing.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features cybersecurity expert Pascal Ackerman of ThreatGEN discussing unique requirements and challenges for pipeline operators with host Russel Treat. In this episode, Pascal explains his professional background and how he got into cybersecurity as a profession. He also explains the difference between traditional cybersecurity and ICS cybersecurity and how ICS cybersecurity directly applies to pipelines. Additionally, Pascall gives advice on building a new network from scratch for pipeline operators and the importance of monitoring, analyzing, and responding to data in cybersecurity. Listen for more information on cybersecurity and pipeline companies.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Bill DeFoor of the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia discussing the PHMSA public awareness rule with Russel Treat. The discussion centers on the PHMSA requirement for effective communication between pipeline operators and stakeholders that include the affected public, emergency officials, local public officials, and excavators. You will also learn about the challenges of meeting the regulatory requirements for audit purposes and the need for regulations to be updated to reflect the latest technology. Listen to this valuable episode to learn more about public awareness for your role in pipeline operations.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features pipeline control room expert Dan Scarberry discussing auditing from the perspective of quality management with host Russel Treat. In this episode, Dan explains his background and work experience leading up to his retirement and the event that triggered the start of control room management. He also talks about his extensive career in control room management. You will also learn more about the evolvement of control room management and how PHMSA has helped control rooms operate more effectively and safely with their audit programs and certifications.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Jackie Smith, president of PODS, discussing the Pipeline Open Data Standard with host Russel Treat. In this episode, you will learn about the PODS Data Model, the role of the PODS association supporting data integrity, how to combine pipeline integrity data with location data and mapping to perform risk analysis, and how to simplify and streamline risk analysis using optimized data. You will also learn more about the background of Jackie Smith and what led her to become involved with PODS. Also, listen to this week’s episode to learn more about how you can become involved with the association!

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Russel Treat and Philip Jones of EnerSys Corporation discussing the fundamentals of High-Performance HMI for the pipeline control room. In this episode, you will learn about the difference between HMI and High-Performance HMI, the importance of keeping things simple in an HMI build, why the perspective of a controller is invaluable for building HMI displays in the control room, and how to ensure the HMI is built to support multiple purposes at the controller level, manager level, and operational level. You will also learn about the upcoming changes to the API 1165 RP for HMI displays and how controller preferences have changed over time. Listen for unique HMI insight to apply to your role in pipeline operations!

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Russel Treat and Philip Jones of EnerSys Corporation discussing the fundamentals of High-Performance HMI for the pipeline control room. In this episode, you will learn about the difference between HMI and High-Performance HMI, the importance of keeping things simple in an HMI build, why the perspective of a controller is invaluable for building HMI displays in the control room, and how to ensure the HMI is built to support multiple purposes at the controller level, manager level, and operational level. You will also learn about the upcoming changes to the API 1165 RP for HMI displays and how controller preferences have changed over time. Listen for unique HMI insight to apply to your role in pipeline operations!

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Russel Treat and Ross Adams of EnerSys Corporation discussing this year’s SGA Natural Gas Connect conference. Ross provides his insight on the critical topics affecting the pipeline control room in 2019. Specifically, how the concept of Change Management is impacting today’s control room, the biggest concerns that are keeping control room managers up at night, and how to really be prepared for a control room audit. Listen for first-hand perspective on the conversations that took place during the SGA conference to gain insight on how to apply this information to control room management or control room support.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Russel Treat and retired Colonel Tom Magness, founder of Eagle’s Leadership, discussing pipeline permitting from a Corp of Engineers' perspective. Listen for how the government decides what projects and permits are in the best interest of the nation and how to balance both environmental protection and sustainable development. Tom also explains the jurisdiction Army Corps of Engineers has and why and how he has arbitrated conversations between stakeholders that were in deeply divisive positions around a particular project or permit. As a pipeline professional, gaining insight into how the government works and operates can help you when going through the development process of permits and projects. Download this episode now to help further your industry knowledge.

This week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode features Russel Treat and David Holt of the Consumer Energy Alliance discussing the latest political topics surrounding the pipeline industry. Listen for key updates on the conversations surrounding pipeline politics at the federal and state level, the environmental factors that are important to the pipeline industry -- not just environmentalists, the latest happenings surrounding the Keystone XL Pipeline and other regional pipeline projects, and more topics. Gain valuable information and insight on what’s happening in D.C. and in your backyard regarding pipeline politics as the industry continues to push forward with pipeline measures to support energy independence in the U.S.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat returns from Washington, D.C. with a timely update on the Gas Gathering Rule (Mega Rule). Listen for an important recap of the discussions during the PHMSA GPAC Meetings that advanced the Mega Rule toward final rulemaking. Included were two expected results on data collection from all gathering pipelines and the establishment of a reporting requirement. Also included was a curveball to include 8” pipelines in the final rule. What does all of this mean for gas gathering operators? Listen for the key takeaways from the GPAC Meetings that will affect pipeliners moving forward.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Russel Treat welcomes first-time guest Justin Shannon of Marathon to discuss risk management in pipeline operations. The discussion centers on the misunderstanding of what exactly risk management is. Justin helps clear up what risk management is -- and is not -- plus discusses industry models used to perform risk analysis. The discussion also hits on how the science of risk management can be applied to any kind of decision-making.

In our current political climate of emotional debates and partisan bickering, it’s important to get clarity about what is actually happening with critical issues such as the intersection of environmental policy and industry needs. Mandy Gunasekara, a D.C. insider who previously served in the Office of Air and Radiation for the U.S. EPA, joins the Pipeliners Podcast to educate pipeliners on actual events happening inside Washington. Listen for first-hand insight on the environmental policy changes from the Obama to Trump Administrations, how current and proposed environmental policy affects oil & gas and pipeline interests, and how Mandy is educating the public on the work being done beyond the headlines.

Bryan Crowe, the COO of SolSpec, joins the Pipeliners Podcast to discuss new technology for supporting pipeline integrity and the inspection of ground movements along pipeline right-of-ways. Listen to host Russel Treat and Mr. Crowe discuss the complexities involved in assessing soil movements, especially in different terrains across the country. Plus, the need to monitor, analyze, and report on pipeline integrity in rugged terrains, why not all data is good data for making complex decisions, and how new technology and mapping is improving operators’ ability to perform right-of-way and inline inspection. Also listen for timely analysis of the latest PHMSA Advisory Bulletin on recent pipeline incidents and events that point to next steps for the industry to address pipeline movements.

Direct fatigue monitoring is essential for today’s pipeline control room. But, is it really about fatigue mitigation or maximizing alertness to ensure safe operations? To help understand the latest technology available for enhancing alertness, Clementine Francois of Phasya joins Russel Treat on the Pipeliners Podcast to discuss this important topic. Listen for unique insight on her scientific research surrounding fatigue monitoring, the technology developed by Phasya to support automotive and industrial user alertness, the real-world application of their technology, and what this could mean for the pipeline industry going forward.

On the 20-year anniversary of the Bellingham Incident in Bellingham, Washington, Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes retired pipeline professional Larry Shelton to share his first-hand recollections and reflect on the importance of pipeline integrity management. Operations Excellence (OE) is the driving force of Mr. Shelton’s story. He defines OE as “achieving business goals with no harm to any person, property, or the environment.” Simply stated, the mantra is “Business Goals, No Harm.” The mantra has a deep emotional connection for Mr. Shelton, whose professional career was forever-changed in 1989 when the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska created a permanent mark for pipeliners such as himself working for the Alyeska Pipeline Service company. Ten years later, the Bellingham Incident forever altered the community of Bellingham, Washington. The Olympic Pipeline ruptured on June 10, 1999, due to a similar series of “domino” events as Exxon Valdez. At the time, Mr. Shelton was ARCO’s pipeline integrity representative. He walked the path of the gas rupture that cost human life. In those moments, he saw the human element of operational excellence, realizing that it dwarfs numbers, records, and programs. In the 20 years since the Bellingham Incident, Mr. Shelton has served on numerous industry committees and work groups, including chairman of the API Operations Technical Group. He also served on the Office of Pipeline Safety’s Hazardous Liquid Technical Advisory Committee. In his experience, Mr. Shelton has come to realize that “Business Goals, No Harm” is a difficult balance, but it must be done. Listen to his poignant reflections in this sobering and valuable episode of the Pipeliners Podcast.

Recorded on-site at PSIG 2019 in London, Russel Treat and Giancarlo Milano of Atmos International discuss the factors that go into determining batch arrival time of product that is moved through a pipeline during slack line operations. This insightful conversation includes a discussion of the variables that affect batch delivery, the importance of communicating accurate ETAs to operators, the models and calculations used to support accurate arrival time, the technology used to enhance accuracy, and much more. Prepare to geek out over the confluence of math and physics!

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat hosts part two of a conversation with Adam Hill of Kepware/PTC on how to simplify EFM data collection using the latest technology. In this episode, you will learn about the history of data collection in SCADA systems, the difference between the primary data polling protocols, the importance of edge communications for building the architecture that connects field devices to the host server, how to integrate IT and OT using today’s technology, and much more.

Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes first-time guest Adam Hill of Kepware/PTC to discuss the fundamentals of Open Platform Communications (OPC) used in pipeline automation systems. You will learn about the most important terminology used in OPC, how OPC technology has changed over time since starting as a Microsoft platform, the introduction of a Unified Architecture to connect legacy systems in one framework, the role of the OPC Foundation in helping set industry standards for open communication, and much more. Listen to this valuable technological discussion pertaining to pipeline operations.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat recaps the 2019 AGA Operations Conference held in late April and early May in Nashville. Russel recaps the most important takeaways and conversations during the conference, his role in hosting a Q&A on the NTSB Most Wanted List with pipeline executives, the results of several informal polls about pipeline activity, and the latest efforts to support pipeline safety.

In the fifth of a series of episodes, Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes the “Three-Phase Flow” trio of Dan Sensel, Jason Dalton, and Kyle Miller from Marathon Pipe Line to discuss the importance of planning and cooperation to maximize hydraulic design. You will learn how changes to pipeline design plans can significantly impact the engineering work, why the product being moved is just as critical as knowing how much product will be moved in the pipe, and how to enhance collaboration upfront to maximize ROI over the long haul.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat recaps the 2019 API Pipeline Conference and Control Room Forum held in April in Phoenix. Russel recaps the most important takeaways from the conference, gives his perspective on the conversations held throughout the conference, and provides updates on rulemaking. Topics covered include the state of pipeline safety 20 years after the Bellingham incident, understanding how to interact with Native Americans, pipeline SMS, building a culture of pipeline safety, high-performance HMI, and more critical topics.

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features Russel Treat and first-time guest Keith Coyle discussing the significance of the U.S. pipeline safety law being considered for re-authorization later this year. You will learn about the basic structure of the Pipeline Safety Act that will be discussed for reauthorization, how the reauthorization and appropriation process works in Congress, the historical impact of pipeline incidents on legislation and regulation, why new technology should be incorporated into the latest standards, and more valuable information.

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.