ROSEN is a long-time participant and sponsor of the International Pipeline Conference (IPC), held bi-annually in Calgary, Canada. Due to all that is 2020 and the significant global aspect of IPC, the conference transitioned to a completely virtual platform. The ROSEN Group was proud to once again contribute this year. The first virtual IPC brought together members of the pipeline industry from all around the world to discuss the latest developments and share knowledge.

IDENTIFYING THE UNIQUE INTEGRITY CHALLENGES

The pipeline network comprises of various systems with their own sets of vital assets and unique threats. Determining the integrity of these assets is a crucial element to ensure sustainable, safe, efficient, and reliable operation. Therefore, we have identified the unique integrity challenges associated with each of these systems and developed innovative solutions to help operators achieve their goal of zero incidents. ROSEN is committed to moving the safety, reliability and lifetime performance of our industry forward through technical platforms like IPC.

AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

ROSEN was pleased to be a part of, and to contribute to this world-class event. We participated as a platinum sponsor with a virtual booth at the exhibition and the contribution of thirteen excellent technical papers over various tracks in the conference. The conference program followed a two-day format, which included selected papers presented live along with a Q&A with the presenter afterwards. All remaining papers were pre-recorded and available for all attendees to view on-demand for 30 days after the conference. ROSEN had two technical papers and two tutorials selected for the live presentation portion throughout the conference, and an additional nine papers available on demand.

Paper highlights include:

The North Saskatchewan River Valley Landslide – Slope and Pipeline Condition Monitoring

Chris Holliday (ROSEN Group), Terri Funk

ABSTRACT

This paper details a case study of an engineering assessment on a pipeline where robust monitoring of continued ground movement and repeat in-line inspection (ILI) supported integrity management decisions and remediation activities.

Now You SCC Me, Now You Don’t – Using Machine Learning to Find Stress Corrosion Cracking

Michael Smith, Aidan Blenkinsop, Matthew Capewell, Brian Kerrigan (ROSEN Group)


ABSTRACT

Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) is a non-destructive inspection technology that uses guided acoustic waves to detect planar flaws in a metal structure.When deployed via in-line inspection (ILI), it is an effective way to detect cracks in a pipeline. EMAT has thus become a staple of crack management programs throughout the world since its introduction to the market over a decade ago.

In-Line MFL Inspection in Low Pressure Gas Distribution Networks

Johannes Becker, Corey Richards, Guenter Sundag (ROSEN Group)

ABSTRACT

A large majority of local gas distribution pipelines are designed to accommodate future inspection surveys with in-line inspections tools. While this remains true, even with typical inspection design parameters considered, many pipelines remain on the “difficult-to-inspect” list and fall into a “gray” zone.

For more information and all paper abstracts, click here.

PAPER PRESENTATIONS

ROSEN’s Simon Slater presented two papers during the conference. The first paper titled, “Managing the Threat of Selective Seam Weld Corrosion Using a State-of-the-art ILI System,” written by Simon Slater, Chris Davies and Christopher De Leon, discussed the approach taken by a North American liquid pipeline operator to manage the threat of SSWC. The second presentation titled “MAOP Reconfirmation for a 20-inch Gas Pipeline Using the ECA Approach and Enhanced ILI” and was written by Simon Slater, Ollie Burkinshaw, Christopher Davies (all ROSEN Group), and Peter Clyde (Louisville Gas and Electric). The paper presented the methodologies used for each stage of the MAOP reconfirmation process and how the ILI results and material verification were used in feature assessments to determine predicted failure pressures and remaining life.

KNOWLEDGE-SHARING DURING PANEL SESSION

ROSEN’s Chris Yoxall moderated the Executive Panel Session. The discussion focused on managing perception within our industry and leadership as a whole. The panel included Stan Chapman, Daniel Diermeier and Maria van der Hoeven. The panel allowed IPC delegates the opportunity to engage with Senior Executives actively engaged in all aspects of the pipeline industry. The Executive Panel Session further demonstrates the commitment by industry leadership to promote knowledge-sharing that will help to support the reduction in pipeline failures and increase the safety and economic reliability of our crucial pipeline infrastructure.

REALLOCATING FUNDS

The International Pipeline Exhibition that runs in conjunction with the conference was transitioned to a virtual format as well. As a result of the new format and far reduced costs to attend the exhibition, ROSEN reallocated a portion of these funds to donations to both The Canadian Red Cross COVID-19 Global Appeal and Calgary Foodbank.

We extend our thanks to ASME, CEPA the IPC 2020 organizing committee and all the volunteers for their tireless efforts to ensure that the conference can move ahead in these unprecedented times. As well as all of those at ROSEN who contributed, attended, organized and supported to make this year a success!