The Innovation Summit Returns to Calgary

BEHIND THE SCENES: HOW HUMANS AND MACHINES WORK TOGETHER

As the Atrium fills, the excitement rises. Never before have we seen the atrium THIS full with customers! September 14, 2023, ROSEN Canada welcomes guests for the 5th Innovation Summit at the ‘new’ facility in Calgary.

Brian Renaud (VP Business Execution, Canada) starts with a Land Acknowledgement and a few comments about how our industry has changed since our last Innovation Summit at Telus Spark four years ago. Speaking to how events like this allow us to learn more about our assets – together.

Time to make the Energy Transition an Opportunity

Soon after, we are introduced to Marion Erdelen-Peppler for the keynote address on the Energy Transition. The address starts with a down to earth introduction about how climate change is happening, and weather it’s a man-made occurrence or not we need to act. Many current forms of energy generation cause Co2 emissions – we need to change that. However, the population is rising as is the demand for energy and the socio economic space is changing as well. We don’t want to emit carbon dioxide, but we want to stay warm – and we want everyone around the world to stay warm. So we must turn to renewables.

We learned about a few of the currently available options for energy sources. Such as wind and solar, which is a great source of energy, when it’s working. But, if the sun won’t shine or the wind won’t blow, well that’s that, this energy can’t be transported. Fun fact – did you know that Australia could generate enough solar power to fill the energy demand of the whole world! Too bad Canada is FAR away from Australia….

Finally, we landed on hydrogen – produced by A LOT of water and electricity, but ‘easy’ to store and transport. One of the main takeaways here is that there is no fundamental issue with transporting hydrogen in the existing pipeline network, so one of the major challenges is already overcome.

The address went on with an introduction of a variety of visions and opportunities around the world already being taken advantage of in the first stages. She discussed how each region must find the most appropriate approach for them. And, how our biggest hurdle will be creating the policies and regulations around renewables specifically natural gas and hydrogen.

Her final message was to come together and build the puzzle that will create the future of energy, the puzzle that will guide us through the inevitable energy transition. Marion left us with two inspirational quotes, one from Steve Jobs, “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat.” We’ve grown from heating our homes with wood burning stoves and from cooking on an open fire to using fossil fuels – this innovation did not happen without investment, time, and uncertainty, we must now take these steps again.

Main Stage Action Continues – Speakers cover Data Fusion, Pipeline Stress Mitigation, and Repurposing Pipelines for Hydrogen

Following the keynote, a variety of speakers hit the main stage, starting with Kevin Siggers (ROSEN) introducing the data fusion project. Kevin introduced the key steps in the process (data refinement, signal alignment, and the fusion model) to create laser scans of features. He spoke to the box method of analysis and how this introduces an extensive level of conservatism and the benefit of the accuracy of laser scans to failure calculations. Kevin also introduces the elements of the project the team is looking to improve in the next stage.

Next up was Chris Holliday (ROSEN) joined by Steven Nguyen (Husky Midstream). This presentation focused on the pipeline integrity management and stress relief project of an east-central Alberta landslide for Husky Midstream. After covering the details and clearly expressing the massive impact on the asset’s lifetime extension, a variety of questions came their way. Bryce Lord asked what affects a change in the operating conditions would have on the stress of the pipeline. The answer provided by Chris from an integrity standpoint and Steven from an operators view was – in some instances a reduction in pressure could mitigate potential failure consequences but it is not always necessary, particularly if there is no flaw driven need to reduce the pressure. Additional questions were asked around whether or not NDE of girth welds would be prudent during stress relief activities and finally, Stephen Rapp asked if a valuable mitigation measure would be to reinforce welds prior to backfilling. Chris’ response was that this can in some cases result in other problems as reinforcement could make that particular section of pipe stiffer than others and adversely affect the concentration of loading in the future, a follow up discussion revolved around the merits of using axially aligned composite reinforcement as opposed to welded sleeves.

The final main stage presentation was from Daniel Sandana entitled “Addressing Hydrogen Pipeline Repurposing Safely in North America”. The presentation gave some background statistics as to where we stand now in terms of our energy mix, our readiness for hydrogens in pipelines, and goals we need to reach. Daniel introduced analysis using historical data to better understand the material attributes and crack populations to address integrity gaps in hydrogen pipeline regulations and standards and offered technology driven alternatives. Needless to say he received many questions, both addressing whether or not the North American infrastructure would be sufficiently available by the time we needed, as well as around concerns with introducing hydrogen into crack susceptible environments.

Breakout Sessions on Various Integrity Management Topics

After the main stage performances, the attendees split in two far smaller more intimate breakout sessions were a variety of topics were covered.

Panel – Pipelines are History Books

The final more instructional portion of the day consisted of a panel, moderated by Andrew Greig of Trans Mountain. Panel members included Marion Erdelen-Peppler (ROSEN), Stephen Rapp (Enbridge), Bryce Lord (BSL International Consulting). Andrew started the panel with his usual humor, and asked the panel members to introduce how they joined the industry. Following with a difficult question – ‘What has been your hardest day on the job to date?’ Stephen and Bryce both spoke about the days they were faced with pipeline incidents commenting on how those days are constant reminders of how important our roles are and how coming together to become better is so vital. Marion spoke more on how the challenges of being a female mechanical engineer became essential roadblocks for her.

Andrew then directed the panel towards two key topics, both extremely relevant to the Canadian market, the energy transition and the generational change our industry faces.

In regards to the conversation around the energy transition and commenting on our progress in the next decade, both Bryce and Steve agreed that our obstacles would determine our progress. These obstacles will include cost, commercial drivers, pending regulations and policies, as well as political scenarios. Marion’s approach was much more urgent given the socio economic standing in Europe and the real NEED for energy. She did mention that although Europe may lead the way – the regulations and policies in a region where over 25 countries (European Union) must agree would also be a challenge. The final question in this section of the panel was simple – “When will your home be carbon neutral?’ Perhaps the most relatable answer came from Bryce when he said: “2050 – my home is in Alberta – it will take longer, but it will happen.”

The next topic, covering the generational change for the industry, and perhaps what to do to peak interest for young engineers entering the energy industry focused on changing the message, focusing on the exciting times this industry faces and also a bit of a realization that perhaps we could do more around mentorship as a whole. Steve said, “A pipeline is a history book” and they are exciting to learn from.

Tours of the Facility with insight to ILI tools, Data Evaluation, and Integrity

Of course, it wouldn’t be a ROSEN event without a little bit of a mixer at the end. The day closed with tours of the facility, including stops in the shop, with evaluation, and with the integrity team.

We look forward to hosting the next innovation summit in two years! Thank you to everyone for your contribution to the event, for your patience throughout the busy day, and for your enthusiasm for innovation!