Features
2018 Midyear International Update: Pipeline Construction & Market Trends
Global energy trends and forecasts entering the second half of 2018 continue to support a generally bullish outlook for oil and gas production and infrastructure construction to meet growing demand and evolving patterns of interregional trade.
How the Historic Energy Reform Transformed Mexico’s Oil Fortunes
Five years ago, few would have predicted that Mexico would be capable of overhauling its oil and gas sector, much less through a downturn. Yet since the constitutional reform of 2013, Mexico has dramatically revivified its upstream sector.
Mexico Likely To Keep Making the World’s Biggest Oil Hedge
First signals from President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s staff and advisors are that the new administration will not seek to backtrack on energy reforms that allow foreign firms to win E&P contracts in Mexico.
Embedding Operating Procedures in Pipeline SCADA
The pipeline SCADA operator has one of the most critical jobs in the industry and should be given all the help available to keep pipelines safe and operational. To this end, more than 25 years ago, a major oil company determined that SCADA-embedded operating procedures and safety features were needed.
Introduction to Vibration-Based Leak Detection Technology
There are various technologies available in the market for pipeline leak detection and loss monitoring. While leak detection system cannot reduce the probability of a leak, using the appropriate system for a pipeline can significantly reduce the risk of a leak and rupture.
Italian Energy Hub Seen as Key to EU Goals
European energy policy is largely determined by Brussels and implemented by individual member states, but integral to improving European energy security are joint plans to turn Italy into Southern Europe’s energy hub.
More Skin in the Game: New Technology to Find, Fix Leaks
Technology has not only helped re-energize the natural gas sector of the global energy economy, but also led to safety advancements, such as methane-detection systems continuously monitor and alert operators to a significant leak.
NACE President Looks to Bolster Corrosion Education
NACE International’s president for 2018, Jeffrey Didas, discusses corrosion education and other issues of importance to the organization in its 75th anniversary year.
NACE’s Impact Study
A often-cited study concluded more than a decade ago that the total estimated direct cost of corrosion in the United States was $276 billion annually – roughly 3% of GDP. NACE International's 2016 study dug deeper to examine the impact of corrosion on four major industries: energy, utilities, transportation and infrastructure.
Securing Open SCADA Systems for Pipeline Operations
Traditional SCADA systems used pipeline operational control are vulnerable in at least three main areas: operational information, production data and control logic. The more openly this data flows, the more cost-effectively the plant can be run, so there is much to be gained by securing the data exchange.
Creating a Labor Force in Your Own Back Yard
After struggling to find qualified new hires, Consumers Energy worked in partnership with third-party union training provider Power for America to offered the Utility Military Assistance Program – a three-week unpaid training program for military veterans and active reservist/guard members.
Unconventional Well Demands and EOR Drive Innovation in Subsea Sealing Technology
As the subsea industry continues to evolve to help meet the demands of oilfield operators, there is now an even greater requirement for ground-breaking sealing technology.
PPSA 2018 Pigging Update
Preparing Pipelines for Successful In-Line Inspection
Gauge pigs provide insight into some conditions inside the pipe, but not all of them. They’re not intended to measure pipeline cleanliness or indicate if debris has built up to the point that it will impair the inspections tool’s data-gathering capabilities.
Pipeline Digs Get Assist From PMO
Performing direct assessments to verify a pipeline’s MAOP is not new, but as federal regulations become more stringent, the volume of digs will increase significantly, and operators need to keep up with the pace.
In-Line Inspection of Low-Pressure, Low-Flow Gas Pipelines
Maintaining control of an In-Line Inspection (ILI) tool’s speed is one of the most critical elements in successfully assessing the condition of a pipeline. Success is defined as receiving an intact tool at the conclusion of the inspection and acquiring data of sufficient quality to achieve the vendor’s sizing and accuracy specifications.
Accessible Pipeline Data Becomes Focal Point of Safety
Many of the world’s most vulnerable pipelines are in developed and municipal areas, where it can be difficult to locate miles of gas pipelines in these regions. And where locations exist, the data may not be in an easily retrievable and shareable format.
Editor's Notebook
A New Mexican Administration: Taking Action
As the new administration offers additional insight into its policies, it appears that Mexico will continue to offer a business-friendly environment when Andrés Manuel López Obrador takes office as its new president on Dec. 1.
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What's New
Larson
Larson Electronics released a vapor-proof LED inspection drop light for use during inspections in hazardous locations where flammable gases and vapors could be present.