Technology/R&D

SwRI Improves Structural Monitoring of Aging Pipelines with Transducers

Maintenance of aging pipelines, especially ones that are insulated and/or buried, is a major challenge, due to limited access for application of conventional nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. Even when access is available, financial and time constraints mean that conventional NDE is often carried out on a sampling basis, which makes it less reliable than full coverage inspection.

Hot-Tapping, Plugging Enable Shutdown-Free Pipe Replacement

Pipeline solutions provider T.D. Williamson (TDW) paired its SmartPlug isolation system with hot-tapping and plugging (HT&P) services to enable a pipeline replacement at a Saudi Arabian industrial plant while the facility remained in service.

HMi

HMi introduced the 1301-Z1 a durable PC that leads its class with extreme usability and toughness, combined with engineered design. Slim and lightweight with a super-bright 19-inch, 1,000 NIT display, the PC is suitable for Zone 1 areas. It features a wide -40° C to +60° C (-40° F to +140° F) operat..

Romet

Romet Limited introduced the AdEM CLICK, a direct mount index. The smart module attaches to any type of rotary gas meter for real-time measurements for utilities. New models are available, each with tamperproof, weather-resistant design that can, depending on the design, factor in pressure, temperat..

REMU

REMU offers new E-Series Model excavators designed for the challenging environments faced by wetland construction contractors. The amphibious equipment features pontoon undercarriages can be hydraulically adjusted to as narrow a width as 3 meters, depending on model, they can fit on single truck for..

Ashcroft

The Ashcroft® T6500 stainless steel, solid front pressure gauge is now available with the XRA overpressure option. This feature adds an overpressure mechanism that restricts the motion of the Bourdon tube after the specified full-scale value is reached. As a result, the gauge can withstand up to 400..

E2S

E2S Warning Signals launched the flameproof STEx warning device encompasses audible, visual and combined warning devices within 316L stainless steel enclosures to protect against harsh environments where corrosion is a particular problem. The units are IECEx and ATEX approved for Zones 1 and 2 for u..

Emerson

Emerson is offering new meters and probes: the CMF-110 and CMF-118 flexible clamp meters and the FC-110 and FC-118 flexible clamp current probes. Available in either 10-inch or 18-inch flexible coil offerings, CMF series meter is a standalone device that measures true RMS AC current, AC voltage, res..

Dresser

Dresser Natural Gas Solutions (NGS) Blackhawk pressure control fittings have attained the requirements of CSA Z662: Oil & Gas Pipeline Systems, allowing for expansion into the Canadian market. The internal assessment eliminates the need for pipeline owners to assess the design for themselves. The fi..

Innerspec

Innerspec’s Volta features a high-power, two-channel portable ultrasonic instrument custom-designed for electro-magnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) applications. It has a patented pulser technology to satisfy the most energy-demanding EMAT applications in a compact and rugged package. The software i..

Digitalization for Pipeline Construction

This article examines the ways that digitalization can be leveraged in pipeline construction projects for improved quality assurance, project efficiency and overall ROI.

Preparing for Unpiggable Pipelines

The simple truth is some pipelines may be piggable for certain applications and non-piggable for others.

Reducing Leakage Risks Using Advanced Digitalization

Stricter regulations, price volatility, and emerging technologies are disrupting conventional operational approaches in today’s midstream pipeline industry; even transport demand has never been greater. Therein lie both challenges and opportunities.

Inspecting Pipelines Using Dual-Conventional Transducers

Today, there are millions of miles of pipeline all over the world, and many of these systems are old. Pipelines transport energy (crude oil, refined petroleum, natural gas and biofuels to name a few) and other fluids to various markets across vast distances. The integrity of the pipelines is of paramount concern to ensure the safety of people and the environment.

Energy Drone & Robotics Summit '19: AI can help build the energy operations of tomorrow

Pipeline & Gas Journal was on hand for the two day Energy Drone & Robotics Summit at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel in The Woodlands, Texas. The summit brings together over 1,000 energy and engineering experts in the drones, robotics and AI industries.

Haydale Delivers Transition Pipe Sealing System to National Grid UK

Haydale produced and delivered eight general transition, piece-sealing systems to National Grid UK and has received interest for an additional 60 over the next six years.  This first commercial order is for transitions across two sites on the U.K. gas trans..

Alliance

Alliance Sensors Group introduced the SS-7 series linear variable inductive transducer (LVIT), designed for subsea environments. The transducer is embedded into a hydraulic cylinder and uses the gun-drilled piston rod as a target, sensing its position without the need for a magnet. The SS-7 Series c..

Opto 22

Opto 22 announces the addition of international standard IEC 61131-3 programming options in its groov EPIC edge programmable industrial controller. All IEC 61131-3 standard languages are supported by groov EPIC, including function block diagram (FBD), structured text (ST), sequential function charts..

Huntingdon Fusion Techniques

Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (HFT) introduced peripheral sealing plugs for heavy-duty applications, such as immersion in chemicals or exposure to high temperatures. Pipe stopper sealing plugs are manufactured to suit pipe ends or orifices having a 17-inch (432 mm) diameter, extending to 96 inches (2..

HiP

High Pressure Equipment Company (HiP), a subsidiary of Graco, added 3/8- and 9/16-inch O.D. valves and fittings to its ultra-high pressure family, designed to ensure safe and easy plumbing for pressures up to 100,000 psi. The new sizes of valves are available in four body styles – two-way straight, ..

Trimble

Trimble offers a new wearable hard hat-compatible device that enables workers to access holographic information on the worksite – the Trimble XR10 with HoloLens 2. In addition, an expanded set of Trimble software and services will be available to provide field-oriented workflows that leverage constr..

Abriox

Software and hardware systems can be costly to install on a broad scale, but Osprey, designed and built by Abriox, is helping utilities supplement surveillance at multiple locations by monitoring, gathering and processing real-time data, economically. Osprey allows users to see daily compilations of..

Technical Toolboxes

Technical Toolboxes released Version 19.0 of its The Pipeline Toolbox. The device features a range of improved calculations and applications, along with an embedded new license manager that strengthens security and enables better visibility. With its more than 230 pipeline-specific oil and gas appli..

Mehrer

Mehrer Compression GmbH introduced a high-pressure compressor, the TRx 400. The air-cooled piston compressor offers a solution for applications that require high final pressures of up to 200 bar, combined with high suction pressures of up to 35 bar. The TRx 400 is suited for the compression of H2, N..

TANAP’s Seismic Fault Crossing Posed Challenges For Welding

The Trans Anatolia Natural Gas Pipeline transports Azeri gas from the Shah Deniz field through Turkey and Europe. Construction of the technically challenging project was complicated by the North Anatolian Fault.

Letter from PRCI President Cliff Johnson: Investing in Research to Improve Pipeline Safety

Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) exists as a way for its members, who are pipeline operators, service providers and other industry stakeholders, to collectively and collaboratively, conduct research, develop, and evaluate new and emerging technologies that have the potential to improve..

Spring Conference Season in Full Gear

Joe Hollier, Editor While attending the Pipeline Technical Conference in Berlin, Germany, last month, I came across multiple new innovations designed to improve or protect the pipeline industry, and a few projects that are making a big splash in that part of the world. One large project became of..

Investing in People to Unlock Power in Your Data

While energy leaders feel optimistic about 2019, many are facing the challenge of how to maximize their technology. Big data may be revolutionizing other industries, but its potential has yet to be unlocked by most energy companies.

Controller Alertness over the Shift

By Michele Terranova and Alicia Gibson, Pipeline Performance Group, LLC How alert are your controllers at work?  Are they wide-awake, exhibiting signs of liveliness and enthusiasm at all hours of the day and night? Being alert and vigilant on the job is essential to the controller’s job. Controller..

Operational Intelligence Needed in Preparing for Oil and Gas Upswing

In the oil and gas industry, pressure can ramp up twofold during peak times and companies must figure out how to maximize extraction to optimize return.