Question 1: What were some key topics discussed at the event that you feel are of importance to industry?

The PPIM 2022 conference was the first opportunity for Dynamic Risk to present papers alongside our co-business unit, NDT Global, each as part of Eddyfi/NDT. A key topic area for the conference included leveraging in-line inspection (ILI) technology, in-field non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technology, and data integration strategies to support the new Gas Mega Rule Part 1 requirements for materials verification (i.e., through pipe grade validation) or maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) reconfirmation (i.e., through Engineering Critical Assessments based on ILI data). Management of uncertainties associated with the ILI data, material properties, feature growth, and the estimated failure pressure models was also explored in a number of papers through probabilistic analyses. The evolution of ILI technologies through effective collaborations and feedback loops with pipeline operators for achieving improved capabilities in managing corrosion, cracking and other threats (i.e., hard spots) was also explored. Other emerging topics included the impact of hydrogen transport in existing pipelines and the use of machine learning to enhance the predictive ability of pipeline risk algorithms.
Question 2: Why did you choose Engineering Assessments as your presentation topic at the event?

This is a relevant topic since Engineering Assessments that integrate the data collected from continuously improving ILI technologies will increasingly be applied in the pipeline industry to demonstrate fitness-for-service by technically supporting the basis for appropriate safety margins to stakeholders including industry, regulatory and the public. Strategic frameworks and technical building blocks can be built around emerging regulatory and standards developments in both the US and Canada for developing successful engineering assessments that demonstrate pipeline safety. This will allow operators to focus resources on efforts that measurably increase safety and reliability performance.

Engineering Assessments will be an important performance-based pathway forward for demonstrating safe pipeline operations.
Question 3: Where do you see the industry heading with respect to topics and discussions at the event?

Collaboration between ILI vendors and pipeline operators is more important than ever to meet changing business needs. Most successful ILI technology developments involve pipeline operator engagement and collaborative feedback loops. As changes in pipeline operating conditions or services emerge (i.e., through hydrogen blending) there may be new inspection needs or new threat activations to consider. Also, with fewer new pipelines being built and energy demands continuing to increase, the existing assets have become more valuable and the management of their integrity through continuously improving technology will be critical. This will include effective data integration approaches that provide for risk-informed management of these assets.
Contact Us
For additional information on how Dynamic Risk partners with our clients to provide industry guidance and expertise to address key regulatory requirements including the development of engineering and risk assessments to achieve next-level pipeline safety and reliability performance, please visit our PHMSA Gas Mega Rule solutions page or contact us directly here: info@dynamicrisk.net
About the Author

Dan Williams is a licensed professional engineer with a Bachelor of Engineering Science (B.E.Sc.) in Materials Engineering and has over 30 years combined experience in pipe manufacturing and pipeline integrity. Dan is a Principal Consultant at Dynamic Risk where he is responsible for providing technical leadership in pipeline engineering assessment and risk management services. This includes providing subject matter expert guidance on the development of pipeline risk models (leveraging in-line inspection, direct assessment, and GIS inputs), conducting threat-based engineering assessments, and evaluating and reporting on pipeline risk results as actionable risk reports that can support effective decision-making for clients in Canada and the United States.