Articles

Critical pipeline systems are the backbone of modern industrial operations and global economic development, transporting oil, gas, water, and chemicals safely across long distances. Their importance places pipeline integrity, reliability, environmental protection, and operational continuity at the center of industry and regulatory attention.As…

To ensure the safe transport of natural gas through steel pipelines, structural integrity must be assessed using fitness-for-service (FFS) methodologies. These assessments (ex. ASME FFS Level 2) require accurate inputs on material properties (particularly toughness), flaw/defect geometry, and loading conditions to evaluate the safety of pipeline…

The integrity management of unpiggable pipelines continues to present a major challenge to operators, as conventional in-line inspection (ILI) technologies cannot always be applied. While customized ILI solutions are sometimes possible, alternative above-ground methodologies are required when ILI is not feasible, or when a screening assessment is…

The 48 km, 40-inch natural gas and hydrogen-ready pipeline between Knokke-Heist and Evergem in Belgium, delivered by the Spiecapag in a joint-venture, for a major North European natural gas operator, forms a critical link in the European hydrogen backbone. This paper documents the deployment of an integrated digital platform, Petro IT’s MOZAIC,…

Repurposing high-pressure gas transmission pipelines for hydrogen transport in Germany is advancing from feasibility studies to structured on-site implementation. This field-based operator perspective demonstrates how certifications and verifications of operational readiness are translated into a predictable and auditable commissioning process,…

May 2, 1946 – MARCH 13, 2026We are sad to tell the pipeline community that Ian Corder, formerly in the research team at the Engineering Research Station ('ERS'), Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK, passed away peacefully on Friday, 13th March, 2026.Ian, amongst many things, was part of the team that developed the novel 'epoxy-filled shell repair' and…

This work presents recent advancements in vibroacoustic technology (VT) for pipeline integrity monitoring, with a focus on enhanced flexibility and simplified deployment on existing infrastructure.The new hardware consists of externally mounted sensor blocks based on an interferometric principle, capable of sensing Vibroacoustic waves inside the…

For decades, composite repairs have been widely used to restore onshore pipeline integrity. As subsea pipelines age, a reliable repair method is crucial to maintain pipeline integrity and ensure safe hydrocarbon transportation. This paper presents an alternative repair method using nonmetallic composite materials, qualified to ASME PCC-2 standard…

Thermoplastic materials used in long-term applications such as pressurized gas pipes or flexible offshore pipes have to withstand harsh conditions: The material is exposed to internal pressure, dynamic loads, and direct contact to an aggressive environment like hydrocarbons at elevated temperatures. During service, material of the inner barrier…

PHMSA's pipeline incident databases are widely used to benchmark safety performance and assess trends. A common assumption is that incident counts are straightforward proxies for how often pipelines fail. In practice, every record has passed through two filters: the event had to be detected, and the detected event had to cross a reporting…

The pipeline industry, a critical component of global energy infrastructure, faces pressing workforce challenges yet remains underexplored compared to oil, gas, and renewable sectors. While many professionals consider career changes, most remain within the sector, increasingly transitioning toward renewables. Career progression is now shaped by…

TPI/ROW risks are intensifying. European regulatory requirements are tightening. Pipeline networks have never been more monitored - yet they remain exposed to external threats that evolve faster than existing surveillance methods can match. Digitalised aerial monitoring is a first response to these pressures, but insufficient without near real-…

The pipeline industry is at a turning point. In Europe, the course is being set for a future hydrogen backbone, existing networks are being prepared for decarbonization projects, and CO₂ transport chains are being planned. At the same time, the Asia-Pacific region is developing at a rapid pace, characterized by offshore projects and regionally…

In 2023, an oil and gas operator in the East China Sea needed to upgrade its 28 inch gas export pipeline (GEP), including modifications to the pig launcher and associated pipework on one offshore production platform. The 345-kilometer GEP transports natural gas from the offshore platforms to the onshore processing terminal and is one of the…

This study presents the development and qualification of sour‑grade API X60 steel for 16”–24” LSAW pipes for the Dos Bocas Refinery project. Production employed KR desulfurization, vacuum degassing, and strict casting controls to minimize inclusions and segregation. Two chemistries were evaluated: DOE‑1 (w/o Ni/Cu) and DOE‑2 (with Ni/Cu).…

Pipeline operators are managing more complexity using infrastructure that was designed for simpler operating conditions. Decarbonization, new products and higher expectations for safety and commercial accuracy are changing how pipelines are used. In many cases, operators cannot add instrumentation or redesign assets, but smart software and…

JULY 11, 1933 – JUNE 11, 2025Robert “Bob” Eiber was called home on June 11, 2025, at the age of 91 in Columbus, Ohio. Born July 11, 1933, in Cleveland to Harry and Grace Eiber, Bob lived a life defined by kindness, humility, and quiet accomplishment.He will be deeply missed as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Known for his…

This paper presents an advanced pipeline monitoring system designed to detect and locate leaks and third-party interference (TPI) incidents across a wide variety of pipeline geometries and transported fluids. The system leverages Vibroacoustic Technology (VT), offering real-time asset monitoring and integrity assurance. Over the years, VT has been…

As oil and gas operations transition into deeper waters and more technically demanding basins, the integrity of subsea infrastructure has never been more critical. This article examines the role of hydrostatic testing and fluid preservation as a proactive asset-protection strategy. While hydrotesting is a standard verification of mechanical…

There is a wide public acknowledgement that the path to Net-Zero requires the deployment of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) at an industrial scale. Realizing a CCUS value chain requires transporting dense CO2 by pipeline over long distances to storage or users. Currently, the CO2 pipeline landscape consists of just over 7,000…

In the technical area of the energy industry, the business processes have been adapted to the issues of planning, construction and operation. The product development of information technology for Asset Management has also been supported by technologies to support construction activities and maintenance using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).…

Pipelines form the backbone of many countries of the world – quietly transporting ty that fuels modern life. Yet, as the world advances in decarbonisation efforts, these established assets may need to accommodate alternative energy carriers. While they were designed to transport either oil or gas their future might lie in the transportation of…

Nigeria faces environmental and safety risks due to poorly implemented decommissioning of aging oil pipelines. This study addresses critical gaps in technical practices and regulatory enforcement by developing an integrated implementation strategy for Nigeria. Systematic failures were revealed by combining field surveys, laboratory analysis. The…

The global oil and gas industry is at a pivotal point in its development. Climate imperatives, regulatory scrutiny, and technological advances are forcing a re-evaluation of long-established operational practices. At the core of this shift lies methane, the primary component of natural gas, which remains both a critical commodity and a major…

The new challenges of our time, from climate change and infrastructure renewal to sabotage and external threats, require precautionary measures and process support in the event of damage. European legislation has already taken action and expects activities from operators of critical infrastructures. For this purpose, risk analysis / risk…