Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat takes you deep into the weeds this week to connect Plato’s Allegory of The Cave to the API 1165 industry standard for pipeline control room displays, thanks to insight from pipeline consultant Charles Alday. Listen for the latest information on the expected 2019 update to API 1165, the goal of the update to incorporate the latest technology to help pipeline controllers achieve deeper understanding of what they are seeing, the importance of supporting controll...
Mar 18, 2019•29 min
Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat hosts an educational and timely episode of the podcast covering natural gas pipelines. Part 1 of the episode focuses on the history of natural gas pipelines in the United States to understand the context of regulations. Part 2 focuses on current rulemaking and proposed changes that will affect pipeliners involved in natural gas gathering, transmission, and distribution. You will also learn about the current focus on pipeline safety, including the five guiding...
Mar 12, 2019•28 min
Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes back Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation for an important discussion on pipeline integrity, as it relates to the 2019-2020 NTSB “Most Wanted List.” In this episode, you will learn what NTSB is recommending to PHMSA in regards to pipeline inspection, integrity management, and pressure testing. Within these topics, you will learn about very complex issues that are in the early stages of being dropped into a regulatory fram...
Mar 05, 2019•35 min
Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat hosts an informative episode dissecting the new Gas Gathering Rule that is advancing through the PHMSA rulemaking process. Find out what you need to know about the rulemaking timeline, what is covered under the new rule, the types of lines that will be brought under the new rule, the importance of area classification, and the effect of the U.S. government shutdown on the rulemaking process. Also, find valuable links, notes, and resources on the podcast episod...
Feb 26, 2019•27 min
Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat is joined by control room expert Ross Adams of EnerSys Corporation to discuss two important facets of control room management: alarm management and emergency response. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of advancing from alarm rationalization to Alarm Management, establishing clear definitions in the control room to ensure alignment among all personnel, having a plan to mitigate risk in each operating condition, and more. We are also seeking...
Feb 19, 2019•33 min
Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat flies solo in this episode discussing the 2019-2020 NTSB “Most Wanted List.” Russel dissects the open safety recommendations published by the NTSB, specifically the safety notices for pipeline operators, gas utilities, PHMSA, and vendors. In addition to listening to the podcast, take the time to review the information and resources in the episode show notes at PipelinersPodcast.com and on the NTSB website at NTSB.gov.
Feb 12, 2019•24 min
In the third of a series of episodes, Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes Dan Sensel, Jason Dalton, and Kyle Miller from Marathon Pipe Line to discuss how relief valves work and best operate in liquid pipelining. You will learn a lot of math in this episode. We hope that you can apply the calculations, processes, and real-world experience relayed by the Marathon trio directly in your role. Also, listen for unique insight on the relief valve technology used right now in the field.
Feb 04, 2019•39 min
In this week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes back cybersecurity expert Clint Bodungen to discuss the latest developments in cybersecurity, specifically cyber vulnerabilities and quantifying risk. You will learn about the CVSS scoring system that Clint’s team is building upon to create the IVSS system for comprehensive risk quantification calculation for industrial cybersecurity, how to think about the current industrial standards for cybersecurity, and more critical topics.
Jan 29, 2019•37 min
In this week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode, host Russel Treat reverses roles as the interview subject. Listen to renown broadcaster Jason Spiess of The Crude Life Network interview Russel about the Pipeliners Podcast, the growth of our podcast in its second year, and more interesting tidbits you may not know about!
Jan 22, 2019•28 min
Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat hosts a fascinating, insightful, and educational episode with KC Yost, a third-generation pipeliner who has 100 years of family industry knowledge to draw from. Listen for insight on how the pipeline industry has changed over time, the technology that has sprouted out from experiments and real-world problem-solving, and the futuristic technology could will provide even more value to the industry. You will also hear great anecdotes and stories ranging from the...
Jan 14, 2019•40 min
In the second of a series of episodes, Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes Dan Sensel, Jason Dalton, and Kyle Miller from Marathon Pipe Line for an important discussion of how to manage slack line in a liquid pipeline. In this episode, you will learn about what causes a slack line, the risks associated with a slack line, what should be included in your operations plan to manage a slack line, the impact of a slack line on leak detection, and various calculations to help identify the app...
Jan 07, 2019•38 min
The Pipeliners Podcast kicks off 2019 with a very special episode. Russel Treat welcomes Ryan Sitton, a Texas Railroad Commissioner, for the first episode of the new year. In this episode, you will learn about the three primary functions of the railroad commissioners in Texas, how the Railroad Commission acts as an advocate for the oil and gas industry at the state level, the mind-blowing future growth opportunities for production in Texas, and how technology is affecting the law of the land. Li...
Jan 01, 2019•32 min
Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat hosts a special Christmas edition of the Pipeliners Podcast. As our Christmas gift to you, we are giving away an iTunes gift card! But, you must be one of the first 25 listeners to correctly answer the trivia question presented in the episode.
Dec 25, 2018•6 min
The Pipeliners Podcast is honored to welcome Cliff Johnson, the president of the Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI), for a timely and important discussion with host Russel Treat. The discussion centers on how the PRCI has developed a data hub to collect, store, and share information from across the pipeline industry to continue advancing the industry’s capabilities and the creation of the PRCI Technology Development Center. You will learn about the work being done to improve safety, ...
Dec 18, 2018•35 min
In the first of a series of episodes, Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomes Dan Sensel, Jason Dalton, and Kyle Miller from Marathon Pipe Line to discuss API 1175 and Leak Detection Program Management. In this episode, you will understand the distinction of API 1175 as a management system practice versus a regulatory requirement, the importance of performing Gap Analysis before implementing API 1175, and the critical step of establishing the right leak detection culture before investing i...
Dec 10, 2018•29 min
The Pipeliners Podcast is continuing a series on pipeline safety management systems (SMS) by welcoming David Murk of API for the first time. Russel Treat and David discuss the formation of RP 1173 that set the standard for pipeline SMS systems, how the RP is scalable and flexible to meet the needs of pipeline operators and midstream companies, the current phase of implementation, and relevant tools to help operators and companies achieve full implementation.
Dec 03, 2018•38 min
The Pipeliners Podcast welcomes back Jeremy Coleman of Northwest Natural to discuss the challenges of Alarm Management, dating back to the original conceptualization getting the process going. Jeremy and host Russel Treat walk through the timeline of advancing from the concept of Alarm Management to achieving compliance to optimizing Alarm Management for pipeline operations excellence. Included in the discussion are the real-time tools used by controllers in the control room and the post-analyti...
Nov 26, 2018•42 min
Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat hosts the one-year anniversary edition of the podcast reviewing the past year of episodes. Listen for Russel's observations, insights, and takeaways from a full year of podcast episodes with many great guests who appeared on the first year of the show.
Nov 20, 2018•6 min
The Pipeliners Podcast is pleased to welcome first-time guest Yogi Schulz of Corvelle Consulting to discuss the key elements of a SLMS (Safety and Loss Management System) in Canada. You will learn about the differences between pipeline regulations in the U.S. and Canada, the importance of collecting evidence that supports “assurance” for compliance purposes, and how to determine the appropriate audit support for all size pipeline operations. Listen for valuable insight to apply directly to your ...
Nov 13, 2018•37 min
The Pipeliners Podcast welcomes API policy advisor Stuart Saulters to discuss the important elements of a pipeline safety management system (Pipeline SMS). In this episode, you will learn about the industry’s shift to implementing Pipeline SMS following the pipeline incidents in 2010, how API RP 1173 was created, the importance of changing the culture in pipeline operations to get the most benefit from API 1173, and how to close gaps in your operation.
Nov 05, 2018•24 min
In this week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes first-time guest Sindee Lee (S.L.) Gillespie to discuss the interesting and unique world of protective coatings serving numerous industries, including pipelines. Sindee Lee explains how she got into the business, starting her company (G.O.A. Enterprises), and how the coating business has changed over time. She also discusses the environmental concerns surrounding different types of coatings, serving the unique needs of her clients,...
Oct 30, 2018•33 min
In this week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes back SCADA and cybersecurity expert William Gage to discuss how to maximize your Operations Technology (OT) capabilities in pipeline systems. William shares his insight on the difference between IT and OT, the role of cybersecurity in OT systems, the importance of risk management, and more valuable topics. The conversation also focuses on how to bridge the gap in communication between the IT and OT sides to create a common understa...
Oct 23, 2018•44 min
In this week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes back cybersecurity expert Clint Bodungen to discuss the importance of IT & OT convergence to support risk management in pipeline operations. Listen to this episode to learn about how technology is enabling IT and OT to bridge gaps to manage risk, the differences between the cybersecurity needs for IT and OT, the role of CISOs providing executive level oversight for both IT and OT, and the role of compliance for both sides of th...
Oct 16, 2018•34 min
In this week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes back Ross Adams of EnerSys Corp. to discuss the important elements of preparing for a PHMSA control room audit. The conversation is based on many discussions at industry conferences this year, where pipeline operators, control room managers, and other personnel have shared lessons learned on how to achieve compliance, improve efficiency, and utilize software to prepare for an audit. Listen for three key takeaways to directly apply ...
Oct 09, 2018•34 min
In this week’s Pipeliners Podcast episode, Russel Treat welcomes back IT and OT professional Nicholas Guinn to discuss the importance of change management in pipeline operations. The conversation focuses on the tug-and-pull between operations and IT, especially in the areas of software implementation and updates, cybersecurity, and field communications. Russel and Nicholas provide actionable information for pipeliners who need to think about their systems and processes to maintain the integrity ...
Oct 01, 2018•34 min
In this edition of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat provides an in-depth recap of the 2018 ASGMT School in Houston, Texas. The first half of the episode focuses on the new and emerging technology in the market to support more accurate and efficient measurement of natural gas. The second half of the episode focuses on the new BLM Onshore Order and the concerns raised by operators. Included is a big update from Russel on the timing of when rules will be enforced, which rules are in the pr...
Sep 24, 2018•28 min
The Pipeliners Podcast welcomes new guest Stuart Saulters, a policy advisor for API, to discuss what goes into the API policymaking process. In this episode, you will learn about the three primary roles of API to develop standards and recommended practices for pipeline operations, working with policymakers to advocate for pipeline support, and educating the general public about the oil and gas industry. You’ll even pick up a civics lesson on the role of the various government branches as it rela...
Sep 18, 2018•30 min
The Pipeliners Podcast is completing a series on inline inspection with Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation. In this final episode of the series, host Russel Treat and Mr. Lamontagne discuss current and future technology used for ILI. Mr. Lamontagne provides his perspective on the current tools available for ILI, how to use these tools effectively, and where the technology is going to enhance the reliability of inspection. You will also learn about the technology co...
Sep 11, 2018•28 min
The Pipeliners Podcast is continuing a series on inline inspection (ILI) with Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation. In this episode, host Russel Treat and Mr. Lamontagne discuss data. Specifically, what should operators do with all of the data they’re collecting? Mr. Lamontagne provides his perspective on data integration, what to look for in the data as it pertains to the condition of pipes in the field, the importance of using visualization and mapping to enhance y...
Sep 04, 2018•33 min
In a packed and highly-informative edition of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat welcomes fellow podcasters Mark LaCour and Patrick Pistor to discuss the latest oil & gas and pipeline safety trends. In this episode, you will learn about the importance of culture in an organization, how companies are focusing more on safety to achieve zero incidents, how training is changing to help a younger workforce get up-to-speed on best practices, the future of pipeline safety technology, and mor...
Aug 27, 2018•34 min
