Features

Pictorial Job Aids: The Next Step In Operator Qualification

There is a saying that one picture is worth a thousand words. After more than 32 years in the natural gas industry, I agree with that saying but with a caveat: it must be the correct picture and it must be presented with a concise and meaningful caption. Then, it will be worth many thousands of words.

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Economic Outlook Brightens For Pipeline Coating Developments

The economic crisis has affected pipeline construction as with many other industries, because of the lack of availability of finance for new projects, and because of the drop in oil and gas prices. However, oil prices are starting to rise again in 2010 and the outlook for pipe coating is very encouraging, according to Noru Tsalic, Consultant at Applied Market Information.

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Croatia Methane Pipeline Project Requires Difficult Canal Crossing

Ghazzoni SpA recently completed an open cut pipeline project on a section of the 72 km Vodnjan-Umag DN 300 methane pipeline that is part of an improvement effort to extend and modernize Croatia’s gas transportation system.

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Wisconsin Utility Tackles Major Gas Construction Project

It is not unusual for a utility to face obstacles during a major improvement project. But, when construction bids come in higher than expected, it brings an interesting challenge to the table. This was the scenario in Madison, WI last year.

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Unconventional LNG To Assume Limited Role

Unconventional LNG will play a limited role in the future of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, comprising just 5% of total LNG supply in 2020, according to a consultant’s report. In a video presentation to delegates at LNG16 in Oran last month, Frank Harris, head of LNG Consulting for Wood Mackenzie, reflected on the heightened interest in unconventional LNG supply projects.

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Pipeline Operator Gains By Wirelessly Monitoring Cathodic Protection

Cathodic protection (CP) has slowly become a critical issue in America and beyond. The catalysts for this are: (1) new governmental regulations, (2) stiff penalties for non-compliance, (3) the aging of buried metal assets, and (4) increased scrutiny in the public and private sectors seeking efficiency and the protection of assets.

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Reduce Compressor Maintenance Costs With Remote Monitoring

Remotely located gas compressors can pose a significant operating and maintenance challenge. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are often used to address this challenge, but to be cost effective, a critical mass of units must be located in close proximity to one another.

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Shell Sets The Pace In Promoting Pipeline Safety

An estimated 2.7 million television viewers across the country witnessed the climactic finish of the April 25 NASCAR race in Talladega, FL as driver Kevin Harvick sped past a competitor to capture the lead in the final lap. For Shell, principal sponsor of Harvick’s high-performance car, the event represented a double victory.

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Emission Regulations And Their Impact On Engine Choices And Costs

New emissions regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are scheduled to take effect in July and August. The regulations have a potentially large impact on domestic reciprocating engine usage and domestic energy production, but thus far, relatively little attention has been given to them.

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BP’s Fight Against Pollution From Deepwater Gulf Blowout

The eyes of the world continue to be focused on the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as BP mobilizes its full resources to stop the flow of oil and fight the oil spill, which follows the blowout and sinking of the Transocean Deepwater Horizon drilling rig operating in Mississippi Canyon 252 block.

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