In February 2019, the US Department of Transportation’s PHMSA released a research announcement to solicit proposals for research projects addressed to key pipeline safety challenges.
PRCI submitted white papers and subsequent proposals for seven projects, which were awarded by PHMSA in September 2019.
The awards – accompanied by US$4 million dollars of government co-funding – represent a significant opportunity for PRCI and PHMSA to work collaboratively on further improving pipeline safety and integrity.
The specific research projects awarded to PRCI, spanning general knowledge, technology and standards, are:
- validate in-line inspection (ILI) capabilities to detect/characterize mechanical damage
- advance computed tomography for pipeline inspection
- improve ILI sizing accuracy
- systematise 20 years of mechanical damage research
- improve dent/cracking assessment methods
- increase computational pipeline monitoring performance with liquid leaks
- develop remote sensing and leak detection platforms that can deploy multiple sensor types.
The Research Steering Committee, Technical Committee leadership teams and PRCI staff will continue working with selected contractors to ensure the research is aligned with the development of Strategic Research Priorities (SRPs), PRCI’s research roadmaps and the members’ demonstrated interest.
PRCI will continue to integrate the PHSMA awards with its own ongoing research portfolio while engaging in communication with members for human capital support and active participation.
For more information visit the PRCI website.
If you have news you would like featured in Pipelines International contact Managing Editor Chloe Jenkins at cjenkins@gs-press.com.au