PHMSA is holding a Workshop on Cased Pipeline Integrity Assessments on July 15-16, 2008 at the Sheraton Gateway Suites Chicago O'Hare, 6501 North Manheim Road, Rosemont, IL 60018. The workshop will assist pipeline operators, trade associations, and others in addressing concerns with successfully using External Corrosion Direct Assessment integrity evaluation methods and use of other technologies to assess casings in High Consequence Areas. The goal of the workshop is to develop a list of potential solutions that can address issues with cased crossing inspections through usage of new technology, understanding of and/or changes to the regulations, updating of standards, operating practices and/or research. PHMSA will then analyze the list of potential solutions with stakeholders for consideration on which solutions can best address the issues.
The first day of the workshop will include:
- A background of the regulatory integrity requirements,
- Technical updates by both operators and service providers,
- Overview of research of new technology, inspection issues and the current integrity inspection positions,
- Status of the stakeholders represented followed by panels presenting and discussing current NACE standards,
- Approaches and assessment methodologies being used for cased pipeline segments, and
- Research completed or underway.
The second day of the workshop will include:
- Breakout sessions on the above topics, followed by the group convening to talk about technical assessment successes,
- New technology,
- New integrity assessment approaches,
- Status update of assessments, and
- Long term issues.
The second day will also serve as a brainstorm session for identifying discussion topics/issues that should be incorporated into a future public workshop on the broader issue of how pipeline industry can work collaboratively with others to reduce the need for casings on newly installed pipe.
Members of the public may attend this free workshop. To help with estimating attendance and planning for the breakout session, all attendees are encouraged to register for the workshop on the PHMSA Website. The workshop will be Web cast except for the breakout sessions on the second day. Information on the Web cast link, including estimates of times when the Web cast will be on, will be posted on the meeting Web site above. Presentations from the workshop and recommendations from the breakout sessions will be uploaded to the meeting Web site within 30 days after the workshop. The meeting Web site will have a list of technical documents participants are encouraged to review prior to the workshop, along with a list of questions and issues to be addressed during the workshop.
Hotel reservations under the U.S. Department of Transportation room block can be made at (847) 699-6300 by June 30. A daily rate of $168.00 is available. The meeting room(s) will be posted at the hotel on the days of the workshop. Hotel reservations must be made by contacting the hotel directly.
For further information contact: Max Kieba at (202) 493-0595, or by e-mail at max.kieba@dot.gov