Just over $US8 million in funding has been allocated to the 2010 programme, which includes research into pipeline corrosion, integrity, operations, design, materials, construction, facilities, and underground storage.

PRCI Chairman Paul MacGregor said “This commitment of the PRCI membership in the face of challenging financial constraints in all sectors of the global economy, demonstrates how industry leadership and collaboration can meet the challenges facing the energy pipeline industry.

“The projects selected by our members reflect their commitment to the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of energy pipelines worldwide,” Mr MacGregor said.

In addition to core programs, the PRCI will also undertake a range of initiatives in 2010, many in conjunction with their European and Australian research partners.

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Some of the initiatives include:

  • The development of a co-ordinated research plan to address the specific technical issues associated with carbon dioxide transport;
  • The development of guidelines to assist operators in evaluating damage to subsea pipelines;

  • The development of a comprehensive approach for the management of unpiggable pipelines will be expanded to include a Base Resource document to provide guidance for inspection and assessment of unpiggable pipelines;
  • Improving the understanding of data produced by pipeline inspection technologies, with an emphasis on determining the effects of uncertainty in the data;

  • The re-examination of standard emissions factors for compressor station fugitive emissions, and the development of improved fugitives measurement methods and reporting procedures; and,

  • Improving compressor and pump station facility integrity to evaluate the effects of vibration on station piping components, and improve the methods and practices used for bolted joints.

The PRCI is a non-profit corporation comprised of 34 energy pipeline operating companies located in the United States, Europe, Canada, South America, and the Middle East.