BHR Groups 18th International Conference on Pipeline Protection: calls for papers
Article Type: Conferences, training and publications From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 56, Issue 3
Pipelines are big business with an estimated 5 million kilometres dedicated globally to energy and water transmission and supply. They are universally recognised as the most sustainable, efficient and cost-effective way to transport liquids, slurries, and gases. But without proper design, installation,operation and maintenance they can fail with potentially disastrous consequences in terms of pollution from leaking hydrocarbon pipelines or unacceptable losses from water mains.
Legislation and pressure from the public and special interest groups continues to drive the industry towards higher standards and levels of performance. The media is never slow to report problems and pipeline operators are increasingly aware of the need to maintain, and be seen to maintain, best practice and good corporate social responsibility. But the economic downturn may lead owners and operators to reduce their maintenance budgets when prolonging operational lifetimes of new and existing pipelines could present a cost effective alternative.
The oil and gas industry has always sought the latest methodologies for protecting its pipelines. The water and waste industry now also demands similar performance to extend the useful life of its own infrastructure. Yet despite different requirements between industries many of the potential solutions are very similar. Safety and security are paramount and in some countries certification is already demanded as proof of standard.
BHR Group’s 18th International Conference on Pipeline Protection will provide the latest information on research, developments and applications in this critical area. The organisers have issued a call for papers for presentation at the conference which will be held in Antwerp, Belgium, November 4-6, 2009. This biennial was established in 1975 and is recognised as the premier technical conference on the subject. Building on the success of its predecessors the latest event presents an ideal opportunity for anyone involved in the commissioning, operation, and maintenance of pipelines to share experiences and best practice for today’s pipelines and the latest techniques to counter tomorrow’s challenges.
The conference provides a unique forum for presenting practical solutions and debating the future direction of the pipeline industry. Contributions are welcomed in the form of technical papers or case studies on all aspects of pipeline protection including current techniques and new developments. The Technical Committee recognises the pool of knowledge within the oil and gas,petrochemical and water industries and welcomes papers from all sectors. Priority will be given to new papers and novel solutions that discuss real applications and experiences. It is likely that the programme will include papers covering the following themes.
Field joint coatings; latest developments in multi layer technology and fusion bonded experiences; engineered coating solutions; inspectability;internal drag-reducing coatings; monitoring and mitigation of mechanisms of deterioration including external and internal corrosion, stress corrosion cracking etc. surface preparation, external and internal coatings, including high temperature operation, cathodic protection, showing effects complementary to coating etc. offshore including high temperature/high pressure, corrosion resistance in deep water; operation of very large diameter water pipelines;maintenance, inline and online monitoring and risk modelling; and rehabilitation and remediation.
The conference is designed for pipeline owners, operators, contractors,coatings manufacturers and developers, consultants, designers, researchers and anyone associated with the oil and gas, chemical and water industries that needs to know about the best way to protect pipes and pipelines.
Further information about the conferences can be obtained from www.bhrgroup.com/conferences.aspx
