Conference focuses on pipeline protection

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 20, 2003

The 15th International Conference on Pipeline Protection will provide the latest information on research, developments and applications.

Pipelines are accepted as the most efficient and safe means of transporting liquids and gases over long distances by the oil, gas and process industries.

An estimated 2.5 million kilometres are in use by energy businesses alone.

Safe and economical installation and operation of a pipeline is always critical to its success but in capital intensive and highly regulated sectors there is also a the need to prolong the useful life of existing infrastructure.

Attrition through corrosion and other sources is a constant concern.

Added to this is growing demand for longer large diameter onshore pipelines and deeper water offshore installations.

The pipeline protection industry has been at the forefront of the technology needed to maintain the integrity of structures in increasingly harsh environments.

Maintaining or improving safe, efficient and environmentally friendly pipeline performance has many advantages.

Deteriorated pipelines require rehabilitation and new techniques for renovating or replacing existing joints in the field help prolonging operational lifetimes.

New installations benefit from the latest materials and construction techniques that lead to a longer projected design life and reduced overall operating cost.

But advances in techniques and materials create demand for information about them.

With business more than ever driven by the need to remain cost effective and competitive, technical staff will not achieve maximum advantage without also understanding the costs and benefits of the new materials, coatings, jointing techniques, inhibitors, and monitoring and cleaning systems.

BHR Group's 15th International Conference on Pipeline Protection provides the latest information on research, developments and applications.

This biennial event, to be held in Aachen, Germany, 29th-31st October 2003, was established in 1975 and is now recognised as the premier technical event on the subject.

Building on the success of its predecessors this year's event presents an ideal opportunity for anyone involved in the commissioning, operation and maintenance of pipelines to share experiences across a wide range of applications and conditions.

The conference is designed for pipeline 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.

The programme includes presentations of original papers by many of the world's leading specialists in pipeline protection.

Individual sessions will cover the key areas affecting safe and economic pipeline operation including structural integrity, multi layer coatings, internal coatings, asset management, rehabilitation, cathodic protection, offshore and submarine applications, and materials.

Pipeline Protection is sponsored by EUPEC PipeCoatings, Canusa Systems, E Wood, Jotun Powder Coatings, Corus Tubes Energy Business/BSR Pipeline Services and Akzo Nobel Powder Coatings.