Pipeline layout and integrity plays a pivotal role in efficient and secure transportation of energy resources especially today, when 70% of the world's oil is being transported through pipelines. The 4th Annual Global Pipeline Integrity Summit organized by Fleming Gulf Conferences has gathered global asset integrity professionals to discuss and adopt best practices to maximize pipeline lifecycle. The summit is being held at the Le Royale Meriden Abu Dhabi - UAE. Day one of the summit - 19th May 2014, saw a workshop being delivered by P S Balasubramaniam, Former General Manager at Indian Oil Corporation on hot tapping of running pipeline for rerouting or modification. Attended by over 70 people the focus of the workshop was an in - depth analysis of the hot tapping technique and its advantages. A Civil Engineer with huge experience in the oil pipeline industry, Balasubramaniam has been with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. for over 38 years.

Today, on day two of the summit, U. S. Rao, Vice President Operations at Reliance Gas Infrastructure Ltd. delivered the keynote address on maximizing pipeline integrity capabilities. He spoke about pipeline integrity challenges of national oil and gas companies and how these can be overcome. He later spoke about pipeline commissioning and presented a case study on the same wherein he demonstrated how a crisis was averted at one of their facilities through efficient planning and effective measures. Kenechi Ojemeni, Pipeline Integrity Engineer at Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited followed to present on integrity risk assessment of condensate spiking in gas pipelines. A number of single phase gas pipelines are increasingly being converted to multiphase pipelines to improve project economics and securing the product. He stressed that with this, it is important to analyze the risks and benefits associated with condensate spiking in gas pipelines.

Mohamed Daoud, Manager Projects Control — Engineering and Projects Division at ADCO presented on 'Designing and constructing critical pipeline projects', post lunch. Performing a risk analysis and reviewing regulations plays a vital role before commencing the construction of a pipeline. This not only ensures smooth functioning but also reduces the likelihood and consequences of potential incidents. Updates on the topic were well received by the delegates and they were keen to implement the same in their own organizations.

Tomorrow, final day of the summit will feature panel discussions, presentations and case studies featuring speakers from organizations like Qatar Petroleum, Congo Petrol, IGDAS and NACE International Qatar Chapter. One of the key highlights of tomorrow will be a presentation on security of petroleum pipelines in the Middle East by Dr. Naji Abi Aad, COO at Petroleb, Lebanon. Construction of pipelines has been on the rise to meet energy requirements world over in the last few years and it is important to protect these pipelines from factors like vandalism, corrosion etc. Dr. Abi - Aad will showcase how best pipelines can be protected and fortified. The summit has created an avenue to exchange view points for future developments and learn from various regional and current advancements. The summit is sponsored by Olympus, AP Sensing, Applus Velosi, Stats Group and HIMA.