Yup, Bob you nailed it. I've been a pipe welder for about 12 years. Currently working on the other side as a pipe fitter. All of these automatic systems exist, and they are very good at replacing the complacent human brain. The field I am in is constantly using and upgrading to this technology to eliminate the risks with human error. It works well, and I see that daily. For a Husky sized corporation, these would be 100's of millions in upgrades. Yea they would keep tradespeople and oilfield workers going through a recession, and the public would be safer. The 100's of millions though, it just doesn't work for a large greedy outfit like Husky.
Awesome thought Bob, eliminate the risk, stop the problem before it starts. Money doesn't come easy for work that isn't "necessary".
Bob - 8 years ago
I absolutely support new pipeline construction with the demand that they are built beyond code and government regulation. This is an example of a very critical major river crossing where a motoring station with automatic shutin systems (and perhaps a manned operation control room?) could have been in place. If pressure changes are detected the pipeline would be shut in. Does this technology not exist? Over engineer these major river crossings to minimize the possibility of spills such as these.
The Nexen spill in Fort McMurray was an eye opener for me in that even a 2 year old, double walled pipeline has the potential for ruptures. I cannot believe that all available technology is being used in regards to monitoring and shut in systems and procedures. That's not acceptable. Yes build them and build them right. Ad new technology to old pipelines. This responsibility falls on the shoulders of industry.
Yup, Bob you nailed it. I've been a pipe welder for about 12 years. Currently working on the other side as a pipe fitter. All of these automatic systems exist, and they are very good at replacing the complacent human brain. The field I am in is constantly using and upgrading to this technology to eliminate the risks with human error. It works well, and I see that daily. For a Husky sized corporation, these would be 100's of millions in upgrades. Yea they would keep tradespeople and oilfield workers going through a recession, and the public would be safer. The 100's of millions though, it just doesn't work for a large greedy outfit like Husky.
Awesome thought Bob, eliminate the risk, stop the problem before it starts. Money doesn't come easy for work that isn't "necessary".
I absolutely support new pipeline construction with the demand that they are built beyond code and government regulation. This is an example of a very critical major river crossing where a motoring station with automatic shutin systems (and perhaps a manned operation control room?) could have been in place. If pressure changes are detected the pipeline would be shut in. Does this technology not exist? Over engineer these major river crossings to minimize the possibility of spills such as these.
The Nexen spill in Fort McMurray was an eye opener for me in that even a 2 year old, double walled pipeline has the potential for ruptures. I cannot believe that all available technology is being used in regards to monitoring and shut in systems and procedures. That's not acceptable. Yes build them and build them right. Ad new technology to old pipelines. This responsibility falls on the shoulders of industry.