Message from the IPTI President

How can we be of service to our membership?

How can we be of service to our membership? This question is a driving force within the mind of each IPTI Board member. Over the next few weeks, the Board will meet to evaluate its performance and determine strategic direction for the organization. With a membership comprised of individuals from industry, academia, and the student sector, each must be closely examined in order to determine the best path forward for all.

One example of direction involves the further development of our Continuing Education programs. In addition to the ongoing programs offered by ASME International, IPTI now has a full time professional directing our educational efforts. During 2007, 170 persons attended courses in six different venues. Already in 2008, 159 individuals have attended existing courses with other new offerings still planned for the latter part of this year. Strong membership interest in IPTI class offerings continues to reinforce education as a major growth focus in the future. more>

Division Updates

Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (OOAE)

Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (OOAE) Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is focused on both scientific and technical interests related to the better understanding of environmental loading, hydrodynamic behavior, materials selection, structural strength, safety and in-service performance of ships, floating units and subsea equipment mainly associated with the oil & gas industry. More recently, challenges imposed by climate change have motivated a new initiative on ocean renewable energies from waves, tides and currents and, also, on innovative solutions for offshore wind energy. The main forum for these activities is the annual International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (OMAE). more >

Looking to the Future, A History of the Pipeline Systems Division

The Pipeline Systems Division (PSD) of ASME was formed officially in 2003 and is one of the fastest growing divisions of ASME. At present, there are more than 689 members of the PSD and as our reach and activities continue to expand globally; this number is expected to increase dramatically.

PSD has its roots within the Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering Division (OOAE). In 1986, OOAE began holding a Pipeline Symposium as part of their annual conference. In 1992, the event was held in Calgary and a total of 75 papers were presented. The local group responsible for the success of this event formed a local chapter of OOAE which began holding regular events including technical luncheons and small conferences. In 1996, the group held the first International Pipeline Conference (IPC) which attracted 148 papers and more than 592 delegates. The focus of the 1996 event was onshore pipelines – a distinct difference from previous events which were more aligned with the OOAE mandate. The success of this event led to the planning of future IPC’s in Calgary with an onshore pipeline focus.

more >

Please contact Kim Miceli, micelik@asme.org with questions or comments related to the Oil and Gas Update Newsletter.

Upcoming Events:

May 2, Houston, TX
15th Annual ASME OTC Golf Tournament

May 3, Houston,TX
ASME/U of H OTC Crawfish Boil

May 4, Houston, TX
26th Annual Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award (BMEA) Judging and
Cocktail Reception

May 4-8, Houston, TX
2009 Offshore Technology Conference
(OTC)

May 31 - June 5, Honolulu, HI
28th International Conference on
Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering
(OMAE)

May 31 - June 5, Honolulu, HI
Outreach for Engineers Specialty Program
at OMAE

ASME-IPTI Honors Outstanding Engineering Contributions to the Petroluem Industry 

In recognition of outstanding contributions in support of the art, science and practice of mechanical engineering, innovation and professional excellence, the ASME International Petroleum Technology Institute (IPTI) held its annual awards dinner, November 6, at the Marriott Houston Westchase, 2900 Briarpark, Houston.

T. Paul Bulmahn, founder, chairman and CEO of the Houston-based ATP Oil & Gas Corporation, Michael R. Williams, Manager of Engineering Systems at FMC Technologies, Houston, and Charles A. Royce, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Oceaneering International, Inc., will be among seven individuals being honored this year by the ASME-IPTI Petroleum Division.

For significant contributions to the petroleum industry demonstrated through management and motivational skills, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership within corporate and industry circles, Bulmahn will receive the 2008 Rhodes Petroleum Industry Leadership Award, named in honor of the late Allen R. Rhodes, past-president of ASME (1970-71) and former chair of the ASME Petroleum Division.

Williams, an ASME Fellow and long time contributor to the ASME / OTC technical program committee, will receive the 2008 Silver Patent Award. Each year, this ASME Petroleum Division award recognizes a member who has received at least 25 U.S. patents. During his illustrious career with FMC Technologies, spanning 35 years, he has worked on a wide range of high pressure oilfield and subsea equipment and systems.

For his dedication to improving engineering and science awareness for students and the enhancement of education for future leaders, Royce will receive the 2008 Ross Kastor Educators Award. Royce was promoted to VP, Sales & Marketing of Oceaneering International. Inc., in 2001, and has over 30 years of experience in the offshore industry.

Terry M. Lechinger, development director and quality assurance manager at Stress Engineering Services, Inc., will received the 2008 ASME Exceptional Volunteer Award. The award recognizes ASME volunteers who have exhibited extraordinary qualities such as professionalism, commitment and initiative. Lechinger currently serves as chair of the ASME-IPTI board.

Ed Fisher, P.E., consultant and lifetime employee of Cameron, will receive the 2008 Titanium Award for Outstanding Industry Achievement – an award given in recognition of outstanding citizenship in the petroleum industry. With over 47 years of contributions to the oil industry, Fisher continues to serve as an industry consultant for Cameron Ironworks.

Luciana Dias da Cruz, facilities engineer, Petrobras America, Inc., and Steven Scruggs of the Subsea Equipment Group of Chevron’s Energy Technology Company, will receive the Keith Thayer Exceptional Early Career Engineer Award. Dias da Cruz, a 2006 graduate of Texas A&M University, is responsible for subsea development and is involved in deepwater research. Scruggs, a 2006 graduate of the University of Houston, is working on the engineering, manufacturing and integration testing of subsea hardware.