In March 2000, ASME International established the Pipeline Systems Subdivision (PSD), within ASME's Materials and Structures Group, to draw together worldwide interest in pipeline technology. As of March 2003, PSD has been elevated to full division status and is now the Pipeline Systems Division.  PSD became part of ASME's International Petroleum Technology Institute (IPTI).  Currently PSD is part of the Energy Sources and Processing Segment in line with the other divisions of the former IPTI.  

Pipelines are used throughout the world for sundry purposes, chief of which is the safe and economic transportation of energy products and water supplies. The multi-billion dollar pipeline industry employs many thousands of people in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of facilities.

 

The impetus to form the PSD stemmed from a strong desire to represent pipeline community and from several highly successful international pipeline conferences held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. These conferences have enjoyed strong support from the industry, government, regulatory agencies, research and academic establishments, pipeline and other associations. The International Pipeline Conference and Exhibition is held in Calgary in September in even years.

Besides using conferences as a means of disseminating state of the art information on such topics as, Pipeline System Integrity, Design, Construction, Code/Standards/Regulations, Automation, Operations, Maintenance as well as Management and Environmental issues, the objectives of the Division are to encourage the interaction and professional development of its international membership. Planned activities include technical meetings, conferences, seminars/workshops and short courses as well as web-based training and publications as well as expositions.

 

Promote technological progress and international co-operation in the area of Pipeline Systems engineering.

Support of education and timely, in-depth exchange of technical information among researchers and engineers.

Provide strong leadership and liaison, including the promotion of technical activities and conferences, within ASME and with other international organizations.

Provide a public advocacy role for matters related to pipelines, in conformance with the ASME Constitution, By-Laws, and Policies.

Promote the development of Codes and Standards related to pipeline system design and safety

Pipeline Automation and Measurement:
SCADA, Communications, Control Devices, Systems Control, Sensor Technology, Hydraulic Simulations, Leak Detection, Measurement and Metering

Rotating Equipment:
Pumps, Compressors, Drivers, Seals, Bearings, Pulsation, Vibration, Noise, Emissions, Coolers, Maintenance Planning

Permafrost Engineering, Geotechnics and Heat Transfer:
Frost Heave, Ground Movements, Earthquake Response, Slope Stability, Geotextiles, Piling, Arctic Pipelines, Insulated Lines, Pipe in Pipe lines

Offshore Issues:
Deep Water Pipelines, Reliability Based Design, Fluid-Solid-Soil Interactions, Free Spanning, Pipe Soil Interaction, Computational Methods, Hydrodynamic Forces, Vortex Shedding, Marine Risers, Multi Phase Flow, Hydrates, Robotics/Remote Control Valves

Materials Science:
Fatigue/Fracture Control, Corrosion Defect Assessment, Inspection (internal and external), Non Destructive Testing, Repairs, Welding and Joining, Cathodic Protection, Coatings, Inhibitors

GIS/Database Development:
Records Management, Database Design, Satellite Imaging and Remote Sensing, Geomatics, GPS applications

Environmental Issues:
Route Selection, Remediation, Reclamation, Mitigation, Abandonment, Land Issues, Hydrotesting, Regulatory and Community Issues, Pubic Participation, Environmental Impact Assessments

Design and Construction:
Materials Selection, Codes and Standards, Limit States Design, System Hydraulic Design, Station Design, Mechanical Design of Components, Quality Assurance, Welding Technology, Start Up and Commissioning

Pipeline Integrity:
Reliability Centred Maintenance, Innovative Detection Methods, Pigging, Stress Corrosion Cracking, Hydrogen Induced Cracking