Pipeline Capacity Analyses

Assisted shipper customer of interstate natural gas pipeline in FERC proceeding with evaluation of pipeline flow capacity analyses.  Prepared hydraulic model of gas pipeline to evaluate claims made by pipeline as to feasibility of flow reversal and modifications of shipper receipt/delivery point obligations.

Pipeline Engineering

Assisted pipeline engineering company against professional negligence claims made by owner related to field bending of pipeline during construction.  Issues included applicable pipeline design codes, proper specification of pipe, and acceptance criteria for cold field bends.  Issued expert report in response to negligence claims made by owner.

Pipeline Liquids

Investigated cause of gas plant shutdown due to excessive liquids received from an unprocessed gas stream delivered to the plant by third party pipeline.  Investigation included review of the third party pipeline design and operation including pipeline pigging procedures, inlet separation facilities at gas plant and downstream units, and operator actions during event.  Prepared expert report on review findings and in response to expert reports prepared on behalf of pipeline company.

Crude Oil Pipeline Construction Dispute

Provided expert reports and deposition testimony on behalf of crude oil pipeline construction contractor in support of breach of contract claims made by owner.  Conducted evaluation of contractor performance under a reimbursable target price contract including impact of right-of-way delays, scope changes, and weather delays.

Pipeline and Compressor Station Construction

On behalf of owner consortium, provided consulting and expert analysis of deficiency claims made by owner against EPC contractor on pipeline and compressor station construction project in West Africa.  Claims included engineering drawing deficiencies, piping interferences, equipment procured/installed incorrectly, inadequate equipment preservation, and inadequate control system.

Pipeline Corridor

Assisted owner of pipeline corridor in Houston Ship Channel area in valuation of pipeline right-of-way in condemnation proceedings.  Prepared pipeline spacing analysis, comparison of construction costs of alternate routes, and valuation analysis of pipeline corridor between Houston Ship Channel and Mont Belvieu.

Crude Oil Pipeline Failure

Reviewed operation, maintenance, and inspection procedures and relevant history for crude oil pipeline which suffered failures and subsequent release of their contents and resulted in litigation.

Refined Petroleum Products Pipeline Leak

Investigated the volume and origination of motor gasoline spilled from a ruptured products pipeline in Texas.  Utilized SCADA data to locate product batches, and determined leaked volume based on gravity drainage and siphoning effect.  Demonstrated that client’s product was not involved in spill.

Petroleum Product Pipeline Explosion

Investigated the cause of a motor gasoline leak and subsequent explosion and fire in northwest Washington. Witnessed excavation of damaged pipe by the National Transportation Safety Board and evaluated pipeline system design, maintenance, and operation.

ICC Pipeline Construction Arbitration

Analyzed numerous construction and design defect issues on behalf of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor involved in a lump sum $1.6 billion refinery and multiple pipeline project in Mexico.  Assessed numerous additional work order claims with reference to the contractual documents and normal industry practice.  Prepared expert reports detailing the basis of opinions and findings and testified in International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration hearings.

Pipeline Construction

Acted as Project Manager for $80 million 36-inch pipeline looping project in Southeast Michigan.  Responsible for regulatory testimony, and scope of work development; selecting and managing engineering-procurement-construction management firm (EPCM); and capital budget and construction schedule preparation.

Gathering System Hydraulic Evaluation

Conducted hydraulic simulation of large gas/condensate wellhead gathering system to determine optimum pipe sizes, configuration, and inlet header system.

Crude Oil Pipeline Development

Assisted electric utility with the expansion and conversion of an idle fuel oil pipeline system to deliver crude oil to area refineries.  Provided technical support for negotiations with equity partners and potential shippers.

Olefins and Natural Gasoline Pipelines Development

Led study and negotiations to secure high pressure gas and liquids pipeline capacity for a new ethylene plant to transport ethylene, propylene and natural gasoline.  Explored joint ventures, service conversions, owner construction, and third party alternatives.  Involved in developing design parameters, routing, and common carrier tariff structure.  Executed contracts to construct and utilize three parallel 12-inch diameter pipelines along the Gulf Coast.

Pipeline Easement Dispute

Served as expert witness on pipeline installation, monitoring, testing, and repair practices and capabilities, regarding dispute concerning commercial development of property transected by existing pipelines.

Petroleum Products Pipeline Failure

Reviewed operation and maintenance history for a major petroleum product pipeline that suffered a failure and release of product, resulting in litigation.

Pipelines are our safest and most reliable means of transporting the fuels critical to our society. Our consultants have extensive backgrounds in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of natural gas, crude oil, and refined products pipelines.

Coupled with our commercial experience, we have performed valuations, testified in construction disputes, and investigated the causes of pipeline leaks.