Precast Concrete Needs Alternative Inspection Methods and Resources

Precast Concrete Needs Alternative Inspection Methods and Resources

Inspection is part of an effective supplier quality surveillance (SQS) program that successful projects use to ensure equipment and materials are delivered complete, correct, and on-time. Occasionally, an oil & gas (O&G) project purchases precast concrete items such as bridge girders, tanks or vaults. The owner or project may not, however, have a concrete specification….

Is Your Project Using the Master Keys to Success?

Is Your Project Using the Master Keys to Success?

Words are the master key to successful communication. Communication is the master key to successful projects. According to the article What Are the Causes of Communication Failure?, three (of four) causes of communication failure are related to the use of language: Words are the master key to successful communications. Related: Successful Projects Need Effective Communication….

We Need Smart Boots More Than Smart Phones

We Need Smart Boots More Than Smart Phones

Projects need to work smarter with fewer resources but will always need boots on the ground. The Engineering News-Record article Three Industries That Are Helping Drive Construction Companies Forward makes interesting observations about how companies working in the energy sector can learn from other industries.  With one point, I agree. On another, I do not….

Canada’s Oil & Gas Workforce Will Need More Than Talent

Canada’s Oil & Gas Workforce Will Need More Than Talent

New talent will need to be attracted and retained, while knowledge will need to be transferred from the existing and departing talent. Research by PetroLMI about Canada’s oil & gas workforce that was quoted by JWN states that the industry will be challenged should a significant rebound in hiring occur.[1] This is true – and…

A Pipeline’s First and Best Defence

A Pipeline’s First and Best Defence

A pipeline’s first and best line of defense against corrosion damage is the external coatings.   Coatings are only one of many methods, technologies, and practices used to ensure pipeline integrity from design and construction to operations, maintenance and retirement.[1] Related: Effective Supplier Quality Surveillance (SQS). Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) is a powder coating that provides…

The Ultimate Skills Challenge – Pipe vs. Plate Welder

The Ultimate Skills Challenge – Pipe vs. Plate Welder

Related: Effective Supplier Quality Surveillance (SQS). Note This article was originally published by the AWS Welding Journal in the December 2015 Vol. 94 No. 12 edition https://www.aws.org/publications/weldingjournal and by FABTECH 8-Jan-16 https://www.fabtechexpo.com/blog/2016/01/08/the-ultimate-skills-challenge-pipe-vs-plate-welder/. About the Author Roy O. Christensen is a Welding Engineering Technologist who has over 35 years’ experience with O&G, pipeline, and other projects. He has…

How to Achieve FAT Success for Your Oil Sands Project

How to Achieve FAT Success for Your Oil Sands Project

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) is used to verify equipment compliance to project requirements and specifications INTRODUCTION When an internet search reveals limited results, it may be for one of two reasons.  The first is that few people are interested in, and search on the topic. The second is that, as yet, few have been able…

More Tips on Tipping and Claiming Meal Expenses

More Tips on Tipping and Claiming Meal Expenses

Here are more tips for meals that are a business expense and getting reimbursed INTRODUCTION The article How to Tip Your Server at a Restaurant offers excellent advice about tipping.  This includes information about international norms and provides an easy way to calculate a 10% or 20% tip.  Just move the decimal point of the…