An editorial team reads each issue of a magazine many times over before it’s published: we check for inaccuracies, typos, breaks in flow and all sorts of things we hope to catch before the printer springs into action. This month, as every month, Editorial Assistant, Sara Simper made some pertinent notes in the margins of the paper proofs, and one note caught my eye: she wrote that a section from the Nozomi Networks article was an interesting point (and a good starting point for a column). So here I am, thinking about the quote, which goes: “Essentially, it’s the realisation that all great things will fail one day, eventually. It is therefore not entirely about the prevention of failures; sometimes we also need to plan on being resilient to failure.”
The context of the quote is designing cybersecurity for pipelines. The article explains that software companies tend to design network security in layers, with the understanding that each layer could eventually be compromised. They resist security breaches by building in the layers, but they make the network resilient to security breaches by making sure the system can withstand one of those layers failing. Read the article (p.8) to learn how Nozomi is leveraging a resiliency-based mindset to tackle pipeline cybersecurity, even in the face of changing regulations and an ever-changing threat reality.
It strikes me that resisting something means pushing back against it with all of your might: planning, strategising, shoring up defences. This is worthy work and a vital part of creating safe, efficient pipeline systems. However, being resilient means that even if the worst happens and a breach occurs, you have options: a plan B and a plan C, a way to re-route and regain control. So, within resilience we find being quick-thinking a good attribute, but also the ability to accept change. Starting on p.13, Kellas Midstream and Project Canary write about the measurement economy and how it is changing the business of methane emissions. The article addresses the problem of pipeline leaks and fugitive emissions, and explains how midstream operators need to look towards leak detection technologies that measure in real-time and utilise analytics. Continuous methane monitoring sensors are able to offer advanced monitoring and insight, to enable rapid interventions should a leak be found. This is resilience. Throughout this issue of World Pipelines, there are many examples of the pursuit of resilience: TUV SUD National Engineering Labroratory describes optimising flowmeter data to make for better decision-making on flowmeter fault detection and diagnosis. Machine learning and data-driven models can be used to react to, as well as prevent, flowmeter failure. Valmet offers insight into improving process performance in demanding control valve applications: flow control can be made more resilient by simulation-driven development, and by building in versality to valve design. UMS Skeldar writes about using unmanned aircraft for preventative maintenance, which brings about resilience in terms of cost cutting (crew, fuel etc.) and also reducing risk. The very existence of pipeline isolation technology (T.D. Williamson, p.33) is resilience in action: TDW outlines a bespoke recovery tool in a case study that showcases technical excellence and flexibility on the job.
See also, Emerson on developing robust pipeline protocols for a changing pipeline product mix (p.38); Tracerco on the operational benefits of extending a pipeline’s life (p.45); and much more.
Sara and I look forward to building resilience with you all in 2023! Questions, comments and feature ideas always welcome at elizabeth.corner@worldpipelines.com.
