News & Events
| |
The Western Regional Gas Conference is being held August 24-25 in Tempe, AZ. The conference focuses on natural gas transmission and distribution issues.
Tony Lopez, Director of Sales for New Century Software, will present on how the Cased Pipe Integrity Assurance Model was created to avoid unnecessary direct assessment activities on non-piggable cased pipelines. The risk model, developed jointly by NYSEARCH, DNV, WKM Consulting, and 16 funding gas companies from across the United States, uses information stored in a variety of formats to provide an assessment of risk for cased pipe.
New Century Software, through a cooperative agreement with the Northeast Gas Association, was selected in 2009 as the exclusive vendor to distribute the NYSEARCH Cased Pipe Integrity Assurance Model to the gas distribution and transmission pipeline sectors.
|
| |
Rob McElroy, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at New Century Software, will be providing a presentation titled, “Distribution Integrity Management: Identifying and Organizing Data” at October’s GITA conference in Houston. The presentation will discuss why data is critical in meeting DIMP requirements, techniques for dealing with incomplete or missing data, and strategies for organizing and managing data.
To address the mandatory elements of a Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP), distribution operators need accurate and complete data about their facilities, operations, and maintenance. The session provides methodologies for inventorying and storing data, as well as techniques for finding and using readily available data from public sources. The session will also discuss necessary characteristics of data and how to address gaps and missing data. An overview of data model options will be provided.
|
| |
New Century Software has released the latest version of Gas HCA Analyst, a highly configurable application designed to identify Class Location and High Consequence Areas on gas pipelines and determine regulated onshore gathering lines. The tool addresses the specific integrity management framework of the gas pipeline operator through a series of flexible settings that accommodate clustering, structure snapping methods, centerline disconnects and geometric networks.
Gas HCA Analyst meets the continuous improvement element of pipeline integrity management by storing the operator’s configuration settings, applying those settings on future analyses, and producing time-based comparisons of the pipeline network. Every Class Location and HCA determination is accompanied by the project settings and related metadata for project validation. Those results can be distributed as Crystal Reports, tabular files, or feature classes in ArcMap.
|
| |
After successful completion of an in-depth pilot project, Lakewood, Colo. based SourceGas has selected Structural Integrity Associates and New Century Software to provide software and services to assist in meeting Distribution Integrity Management regulations.
SourceGas will use the DIMP template developed by Structural Integrity Associates for the Northeast Gas Association (NGA) and Southern Gas Association (SGA) along with New Century’s industry leading Spatial Risk Analyst. SourceGas currently uses New Century’s Spatial Risk Analyst application for Transmission Pipeline Integrity Management. “Utilizing the same strong software platform for both DIMP and TIMP, and a methodology backed by over 45 operators representing 40% of the total US distribution mileage provides significant operational and cost efficiencies,” commented Bill Stephens, Manager of Codes and Standards at SourceGas. “This provides SourceGas with a comprehensive and flexible software solution to organize key system data, identify threats, and prioritize the relative risk of these threats; critical steps in complying with the DIMP regulation,” said Ron Brush, President of New Century Software.
|
| |
The American Gas Association Spring Conference will take place May 11-14 in New Orleans. During the pre-conference seminar on GIS related regulatory issues, Rich Arata will be delivering another data-centered presentation titled, “Integrity Management in Gas Distribution Systems –Information Requirements and Uses.” Rich will share his expertise on 1) data requirements and assessing what kinds of data you need, 2) the role of spatial data and why you need it for risk and integrity, and 3) how to manage the data and GIS.
|
| |
New Century Software has launched a service offering designed to help pipeline operators get the most out of investments made in data intensive projects such as risk assessment, MAOP calculation, and HCA or Class Location analysis.
Data Profiling and Cleansing is a three-phased methodology to identify and correct data issues prior to initiating projects. It allows transmission and gathering line operators to leverage New Century's expertise in:
- Data conversion and migration
- Pipeline domain knowledge
- Data models (PODS and others)
- Proprietary applications for data QC, reporting, and loading
- Integrity management
Our data analysis team will provide a clear picture of any data integrity issues that may arise during your upcoming project and the steps that should be taken to optimize that data in advance. More information can be found on our Data Profiling and Cleansing webpage.
|
| |
New Century Software Inc. and LandWorks Inc., two leading developers of asset management software for the oil & gas pipeline industry, have agreed to integrate their respective software solutions –New Century Software Facility Manager and LandWorks Property Management (LPM).
“This integration will create a direct connection between pipeline right-of-way records in LPM and the pipeline engineering and operations data in Facility Manager,” said Jerry Bramwell, President of LandWorks. “The fully integrated solution will enable sharing of data between the systems and also increase the amount of data available to both applications. This provides the foundation for development of new asset management functionality not previously available in either application or to the industry in general.”
New Century Software of Fort Collins, CO, developed Facility Manager to provide oil & gas pipeline operators with the ability to manage pipeline attribute and centerline data in a spatially enabled GIS compatible with PODS (Pipeline Open Data Standard). GIS technicians rely on Facility Manager to ensure the integrity of corporate pipeline data and to perform critical centerline management. The software allows users to manage hundreds of data elements relating to the location, structure, operation, function and condition of the pipeline.
Based in Houston, LandWorks developed LPM as a comprehensive land asset management system that stores, retrieves and manages critical information relating to the rights of way traversed by pipelines and their related infrastructure. The software, along with its GIS components, manage and report pertinent data related to the ownership, rights, and obligations associated with a pipeline company’s land assets. The integration with New Century’s Facility Manager will give pipeline companies the ability to keep their land assets linked to their facilities.
“The new LPM-Facility Manager integration will allow our customers to seamlessly link two otherwise disparate data categories – land and pipeline assets,” said Ron Brush, President of New Century Software. “Integration of these databases will make it possible for operators to visualize in the GIS environment how changes to a pipeline might impact the land assets and vice versa.”
New Century Software and LandWorks personnel began development of the integrated solution last year with support from a major oil & gas pipeline operator. Once completed, the integration will be offered as an optional add-on module to LandWorks Property Management and New Century’s Facility Manager application.
|
| |
New Century Software has been selected make presentations on data management strategies for DIMP at two upcoming industry events.
The GITA Infrastructure Conference is being held April 25-29 in Phoenix. Rich Arata, Gas Distribution Practice Manager for New Century Software, will be delivering a presentation titled, “Using GIS and Other Data Sources to Address DIMP Requirements.” The presentation will review the different types of data available and discuss ways to effectively evaluate, integrate and use data sources within the operator’s organization.
|
| |
New Century Software has been selected to make a presentation at the International Pipeline Conference being held this September in Calgary. The abstract chosen by the panel reads:
Distribution Integrity Management (DIM) regulations will require operators to formalize their risk management procedures. While many operators have risk models for various applications, most have not implemented a comprehensive risk management solution. This paper will discuss DIM regulations and the role GIS technology will play meeting the requirements. This includes knowledge of the distribution system’s physical attributes, understanding what is happening in and to the system, identification and prioritization of threats such as corrosion, natural forces, and excavation, reduction of risk and evaluation of program effectiveness.
While there are differences between transmission IMP and DIM, this paper will discuss how geospatial solutions developed for natural gas transmission pipelines can be utilized for performing DIM risk assessment and developing risk mitigation strategies. Because risk analysis requires a significant amount of data, the use of GIS in the integration of data, one of the keys to identify threats, will be a focus of this presentation. The presentation will provide an overview of the anticipated demand for data, how data could be stored, and how data could be utilized in an integrated risk assessment program. The paper will present examples of how risk-based decision making can improve operational efficiency and resource allocation.
|
| |
PHMSA's new DIMP (Distribution Integrity Management Program) requirements for distribution pipeline systems were published to the Federal Register last night. Distribution system operators have 18 months from the February 12th effective date to develop and implement an integrity management plan.
Download the PHMSA DIMP Regulations
In response to the newly published Distribution Integrity Management Program rules, New Century Software and Structural Integrity Associates will be offering a joint webinar to outline their solution to meet DIMP requirements. Join us on December 10th or December 17th for a one-hour web seminar that will provide you with an introduction to this approach to quickly and efficiently establish a comprehensive Distribution Integrity Management program.
"A Flexible and Integrated Solution to Address DIMP Requirements" will be led by Rich Arata, Distribution Practice Manager at New Century Software, and Eric Kirkpatrick, Senior Associate with Structural Integrity Associates. The seminar will cover:
- Brief overview of the seven major components of DIMP
- Requirements for a written program document
- Inventorying the data you have and developing a strategy for moving forward
- Key data required for a complete risk analysis
- Risk analysis using tabular data and, if available, spatial GIS data
- A demonstration of risk analysis using the Spatial Risk Analyst software
- Questions and answers with the presenters
As an added benefit, participants will take part in interactive polling slides throughout the presentation that will allow them to gauge where other distribution operators stand in regards to addressing the requirements of the rule.
This web seminar is offered for distribution system and pipeline operators only.
| Tuesday, December 8th, 10AM MST |
|
|
| Thursday, December 10th, 1PM MST |
|
|
|
| |
New Century Software has released Facility Manager WebEdit, a new lightweight pipeline GIS database editing tool. Built on the ESRI ArcGIS Server platform, the application combines web mapping functionality with agile data maintenance features. Intelligent Domains drive consistent data entry and the web-based architecture enhances the transfer of critical pipeline information between field locations and the corporate GIS.
Using a workflow-based approach, field personnel can now directly enter pipeline maintenance activities such as repairs, inspections and foreign line crossings directly into the corporate GIS database, eliminating the need for paper forms. Submitted records are temporarily held in a staging queue until approved by an authorized GIS approver. This approach creates a system of accountability and a more transparent workflow for data edits coming from remote users. Valuable time is saved and the potential for errors reduced by not having to re-enter data from handwritten forms received via email, fax, or mail.
Facility Manager WebEdit uses Intelligent Domains to simplify data entry while better controlling data quality. Intelligent Domains limit the selection of drop-down values to only include valid domains in the pipeline GIS database. “This new tool combines the web mapping functionality of our Centerline Browser application with select data maintenance features found in our Facility Manager desktop application,” stated Ron Brush, president of New Century Software. “We feel it addresses a number of challenges pipeline operators are facing with the ongoing integrity of their pipeline data.”
|
| |
Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. (SIA) and New Century Software are pleased to announce that they have signed an MOU to offer an industry-leading software solution and supporting services to assist gas distribution operators in complying with pending regulations for Distribution Integrity Management. The DIMP solution will provide a flexible framework that is capable of being adapted to each operator's unique requirements within their system.
SIA is currently developing a best-in-class Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) template for the Northeast Gas Association (NGA) and Southern Gas Association (SGA). Over forty-five member companies of SGA and NGA, collectively serving more than 40% of the distribution customers in the United States, have already committed to the development of the framework document. Laney Bisbee, president of SIA, commented that, "this is a great opportunity for two innovative firms to integrate their expertise and provide a comprehensive solution that will allow distribution operators to comply with new regulations."
The joint offering will provide a comprehensive and flexible software solution to organize key system data, identify threats, and prioritize the relative risk of these threats; critical steps in complying with the pending DIMP regulation. New Century’s industry leading Spatial Risk Analyst will serve as the delivery mechanism for the software solution. “Collaborative efforts like this will empower distribution operators with stronger, more consistent safety solutions while taking advantage of technologies that allow them to reduce costs,” said Ron Brush, president of New Century Software.
Press Release
|
| |
To ensure our focus on continuous innovation and outstanding customer support, New Century Software has added four new members to the team.
Within the software development department, Jay Douglas, Akash Jain, and Ian Hogan were brought in to meet the increasing demand for custom application development while ensuring that New Century’s core product line continues to grow and innovate.
Our software support team is pleased to welcome Heather Rone. Heather gained hands on experience with our applications while working on contract with Boardwalk Pipeline Partners in Owensboro, KY. She will play a major role in helping to maintain the high level of customer satisfaction our clients are accustomed to.
|
| |
The ESRI publication Energy Currents has published an article on New Century Software’s Spatial Risk Analyst in the fall issue. The software builds on ESRI’s ArcGIS technology to calculate threats and consequences for transmission pipelines and gas distribution systems. Of particular focus are the pending DIMP regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
In the article, Rob Brook, ESRI’s pipeline and gas industry manager, is quoted saying: “DIMP is essentially a geographic question, requiring spatial analysis to find answers. With GIS, gas distribution operators are able to correlate pipeline assets and threat information. We see GIS playing a key role in the DIMP process and are pleased to have business partners building these powerful applications.”
A podcast that served as the foundation for the article is also available on the ESRI website.
|
| |
Rich Arata, Distribution Practice Manager at New Century Software, has been accepted as a presenter at ESRI’s 2009 EGUG Conference being held October 11-14 in Atlanta.
The presentation will discuss how gas distribution operators can prepare for the regulations proposed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration and recently approved by the Department of Transportation. The regulations require each system operator to establish and operate a Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP). It is expected that the regulations will be published to the federal register this fall so gas distribution system operators should be gearing up to implement a program for their organization now. This paper covers the role of a geographic information system (GIS) in meeting the requirements of the regulations. and focuses on the GIS and related data, data maintenance procedures, and applications to ensure an operator will have the foundation required to meet the upcoming rules. The proposed rules specify seven elements that an operator’s program must encompass, and the presentation will cover how GIS fulfills a key role in each of those elements and provides the foundation required for an effective integrity management program.
|
|
July 19-21, 2010
SGA Operating Conference
Houston, TX
Exhibitor
August 24-25, 2010
Western Regional Gas Conference
Tempe, AZ
Presenter
August 26, 2010
GeoGathering
The Woodlands, TX
Sponsor
September 28-30, 2010
International Pipeline Expo
Calgary, AB
Exhibitor
October 17-20, 2010
ESRI EGUG
Dearborn, MI
Exhibitor
October 24-28, 2010
GITA Oil & Gas
Houston, TX
Sponsor
October 28, 2010
PODS User Group
The Woodlands, TX
Sponsor
|
