2024 Distinguished Service, In-Kind Support, and Distinguished Researcher Awards
Every achievement the energy pipeline industry earns is shared by every member, and PRCI is honored to be a key participant in that endeavor.
Without the engagement and participation of our members, much of the research conducted would not be completed nor relevant to the industry. We are proud to acknowledge members who have gone above and beyond in service to the energy pipeline industry’s success through a sustained commitment to PRCI.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS
Recipients of the Distinguished Service Award have dedicated their time and effort to help advance PRCI’s initiatives through noteworthy contributions to the achievement of its mission, goals, and programs. These awards are a token of our appreciation and gratitude for their continued dedication.
Well respected within the committee and the industry, Chris has demonstrated strong leadership and guidance for the past six years as the Measurement Technical Committee Chair.
Chris comes from a liquid pipeline background. As the committee’s chair, he has elevated the importance of liquid measurement projects within the committee, while at the same time maintaining the focus on gas measurement projects.
Prior to his role as chair, he stood out as an active member of the committee by identifying and helping to implement new approaches and processes to improve the quality and applicability of the research.
Chris Levy, Chevron
Rick Noecker, ExxonMobil
Rick Noecker has made invaluable contributions to the CO2 Task Force. His participation enriched the discussions and provided valuable perspectives to identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities in the field of pipeline safety R&D. His expertise and insights made a significant impact on the success of the outcomes of the CO2 State pf the Art (SOTA) and roadmap.
The time and effort he has dedicated to sharing knowledge with the project team and developing the workshop in conjunction with the 2023 Emerging Fuels Symposium is deeply appreciated.
Josh Bremner, Phillips 66
Josh is one of the PRCI member delegates who always says yes. Always well prepared and engaging, one of Josh’s most important traits is that he is extremely helpful to everyone around him.
He has volunteered for a leadership role in the Inspection & Integrity Technical Committee, agreed to present research value on behalf of Phillips 66, and has provided presentations for events such as the Technology Development Center’s Open House and the 2023 European Research Forum.
Josh is a perfect example of an ideal member delegate.
Jennifer Klementis, TC Energy
Jen is a dedicated high-energy technical leader and active participant in PRCI Technical Committee meetings and projects. As the manager for R&D at TC Energy, she has delivered great value to her company and the industry having developed an annual report articulating the tangible value of research.
Her insight has leveraged value opportunities for the TDC and extended the global pipeline sample library. She championed the development of better metrics and active measures for TDC utilization. After joining the RSC late last year, she has provided input on a direction for the VTDC to improve upon its support.
Additionally, Jen is partnering with ASME and PRCI to lead the Technical Committee for International Pipeline Conference 2024. She has taken pivotal roles with CEPA, NACE, UK group PIPESAFE, and participated in CSA committees to further research in the pipeline industry.
IN-KIND SUPPORT AWARD
Recipients of the In-Kind Support Award are companies which have provided significant contributions deemed “substantially above and beyond” the expectations for member participation and for supporting the furthering of PRCI research programs to enhance the integrity, reliability, and environmental performance of energy pipelines around the world. These awardees have provided support in a manner which has made major contributions to the success of many PRCI research initiatives.
Member since 1954
In 2023, Williams made a significant donation to the Technology Development Center of over 400 feet of 30- and 36-inch-diameter pipe with over 70 hard spot features for Mat-7-2A. These samples will be used again on the Emerging Fuels Institute’s full-scale test project JEFI-04-08, and in future projects yet to be determined.
Member since 1959
In 2023, SoCalGas provided host site access to their compressor facility for CPS-2-03 to help validate Siemens-Energy’s next generation predictive emissions monitoring system for gas turbines. Additionally, SoCalGas provided the test site for CPS-17-01A which analyzed technologies that identify isolation valve leakage.
DISTINGUISHED RESEARCHER AWARD
Recipients of the Distinguished Researcher Award have enhanced the integrity, reliability, and environmental performance of energy pipelines around the world through the dedication of their time and effort. These awards are a token of our appreciation and gratitude for their continued dedication.
Ming Gao, Blade
Ming was known as one of the industry “go to players” when there was a complex challenge to address, always striving for excellence. He was an accomplished scientist and respected academic, working over 5 decades in the energy pipeline industry always displaying his passion and energy in the many roles he assumed.
Ming’s expertise was relied on by many, if not most, of PRCI’s member companies in addressing pipeline integrity and safety programs as author/co-author or lead technical resource for many PRCI reports and hundreds of publications and technical papers. His contributions to PRCI R&D projects and programs are indisputable and his legacy will live on.
Ming was a mentor, teacher, and friend. His kindness, generosity, humility, patience, and knowledge were truly admirable, and he always had a smile for everyone. He was at the core of the pipeline brotherhood and the PRCI family. It is unfortunate that the opportunity to officially thank Ming directly for all of his contributions did not occur earlier, and that this award was presented posthumously.