The annual Pipeline Technology Conference, ptc (www.pipeline-conference.com) is known for its enduring dealing with the latest technological developments in the pipeline industry. Besides the annual conference and exhibition in Berlin and the publication of the electronic Pipeline Technology Journal, ptj (www.pipeline-journal.com) the ptc organizer EITEP Institute offers a range of specialized seminars.

The first Pipeline Technology Seminar Middle East on “Pipeline Life cycle extension strategies (from a German operator's point of view)” was successfully held on the 25/26 February 2014 in Dubai, UAE at the kind invitation of Arabic oil and gas operators.

The event had an ample amount of participants of 23 managers, technical experts and researchers attending from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Germany and Italy.

The seminar was chaired by the course director Mr. Heinz Watzka, former Managing Director Technical Services of Germany’s largest pipeline operator Open Grid Europe.

In the 2-day seminar Mr. Watzka gave detailed technical input on innovative tools and techniques developed for a failure-free and economic operation and maintenance of high-pressure oil, gas and water pipeline systems sharing his long years experiences as an operator. He integrated different technical experts from NDT Global, Rosen Group, ILF Consulting Engineers, GE Oil and Gas as well as Geomagic who gave an insight into latest technologies.

Mr. Heinz Watzka, Course Director, stated that: "It was a vivid seminar with fruitful and intensive knowledge and technological exchange. The participants have also shared a lot of knowledge discussing with each other. Theoretical lectures and knowledge sharing of operators as well as deep discussions made the seminar to a very efficient event.”

The main topics of discussion were Leak detection, Pipeline safety, In-line inspection, Pipeline integrity management systems, Stations and Components as well as Repair works.

Mr. Faisal Muaigel, Manager Northern Area pipelines department, Saudi Aramco, stated that: "It was a very focused seminar. My colleagues and I do have shared a lot of knowledge getting a very good insight into latest technologies in operation in the European pipeline market".

This event is a significant milestone in a series of events that will be held by EITEP Institute targeting the Middle East.

Many of the participants have already assured their attendance to the 9th Pipeline Technology Conference in 12-14 May 2014 in Berlin in order to deepen their knowledge.