Atlanta's Pipeline Performance Group trains controllers from China

MARIETTA, Ga. – Marietta-based Pipeline Performance Group (PPG) has completed training 16 PetroChina controllers from the Beijing Oil and Gas Control Center.
The controllers participated in an intensive eight-week training course covering error and accident prevention, what to do if an accident does occur, basic operations, simulator training, teamwork, leadership and communication.
The course is an outgrowth of a six-month 2007 visit by former Colonial Pipeline Co. Vice President-Operations Vic Yarborough to Beijing, where he worked with PetroChina engineers and managers on design of the Lanzhou-Zhengzhou-Changsha pipeline.
In 2008, Petro China determined that its pipeline controllers would benefit from the Pipeline Operations Training Course before the LZC Pipeline was placed in operation.
PPG principal Charles Alday said of the Chinese controllers, “The participants are eager to learn everything about pipeline operations and how to apply that knowledge to better manage their own system. Their interest in safety and accident prevention is commendable, and they are doing an excellent job with their training. It is a pleasure to work with a group of young men who are enthusiastic about operational excellence.”