What an incredible month. We launched SGA’s first-ever Natural Gas Take Action Month with one objective: To empower our colleagues with the facts and confidence more...
GMRC is a subsidiary of the SGA founded in 1952 to provide its member companies and industry with the benefits of an applied research and technology program directed toward improving reliability and cost effectiveness of the design, construction, and operation of mechanical and fluid systems.
Learn more about GMRC by viewing the Year End Report to Members …see more
GMRC Training
Only GMRC workshops and conferences provide professionals of all levels the opportunity to gain knowledge that can be used immediately, acquire skills to help you work safer and smarter, and keep up with the latest industry regulations …see more
Gas Machinery Conference (GMC)
The GMC is an industry unique event that brings together subject matter experts in gas machinery for three days to include short courses, technical papers and new technology updates …see more
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SGA is revising the art of verbal persuasion and energizing an industry through the Natural Gas Champions training program. This unique course is a result of a collection of industry leaders' vision to harness the power of knowledge sharing and evaluate the sentiment of conversation about the future of energy in this country.
For more information, please contact Nicolle Billmyre.
Whether you’re already a member or considering SGA membership, you can purchase the learning module at any time here.
Why Join SGA? from AVOS' agency on Vimeo.
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As our industry continues to experience a revelation from the shale hydraulic fracturing, more and more companies are finding creative ways to utilize existing pipeline infrastructure. One such way is to convert assets from gas-only transportation to liquid transportation. Whether installing new facilities to transport liquids or converting existing facilities, professionals who have expertise in the regulations for gas pipelines (49 CFR Parts 190, 191, and 192) are now being asked to understand and work under regulations for hazardous liquids (49 CFR Part 195).
Learning Objectives:
This workshop provides an opportunity to attendees to get a broad understanding of Part 195, but also focus in on the main differences and pitfalls to avoid when working on regulatory issues surrounding hazardous liquid pipelines.
Attendees will receive 10.75 Professional Development Hours
Pipeline industry personnel as well as agency personnel who wish to gain a better understanding of the regulations that pertain to the safe operation of pipelines that transport hazardous liquids.
June 23, 2020 |8:00 am - 4:30 pm CDT| VIRTUAL
June 24, 2020 |8:00 am - 12:00 pm CDT| VIRTUAL
Member: $725
Non-Member: $925
Registration is now closed
John S. Zurcher, Principal, P-PIC
John has spent 30 years in the gas pipeline industry, actively involved in pipeline safety. He served as Vice president of the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, Pipeline Group, consulting to natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators, trade associations and research organizations, Previously, he worked for Columbia Gas Transmission Company as Manager of Field Services, responsible for company compliance with Federal Regulations, management of capital budget program, and development of the corporation's risk management program.
At Tenneco Energy, he was Director of Pipeline Services, overseeing corrosion control, geographic information system development, applied systems, and
pipeline rehabilitation, integrity and safety projects. With PanEnergy Corporation, Coastal Corporation and Colorado Interstate Gas Company, his duties included design and operations, codes and standards, corrosion control, telecommunications, geographic information systems, and facility design and construction.
John is presently a member of NACE and ASME and serves on the B31.8 Section Committee. John has been Chair of the INGAA Pipeline Safety Committee and the GRI System Integrity and System Operations Committee. He was a member of the DOT Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, the DOT Risk Management Quality Action Team and their Mapping Quality Action Team. He has testified on behalf of the industry before the Congress of the United States on several occasions on matters relating to pipeline safety.
This event follows the SGA Cancellation Policy "C" when cancellation is needed.
Project management practices and methods vary widely in technique, rigor, description and label. But they all share a common goal: the desire for the successful delivery of a solution, accomplished through a new product or other resolution to address long-standing issues.
Project Management for Engineers is designed to provide a tour of three common techniques of project management and a review of six central themes that can be applied regardless of which technique is chosen to manage the solution.
What you will learn:
Attendees will receive 2 Professional Development Hours
June 17, 2020 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm CDT| VIRTUAL
Member: $100
Non-Member: $200
( If you prefer to avoid the credit card fee and pay by check, we can extend a 4% discount by registering with Member Services)
Brian Gibson, PMP, Program Manager – Project Management Excellence, Duke Energy
Brian is a skilled, accomplished, resourceful Mechanical Engineer (BSME) with 20 years professional experience including over 17 years in project management and project controls for large capital projects, including brownfield major construction. A proven leader capable of interfacing effectively with involved parties for monitoring, optimization, analysis, and resolution of issues critical to successful project execution.
Derrick Allman, PMP, Senior Project Manager, Project Management Center of Excellence, Duke Energy
Derrick has four decades of Utility/Energy Sector experience and presently works in the Duke Energy Enterprise Project Management Center of Excellence (PMCoE) providing governance, oversight and support for project across the company. His resume also includes nuclear project management, implementation management, human performance improvement coordinator, nuclear work sponsor, and Nuclear and Corporate training professional.
Current PMCoE assignments include support of Natural Gas, Coal Combustion Products and Fossil-Hydro Operations business units to implement Enterprise Standards for project performance. This involves; 1) assisting in review and development of project charters, 2) work identification, 3) scope, schedule and cost estimates, and 4) risk management.
Derrick’s direct project experience came through managing several complex efforts in the Nuclear industry to improve generating station efficiency, extend unit operational life, mitigate welding issues (Alloy 600 repairs), and replace settling basins to mitigate groundwater contamination.
Derrick holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Business Administration from Belmont Abbey College with a Minor in Computer Studies. He has worked with Engineering functions throughout his career. He also achieved his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification with the Project Management Institute (PMI) in 2017.
This event follows the SGA Cancellation Policy "C" when cancellation is needed.
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This session looks at the role of natural gas in a lower carbon economy. Natural Gas is positioned to continue to lead our nation into a better energy future. A critical contributor to environmental advances over the last 25 years, natural gas has also been a driving force in the best economic boom in generations. In addition, it has a significant role in national security.
However, despite the facts, there is a growing opposition that is more organized than ever, inciting communities and even states to ban the presence of natural gas. Natural gas is not the enemy of a sustainable future; it is the key to a sustainable future. Don Raikes will discuss the state of the natural gas industry and the role that natural gas has in a clean energy future. And how, now more than ever, Americans are seeing firsthand the critical role that energy plays in meeting our daily needs.
Webinar objective:
Attendees will receive 1 Professional Development Hour
May 21, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am CDT| VIRTUAL
Registration is now closed
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Donald R. Raikes, President–Gas Distribution Gas Infrastructure Group, Dominion Energy
Donald R. Raikes is president–Gas Distribution, Gas Infrastructure Group. Raikes is responsible for leading Dominion Energy’s gas distribution operations across the company’s footprint. Since joining the company in 1985, he has held various positions in the interstate gas pipeline business unit. Raikes was part of the commercial team that implemented the wholesale restructuring and also led the commercial team that reactivated the Cove Point LNG terminal. He was also responsible for the commercial transactions relating to the Cove Point Export project, as well as the ACP project. He previously was vice president-Transmission Marketing & Business Development and was named vice president–Pipeline Customer Service & Business Development in November 2014. In August 2017, he was appointed senior vice president-Dominion Midstream Operations. In February 2019, he became senior vice president–Gas Transmission Operations and oversaw operations of the company’s portfolio of natural gas terminaling, processing, storage, transportation and related assets. He assumed his current post in October 2019. Raikes serves on the board of Homeward Virginia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fairmont State University.
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Legacy reciprocating engines are critical assets to all pipeline companies. The method in which they are monitored and maintained significantly impacts each asset's overall life cycle. Combustion stabilization within this equipment has the potential to reduce green house gas (GHG) emissions, extend mean time between failure (MTBF), improve fuel economy and extend its useful life.
This course is a continuation of the GMRC Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines course (available on-demand) in which deeper concepts will be explored. Attendees will be educated through presentation, virtual interaction and demonstration by use of a simulator built by the instructor. Join us in exploring a unique perspective on Combustion Stabilization in Reciprocating Engines and its Impact on Reliability.
You will learn:
Attendees will receive 2 Professional Development Hours
All level Engineers, Analysts, Technicians, Mechanics, FSRs, Project Managers and Reliability Engineers interested in gaining a more in-depth understanding of Fuel Rail Balancing and Combustion Stabilization
June 04, 2020 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am CDT | VIRTUAL
Member: $75
Non-Member: $100
Registration is now closed
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Mary Savalle, PMP, REC
A passionate and unapologetic advocate for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) educational opportunities, Detroit native Mary Savalle attended Wayne State University and completed her final year of undergraduate studies at Polytechnica Universidad de Puerto Rico.
Her multi-faceted career began with DTE and includes experience with large natural gas engines and compressors, diagnosing engine/compressor defects, leadership at the largest gas storage facility in Michigan, supporting the Continuous Improvement Department, Reliability Engineer, Principal Reliability Engineer, and Capital Project Manager.
Mary’s professional credentials include:
She has published industry papers, travels nationally teaching courses on internal combustion engine concepts and has developed training devices for kinesthetic learners. She has worked with companies around the world in research, analysis and training activities.
Mary’s passion for STEAM and community has resulted in partnerships with a local art store and elementary school to teach children STEAM concepts. Utilizing art and artifacts to create an interactive and engaging experience for 50 students each month, Mary is striving to ignite the STEAM movement in the next generation.
This event follows the SGA Cancellation Policy "C" when cancellation is needed.