Are natural gas pipeline operators doing enough to support and increase the knowledge of their compression technicians? With the integration of Operator Qualification, Clean Air Act regulations, and the requirements of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, the question needs to be addressed as to whether natural gas pipeline operators are simply reacting to these federal regulations with short-term compliance or developing a long term solution that focuses on continual training and employee development.

The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 references the need to provide training where appropriate. With any luck, by the end of 2004, the B31.Q standard will be finalized and provide clarification regarding training requirements and employee development.

The responsibilities of the compression technician in the gas industry are critical in keeping the gas moving through the pipelines. Today, the role of the compression technician is even more important than ever before. Major changes in the natural gas industry, such as employee reductions (retirements and layoffs), increased governmental air regulations (Clean Air regulations), skills qualification requirements (Operator Qualification), and the lack of a structured mentor program have put tremendous pressure on the compression technician. Natural gas pipeline operators are challenging their compression technicians to substantially increase their knowledge base to adjust to these major industry changes.

Because of permit requirements and the need for operating flexibility, it is not uncommon to have a compression technician responsible for a variety of compression equipment. When new horsepower is required, pipeline operators have been installing gas turbines, high-speed reciprocating engines and electric motors due to their ultra low or zero local emissions. In addition, the high price of natural gas has pushed pipelines to move towards operational excellence. Operational excellence requires operators and mechanics that are well trained in all aspects of their job. No longer are personnel required to be a master of one area; they are expected to be competent in many areas of equipment operation when they were previously expected to be the expert in only one. Some natural gas pipeline operators are expecting the compression technician to be the equivalent of an auto mechanic (reciprocating engine), an electrician (electric motor), an aircraft mechanic (turbine), a measurement technician and a controls engineer. It is not uncommon for a compression technician to have the following equipment in their area of responsibility:

• Reciprocating engines (high speed and slow speed)
• Gas turbines
• Electric motors
• Reciprocating compressors
• Centrifugal compressors
• Screw compressors
• Electrical schematics
• Measurement
• Controls

What natural gas pipeline operators need to answer is “Are we presenting unrealistic challenges to these individuals?” If they believe they are, what training programs and/or mentor programs are in place to make sure the compression technician has the greatest chance for success in this demanding environment?

Some of the leaders in the pipeline industry developed a comprehensive training program to attack the training and qualification issue at hand. There are several approaches to the situation. Some have chosen to handle it by utilizing their own training departments through ongoing course development and implementation. Others have sought the assistance of independent contractors and original equipment manufacturers that are experts in their individual fields to provide customized training, consulting, and support.

To the credit of the many great compression technicians, they are trying to be a master of all of this equipment, but the learning curves are tremendous. ACTT has developed lecture and hands-on classes in order to assist these compression technicians with shortening the learning curves and adding to their knowledge base.