Pipeline Field and Control Center Operations
The Pipeline Field and Control Center Operations curriculum prepares learners for a career in the pipeline industry as a Pipeline Operator. This two-level curriculum provides basic, intermediate, and advanced training to safely operate gas and liquid pipelines, as well as manage operations in the control center. In addition to the Level 1 training modules, Level 2 curriculum includes twenty Covered Task online trainings for operator qualifications.
The Pipeline Field and Control Center Operations curriculum complies with the U.S. Department of Labor’s standards for Pipeline Operations apprenticeship programs.
Craft Snapshot
Curriculum Details
Module ID 67106-02: Focuses on the importance of quality control and accurate measurement as they affect safety, customer service, and the company’s reputation. Topics include taking samples, performing product testing, and product testing and measurement tools.
Module ID 60104-02: Describes how to track pipeline product line inventories; handle scheduled pipeline shipments; identify product interface changes; and launch, receive, and track pigs through the pipeline and facility.
Module ID 60107-02: Introduces field quality control procedures including activation of tank mixing devices, collection of product samples, product testing, pipeline switching, product blending operations, and injection of appropriate additives.
Module ID 60108-02: Introduces techniques used in field measurement of products in the pipeline, including measurement components, types of meters, measurement of custody transfers and receipts, verification of meter accuracy, waterdraw calibration techniques, and utilization of tank strappings.
Module ID 65107-02: Explains how to activate tank mixing devices, perform product testing, and perform pipeline grade changes and tank capacity operations. Also explains how to use and inject appropriate additives, identify types of meters, maintain accurate measurement on all custody receipts, and the processes and techniques used to prove meters.
Module ID 64307-02: Explains pipeline operations systems, including control, communications, SCADA, and PLCs. Explains redundant systems and control system troubleshooting.
Abnormal Operating Conditions – Control Center
Abnormal Operating Conditions – Field and Gas
Purge Gas from a Pipeline
Purge Air from a Gas Pipeline
Test Remotely Controlled Shutdown Devices
Perform Incremental Pressure Increases to Uprate the MAOP
Operate Odorant Equipment
Monitor Odorant Level
Start-up of a Liquid Pipeline (Field)
Shutdown of a Liquid Pipeline (Field)
Monitor Pressures, Flows, Communications, and Line Integrity and Maintain Them Within Allowable Limits on a Liquid Pipeline System (Field)
Locally Operate Valves on a Liquid Pipeline System
Start-up of a Liquid Pipeline (Control Center)
Shutdown of a Liquid Pipeline (Control Center)
Monitor Pressures, Flows, Communications, and Line Integrity and Maintain Them Within Allowable Limits on a Liquid Pipeline System (Control Center)
Remotely Operate Valves on a Liquid Pipeline System
Start-up of a Gas Pipeline
Shutdown of a Gas Pipeline
Monitor Pressures, Flows, Communications, and Line Integrity and Maintain Them Within Allowable Limits (Gas)
Manually or Remotely Open or Close Valves or Other Equipment
Contributing Subject Matter Experts
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are a vital part of NCCER’s Curriculum development process. SMEs are construction and maintenance professionals who have journey-level experience and have experience teaching their trades to others.
Arthur Birx, Protech EIS Corp
Benjamin Johnson, Praxair Services, Inc.
Bill Emery, Praxair Services, Inc.
Blaine Shellhammer, EMS USA, Inc.
Cameron Strother, Southland Safety
Carl Allebach, Sunoco Logistics, L.P.
Charles Whiten, L.E. Bell Construction Company Incorporated
Dan Lake, Central NDT, Inc.
Dan Rohret, Kinder Morgan Inc.
Dan Ruane, Midwestern Contractors
Dave Hoffman
David Reeder, EMS USA, Inc
DeWayne Schapansky, ONEOK Partners Intermediate Limited Partnership (formerly ONEOK, Inc.)
Donavon Wright, Corrpro
Donnie Pittsinger, Flint Energy Services, Inc.
Erin Worthington, Marathon Pipe Line LLC
Gary Affolter, Construction Craft Academy
Gordon Carson, CP Masters, Inc.
James Carroll
Kimberly-Joy Harris, Enbridge Pipelines, Inc.
Les Harrison
Leslie Carroll, THORCO
Lisa Hartnup, Praxair Services, Inc.
Lynn Simpson, Enterprise Products
Mark Seitz, AECOM
Michael Nordstrom, Corrpro
Michael Williams
Paula Gates-Rippe, ONEOK Partners Intermediate Limited Partnership (formerly ONEOK, Inc.)
Paul Fontenot II, Safety Advantage, LLC
Randall Rogers, Sunoco Logistics, L.P.
Rick Wilenzick, Jomax Construction Co., Inc.
RJ Rogers, Sunoco Logistics, L.P.
Sid Harrell
Steve Barker, L.E. Bell Construction Company Incorporated
Steve Montoy, Enterprise Products
Timothy Mills, Kinder Morgan Inc.
Tom Magness, Enhance Co., Inc.
Tom Pickthall, Enhance Co., Inc.
Travis Ashby, ONEOK Partners Intermediate Limited Partnership (formerly ONEOK, Inc.)
Trobi Hall, Sunoco Pipeline L.P.
Wallace McCracken, Mears Group, Inc.
Will Wright, Plains All American Pipeline
William (Billy) Rado, Corrpro
Instructor Resources
Instructor Toolbox
NCCER’s Instructor Toolbox provides easy access to important instructional resources for your training program. You’ll find downloadable course planning tools, examples of classroom activities and projects, and instructor tips and best practices to help you enhance your program.