Pipeline Things

By Rhett Dotson & Christopher De LeonScience Education

Pipeline Things episodes

November 04MFL Beat Ultrasonics? Hang On Before You Write That Review, with Tom Bubenik and Zach Booth
Would you expect MFL to outperform ultrasonics on identifying selective seam weld corrosion? Hold off on sending your salty review emails for now.
In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Christopher sit down with returning guest Tom Bubenik and first-time guest Zach Booth of DNV to unpack IPC 2026-186359, a study of how ILI tools such as MFL and ultrasonics detect, identify and size selective seam weld corrosion.
Together, they walk through the 104 manufactured defects, the vendor feedback loop, and the paper’s most surprising conclusions. Tune in to hear why one tool run shouldn’t define a whole technology.
Highlights:
The process of manufacturing 104 realistic SSWC defects with varying depths on vintage pipe
Why the project should be viewed as "research initiative for ILI tool identification capabilities, rather than a judgement on performance validation"
How accurate sizing of defects like SSWC hinges on effective identification, and vendors performed better than those that didn’t tweak their analysis around identification criteria
Why the acoustic results came from just one EMAT and one UTCD run

Connect:
Rhett Dotson
Christopher De Leon
Tom Bubenik
Zach Booth
D2 Integrity
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Kara Turner at [email protected].

Copyright 2026 © D2 Integrity
54 min
September 09Why was B31.8S Developed in the First Place?
In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Chris sit down with returning special guest Andy Drake, who was involved in the development of B31.8S, to dig into the story behind the standard and the thinking that shaped it.
They talk about why a risk-based approach was needed, what happens when you try to change established regulatory thinking, and why standards need room to adapt as the industry learns more about managing risk.
Highlights:
Why was B31.8S developed in the first place
The difference between risk management and simply checking the regulatory box.
Why changing established standards and precedents isn’t always easy.
The advantages of regulatory frameworks that can adapt and evolve.

Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
Andy Drake
D2 Integrity
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Kara Turner at [email protected] .
 
Copyright 2026 © D2 Integrity 
47 min
August 26Superheroes and origin stories with Michael Beller
Like any good superhero tale, the origin story is the best part.
In the latest episode of Pipeline Things, your hosts, Rhett and Christopher, are joined by Michael Beller, Manager Corporate Marketing from Rosen, as he shares the origins and evolution of in-line inspection technology.
They discuss the development of high-resolution tools, key milestones in the industry, and how Game of Thrones plays into it all.
How? You will just have to listen to find out.
Tune in to hear fascinating origin stories from both sides of the Pacific concerning how ILI has evolved into what it is today.

Highlights:
What characterized early high-resolutions tools?
Who were the major players in the early days of ILI?
What were some of the major advancements in this technology?

Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
Michael Beller
D2 Integrity
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Kara Turner at [email protected] .
 
Copyright 2026 © D2 Integrity 
53 min
August 1212 ½, TMS, and Debunking Myths About Pipeline Dents with Mike Rosenfeld
How are the mark of the beast and dents related? You will just have to listen.
On this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Christopher sit down with the returning and esteemed guest, Mike Rosenfeld, to share the untold story of how a hallmark regulatory guidance was first developed and the precedent it set for today.
Together, they share response criteria and debate the recurring theme of six percent as it relates to strain and depth thresholds; also, what is half a dent? Tune in to find out.

Highlights:
What is the origin of B31 regulations?
How was the depth and strain threshold introduced?
How do these landmark regulatory pieces influence how regulations are developed or amended today?

Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
Mike Rosenfeld
D2 Integrity
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Kara Turner at [email protected] .
 
Copyright 2026 © D2 Integrity 
49 min
July 29One Liners and the Development of PDAM with Phil Hopkins
You can’t put pipelines in jail….
In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Christopher are joined by the esteemed Dr. Phil Hopkins to discuss the origins and evolution of the Pipeline Defects Assessment Manual (PDAM).
Together, they discuss the original intention and international use of the document, and one-liners like “buying research is ridiculous”. Tune in to hear more.
Highlights:
What was the original intention of the manual
What’s included in the manual
How has its usage evolved in the decades since the manual’s original development?
What is the different on how it is used in the US and internationally?

Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
Phil Hopkins
D2 Integrity
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Kara Turner at [email protected] .
 
Copyright 2026 © D2 Integrity 
44 min
April 29Level With Me: How Complicated is Level 3, Really? With Jason Skow
Wait, wait – where is Christopher?
In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Chris shake things up with special guest (and new co-host?) Jason Skow of Integral Engineering. Chris joins remotely as the group untangles the complexities of API 1163, reviewing the long-standing assumptions around Level Two and Level Three validations. This episode provides more clarity around the language and why asking the right question matters more than checking the right box.
Along the way, they talk about tax law, criminal law, Star Wars, and medicine. If you’re new here, we promise this podcast is about pipelines…
Highlights:
Level Two vs. Level Three: acceptance, rejection, and the questions we should be asking
How code language has influenced industry perception and practice
Who should be driving validation efforts: operators or service providers?
Why Level Three might just be "doing the math" rather than “extensive validation work.”
If you've ever wondered about Level Three validation – watch this episode.

Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
Jason Skow
D2 Integrity
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 
43 min
April 15Looking for Labs that Don’t Lie: Validating Lab Data for Fracture Toughness Testing with David Futch
All test labs are the same, right? Wrong.
In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Chris are joined by returning guest David Futch of Acuren to discuss a recent incident that involved irregularities from a J-Integral lab test.
The conversation breaks down the finer points of what went wrong and sheds light on the importance of placing safeguards around test labs to ensure consistent, high-quality reporting parameters.
Highlights:
The importance of modulus data in generating high-quality test results
The role that validity criteria play in accurate J-Integral testing
What safeguards operators should have in place to ensure accurate lab testing
If you’re looking to get ahead of potential inconsistencies in lab validation testing—or if you’re just looking to know more about fracture toughness than you did yesterday—this episode is a must-watch.
Also, find out what’s up with Chris’s cholesterol. We promise it’s related.

Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
David Futch
D2 Integrity
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2026 © D2 Integrity 
33 min
April 01CIGMA-x is Sigma? Navigating Gen Z Slang and Novel Gas Crack Detection Technology with NDT Global
In a review of excavations triggered by EMAT results, about 80% of excavations revealed either a) no present anomaly features or b) anomalies unrelated to cracking. But we know the whole story is more complicated than that.
Not all EMAT technology works the same way, and this gap highlighted an opportunity for ILI vendors to step in and serve the market. Working hand in hand with an operator, NDT Global has developed a high-resolution inspection tool for gas systems that uses guided ultrasonic waves to detect crack features. Their PPIM 2026 paper, Development and Validation of a Novel Gas Crack Detection Tool Using Guided Waves, highlights the development and validation of the tool.
In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Christopher are joined by Michael Haas, Head of Sensor & Measurement Technology, and Rogelio Guajardo, Director, Product Management, of NDT Global, as they dive into the specific capabilities of this new technology, called CIGMA-x (also referred to as CIGMA).
Highlights:
Exploring how EMAT shortcomings shaped this new technology development
Discussing the 30-inch gas test loop, specially designed to test CIGMA-x capabilities with simulated features
Breaking down primary tool capabilities and major findings from full-scale testing

References:
Hubert, D. Bag, M. Haas, R. Guajardo and T. Hennig, "Development and Validation of a Novel Gas Crack Detection Tool Using Guided Waves," in Pipeline Pigging & Integrity Management, Houston, 2026.
Hubert, T. Hennig, M. Chandrasekaran, K. Baraniecki and O. Shabarchin, "Closing the Gap on Crack Detection for Gas Transmission Pipelines," in 15th International Pipeline Conference (IPC2024), Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2024.
Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
Michael Haas
Rogelio Guajardo

D2 Integrity
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2026 © D2 Integrity 
44 min
March 18“Permanent” Repairs are Forever—or Something Like That, with Tim Mally
How long should a permanent repair last? 50 years? Until the next scheduled maintenance?
According to RSPA 98-4733, “permanent” means as long as the pipe will be in service under normal operating and maintenance conditions.
In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Chris sit down with returning special guest Tim Mally to break down the concept of repair permanency, what it means from a code perspective, and what factors can influence the permanency of composite repairs.
Highlights:
Breaking down what the code says about repair “permanence”
What factors affect composite repair permanency
Criteria to consider for composite reinforcement of non-standard features
Evaluating existing composite repairs for permanency

Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
Tim Mally
D2 Integrity
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 
42 min
March 04Come for the Turbocharger, Stay for the Brisket, with Rienk De Vries
There’s a lot to learn about difficult-to-inspect ILI tools, and who better to learn it from than the one and only Rienk de Vries from Intero.
In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Chris sit down with returning special guest Rienk de Vries, as they explore the wild west of difficult-to-inspect in-line inspection technology. It’s a conversation filled with details of Intero’s capabilities and advancements in recent years, how they’ve been changed, and where future opportunities might lie.
Highlights:
Recent developments in Intero’s modular robotic MFL fleet
What does the development cycle for these kinds of tools look like?
What will it take to get a turbocharger?
What is in store for future developments?

Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
Rienk de Vries
D2 Integrity
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 
36 min

About Pipeline Things

From the publisher's feed

Christopher and Rhett live for pipelines. Seriously. We’re not joking. Out of all things (and against all odds), pipelines are their passion. On this Pipeline Things podcast, these two share what they know, how they know it, and why you should know it too. Think Pipeliners Digest, but make it funny. Listen to the Pipeline Things podcast every other Wednesday for a hearty dose of relevant, trustworthy advice that cuts through the noise and doesn’t take itself too seriously.