In 2023, ADV Integrity acquired another leading player in the industry: HT Engineering. This acquisition resulted in ADV forming four distinct groups that serve the pipeline integrity management industry with different specializations: full-scale testing, materials engineering, advanced engineering & analysis, and pipeline integrity & design. These four groups are working together, supporting and augmenting one other’s capabilities and capacities to better serve clients and  ensure safe pipeline operations and effective integrity investments.

Full-Scale Testing

Led by Chantz Denowh, PhD, PE, the Full-Scale Testing group provides engineering consultations that offer real-world testing services, specializing in destructive full-scale testing. Their expertise allows them to use simulation data to make informed decisions, particularly in the field of composites and spoolable composite pipes. They cater to a multinational audience of operators and technology providers seeking proficiency in destructive testing.

Denowh is a leading engineer in the midstream industry, specializing in destructive testing, integrity assessments, and spoolable pipe products. With degrees from Montana State University and a professional engineer license in Texas, he is a prominent figure in his field, actively involved with ASME, and known for his work in destructive testing and integrity assessment.

Full-scale testing offers validated data inputted using destructive methods. These data improve models for better outputs, and consequently, better decision-making. It also validates technology by subjecting technology products to extreme conditions to understand better the circumstances that lead to failure.

Materials Engineering

Under the guidance of David Futch, PE, the Materials Engineering group excels in metallurgical expertise and practical material science. This group utilizes advanced, world-class material testing capabilities that result in practical consultations to improve operational efficiency. They are proficient in metallurgy, failure analysis, and materials science. The group primarily focuses on North American midstream transmission operators who require expertise in failure prevention and response.

Futch is an oil and gas industry expert focusing on midstream pipeline materials, welding, and corrosion. He provides guidance at ADV Integrity, supporting clients in failure analysis, repair techniques, and material selection. With previous experience at ExxonMobil Pipeline Company and expertise in materials science and engineering, he has become a lead author on numerous industry research papers and a registered Professional Engineer (Metallurgical) in Texas.

Materials engineering understands material properties at a micro level. Using this material property knowledge, the group assesses failures to understand what went wrong and how to prevent future incidents from occurring.

Advanced Engineering & Analysis

Directed by Atul Ganpatye, PE, the Advanced Engineering & Analysis group offers valuable solutions to complex problems. This group transforms intricate data into functional, informed calculators and data simulators, allowing for better decision-making. It serves midstream transmission operators to supplement capacity, capabilities, or subject matter experts for advanced engineering analysis. The group’s core competencies include Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) and advanced engineering solutions.

Ganpatye is an experienced engineering consultant with over 12 years of expertise in onshore and offshore equipment integrity assessment. He specializes in casing integrity, finite element analysis, and failure analysis. Equipped with degrees from Mumbai University and Texas A&M University, he is also a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas.

Advanced engineering & analysis support better decision-making and actionable insights using data, even if the data set is large and complex. Transforming data into insight offers a key advantage to operators looking to understand their assets better.

Pipeline Integrity & Design

Overseen by Brian Cooper, PE, PMP, the Pipeline Integrity & Design group provides comprehensive engineering and management services for pipeline-related projects, including civil, mechanical, and electrical controls engineering, project management, and integrity and risk engineering and management. The group has served Midwest-based North American producers and midstream operators in the oil and gas sector for over 50 years, aiding them in the creation, construction, and upkeep of sound, efficient, and compliant assets. Their expertise is particularly advantageous for regional operators with constrained resources, who can rely on the team’s ongoing partnership and support. The group’s core areas of proficiency revolve around managing pipeline integrity and designing pipeline systems.

Cooper is the President and Senior Principal Engineer at HT Engineering, where his passion is leading his dedicated team in enhancing the safety, integrity, and efficiency of the world’s energy infrastructure. With a brief initial background in naval architecture and marine engineering, Cooper’s subsequent extensive oil and gas experience includes designing new pipelines and facilities, managing repair and modification projects, leading displacements and hydrostatic tests, and developing and implementing integrity management programs.

Integrated Competencies for Better Results

ADV Integrity’s acquisition of HT Engineering has brought together four specialized teams set to offer a full suite of holistic, comprehensive solutions to clients. For example, validated data from full-scale testing will be used to refine sophisticated engineering models. Advanced metallurgical testing will provide even further insight to these models and improved inputs will result in more useful outputs. A thorough understanding of these models and the engineering principles behind sound integrity management will inform better pipeline engineering and design.

With specializations in full-scale testing, advanced engineering and analysis, materials engineering, and pipeline integrity and design, these four teams are poised to enhance pipeline safety and long-term performance, paving the way for a brighter and significantly more efficient future across the entire industry.