The Link Between ESG and Material Verification Technology

MMT is providing companies with technology to support their ESG plans, keeping them competitive in a global industry that is striving to continue supplying necessary energy production while reducing their environmental impact.

Today’s energy transition combined with recent regulations is prompting businesses to examine their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) plans to stay competitive. MMT’s HSD Tester provides accurate and reliable non-destructive pipeline material verification, keeping them at the forefront of technology advancements that support the needs of operators and businesses in the oil and gas industry’s energy evolution. Specifically, material verification now plays an important role when considering the effects of hydrogen transportation on pipeline material properties.

A Closer Look at ESG

ESG investing refers to examining a company’s standards in making environmental concerns, public and social support, and responsible decision-making a priority in their position and contribution to the industry. Investors are using these characteristics to weigh companies’ potential for success and growth, particularly in the oil and gas industry. A strong ESG proposition can directly impact a company’s long-term future.

• The E in ESG examines a company’s direct impact on the environment. It investigates how many resources a company requires for operations, especially how much waste is produced and the burden it places on human beings. It accounts for carbon emissions and climate change implications.
• The S stands for social and involves how a company builds relationships with fellow businesses in the industry, and how it supports its local community.
• Governance, the G in ESG, recognizes a company’s internal processes on decision-making, law and regulation compliance, and support of external stakeholders.

Aging Pipelines and Their Effect

Pipeline transportation plays a critical role in the country’s energy infrastructure and is the safest and most reliable way to move fuels. However, tens of thousands of miles of pipeline were installed over 50 years ago. With the recent release of the Mega Rule, implemented by PHMSA, companies are tasked with rehabilitating high-risk pipelines, indicated by age and material decomposition. Operators must now provide identifiable data to reconfirm their pipe’s maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) and validate the status of the pipe’s material composition.

How MMT’s HSD Tester Supports Strong ESG Plans

Sustainably and responsibly managing pipeline integrity improves ESG plans. MMT’s HSD Tester is an example of a technology that operators are relying on to produce reliable material composition data that supports a sound ESG plan.

Reducing Environmental Impact.

Using the HSD Tester, operators can more efficiently verify pipeline material composition, leading to fewer failures and risks involved in traditional pipeline integrity management. Fewer failures lead to less harm to the environment. An example of MMT’s commitment to protecting the environment is its partnership with Greentown Labs, a company that brings industry leaders together to provide energy solutions.

Robust Training for Positive Social Impact.

MMT implements the HSD Training and Certification program to equip field technicians with the training needed to retrieve material verification data. MMT’s rigorous training program includes online sessions to understand the fundamentals behind the technology and ends with an independent in-field test under supervision. This people-centric process contributes to the safe implementation of valuable technology, but it also provides jobs to persons in the field.

The Hydrogen Movement and MMT’s Role

Industry leaders worldwide are looking to hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions. This movement does not come without its challenges—specifically the corrosion of pipelines which leads to hydrogen embrittlement. Hydrogen embrittlement reduces the material tensile strength and ductility. Because of this and other implications of transitioning to hydrogen, leaders are looking for ways to manage pipeline integrity in a hydrogen context. NDE inspection methods, such as ILI, and material verification for hardness, strength, and ductility measurements will be key to those integrity plans.