BY JAMES L. GOSSETT

Refiners today are increasingly dealing with more corrosive feedstocks that present new demands on valves in the process. However, maintenance personnel can detect problems before they become major issues by using different testing methods.

BY KATE KUNKEL

While women are making great strides in many industries, there is still a sizeable gap between the number of men and women in oil and gas, mining, utilities and pulp and paper. In 2009, the gap actually widened, with many women leaving top level positions in those industries as the economy slowed. Currently less than 10% of executive and board member positions in oil and gas companies are held by women.

As the economy slowly rebounds, we spoke with some industry experts to survey the current state of affairs and what opportunities are on the horizon for women in the valve and affiliated industries.

BY KATE KUNKEL

Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel in this post-recession environment is a challenge in all segments of the economy. This is especially true of finance talent, where issues including retiring baby boomers, regulatory pressures and complex operations are impacting the availability of key finance talent. But a recent presentation by Ken Kunkleman of Deloitte Consulting at the VMA 2012 Finance Leaders Seminar offered excellent strategies to fill this growing need.

BY KATE KUNKEL

The recession that began in 2008 had multiple ramifications for municipalities, many seeing enormous deficits that resulted in “fire sales” of many public assets including roads and water systems. While the short term solution of selling assets puts money into the public coffers, the sale of water systems to private entities focused on profits raises, for many, the specter of rate increases and less concern for sustainability and environmental issues.

BY JUDY TIBBS AND KATE KUNKEL

The Valve Manufacturers Association held its annual Technical Seminar & Exhibits at the Hilton NASA Clear Lake in Houston, March 8-9. More than a dozen speakers presented on a variety of topics that centered on “Prevailing Challenges and Solutions for the Oil & Gas/Petrochemical Industries.” Following is the next article in this series.

David Bayreuther, vice president of engineering, Metso Automation USA, is a member of the U.S. team of experts working on revision of ISO-15484 and is also participating on a task force developing new API fugitive emissions standards. He presented a comprehensive analysis of the current state of affairs, starting his discussion saying, “We are nowhere near close to an industry-wide solution.”