Dennis C. Johnston
Senior Metallurgist-Pipeline Specialist
Kiefner & Associates, Inc.

Education

B.S., Chemistry, Georgia Tech
M.S., Metallurgy, Georgia Tech

Qualifications

Mr. Johnston joined Kiefner and Associates, Inc. in 1998 after 17 years with a major liquid pipeline operator. Mr. Johnston’s strengths reside in pipeline integrity issues, including integrity management planning and implementation, failure analysis of pipelines and related materials, bringing practical solutions to complex technical issues, and the ability to solve unique integrity issues using available resources.

Relevant Experience

Failure Analysis:
Investigated in-service and hydrostatic test failures of pipe and pipeline components that were determined to be due to manufacturing defects, third-party damage, environmental cracking, transportation fatigue, external corrosion, internal corrosion, lightning, and growth of defects by pressure-cycle-induced fatigue.

Defect Assessment/Integrity Evaluation:
Performed destructive evaluations of pipeline anomalies detected by in-line inspection tools to determine their properties, their likely cause, and if they are integrity concerns. These include longitudinal seam anomalies on ERW and DSAW pipe that were predicted to be crack-like anomalies and seamless hot mill related anomalies such as slivers, slugs, and roll-ins. Evaluated pipelines where preferential ERW seam corrosion was discovered upon excavation. Evaluated lap welded pipe with burnt metal defects.

In-Line Inspection Evaluation:
Developed algorithms to prioritize reinspection intervals for in-line inspection tools that incorporate the integrity management portions of Parts 195 and 192. Developed a cost effective probabilistic tool to prioritize in-line-inspection metal-loss results and to calculate reinspection intervals. Assist operators with in-line inspection results.

Integrity Management:
Provide assistance to liquid and gas operators in preparing and updating their integrity management plans. Provide assistance with integrity management plan questions brought up during audits. Provide assistance to liquid and gas operators in preparing and updating their integrity management plans.

ECDA:
Provide assistance with ECDA (external corrosion direct assessment) pre-assessments, selecting above ground survey tools, direct examinations, and post-assessments.

Maintenance and Repair:
Provide assistance to liquid and gas operators with maintenance and repair issues such as selecting the appropriate repair method. Provide assistance in preparing manuals for maintenance and repair.

Hydrostatic Test Planning:
Provide assistance to liquid and gas operators in planning and conducting hydrostatic tests. Provide assistance for failure evaluation on site during hydrostatic tests. Provide assistance during hydrostatic tests to determine if pipe yielding is occurring.

Pipeline and Facilities Due Diligence:
Provide assistance to liquid and gas operators in evaluating records on pipelines or facilities that may be acquired.

Material Selection and Specifications:
Provide assistance to liquid and gas operators in specifications for line pipe and facilities piping. Provide assistance for material selection to cost effectively balance cost and quality.

Welding Procedures and Testing:
Provide assistance to liquid and gas operators in preparing welding procedures and qualifying the procedures.