TC Energy’s Richard Kania receives Distinguish Service Award from PRCI

TC Energy’s Richard Kania has spent decades at the forefront of the pipeline industry, developing cutting-edge tools and technologies. His years of dedication and service to our industry have led to breakthrough technology advancements such as the development of the Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) crack detection tool for inline inspections, which was awarded an ASME Global Pipeline Award in 2018.

This year, Richard is being recognized by his peers once again. The Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) has awarded Richard their Distinguished Service Award for his achievements in the field of engineering in the pipeline industry.

“I’ve known Richard for over two decades and he quickly comes to mind as one of those very special technical leaders who have not only made our own pipeline systems safer, but he has played an instrumental role in making the entire industry safer,” says Mark Yeomans Vice-President Engineering Research Programs and Chief Engineering Officer.

Richard is an innovator in the truest sense of the word. In addition to his work on developing EMAT technology, Richard has supported the development and rollout of Laser Corrosion Mapping Tools, lead the development of strain-based dent assessment for gas pipelines, introduced composite repairs for pipelines, Phased Array ultrasonic inspection and more.

“Richard has had unwavering dedication to technology development throughout his career. This commitment has led to critical developments like the EMAT tool. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!” says Shahani Kariyawasam Director, Innovation and Decision Optimization.

Richard, who works in our Engineering and Research Program Department within our Technical Centre, has over 27 years of experience in pipeline integrity management, Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC), Corrosion Management program development, pipeline and facility rehabilitation, research and development of ILI tools and non-destructive evaluation solutions for pipelines and pressure vessels. He is a chair of the TC Energy ILI Technical Subcommittee (internal and with vendor partners), a chair of the TC Energy Pipeline Technology Program and a vice-chair of Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) Integrity and Inspection Committee. Richard is also an author and co-author of more than 30 conference papers and journal articles.  

Please join us in congratulating Richard on this tremendous achievement.