Altamira to Present at the 2026 API Pipeline Conference & Expo on the Integrity Impacts of ON/OFF Operations

HOUSTON, TX — April, 22, 2026 — Altamira, a leading environmental and engineering consulting firm specializing in pipeline integrity, corrosion management and regulatory compliance for the energy sector, will present a technical paper at the 2026 API Pipeline Conference & Expo: Pipeline, Control Room and Cybernetics in Aurora, Colorado. The conference hosted by the American Petroleum Institute (API), takes place April 27-29, 2026, and is one of the oil and gas industry’s premier technical conferences, serving as a critical forum for collaboration, knowledge sharing and discussion around the evolving challenges and opportunities facing pipeline operators today.

Altamira experts will present a technical session examining the hidden integrity risks of ON/OFF operations in piping systems, and how these operating cycles influence corrosion, mechanical degradation and overall system reliability.

Understanding the Hidden Integrity Risks of ON/OFF Operations in Piping Systems

Altamira researchers Zhenjin Zhu, PhD, P.Eng., and TK Akins, VP of Integrity, will present the paper titled Impact of ON/OFF Frequency and Duration on Piping Integrity on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 9:40 am (MT) in room Cottonwood 9 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center.

This session is designed for pipeline operators, integrity engineers, reliability professionals and asset managers seeking to better understand and manage the integrity impacts of operational cycling.

Why ON/OFF Operations Matter More Than You Think

Piping systems are rarely operated in a steady state environment. Startups and shutdowns — whether planned for batching, maintenance or regulatory compliance, or triggered unexpectedly by operational upsets — are an unavoidable reality across pipeline and process facilities. While these ON/OFF events are common, their cumulative impact on piping integrity is often underestimated.

Every startup and shutdown introduces changes in pressure, temperature and flow behavior. Over time, these repeated fluctuations create conditions that can accelerate damage mechanisms such as:

• Internal corrosion driven by deadleg effects during OFF periods
• Under deposit, water seam, and top of line corrosion resulting from phase separation
• Coating disbondment and corrosion under insulation caused by thermal cycling
• Stress concentration and deformation from thermocycling
• Crack propagation due to pressure cycling
• Water hammer, pressure surges and rupture risk during sudden shutdowns
• Freezing or hydrate formation in stagnant lines in cold climates

Without intentional management, ON/OFF operations can significantly increase operational risk, compromise reliability and result in unplanned downtime or regulatory exposure.

What the Altamira Study Covers

This technical presentation goes beyond identifying threats—it evaluates how ON/OFF frequency and duration directly influence the initiation, propagation and passivation of integrity risks.

Key discussion points include:

• Mechanisms behind ON/OFF induced corrosion and cracking
• Incubation time of threats created by cyclic operations
• Case studies demonstrating real world impacts of different operating patterns
• Risk comparisons between high frequency/short duration and low frequency/long duration cycles
• Development of risk profiles tied to operational practices
• Recommendations for optimal ON/OFF strategies to improve long term piping reliability
• Guidance on inspection intervals based on degradation timing and risk level
• Preventive measures to reduce deadleg related threats and maintain regulatory compliance

What Attendees Will Take Away

Participants will leave with practical, field ready insights to help:

• Reduce corrosion and cracking risk linked to operational cycling
• Improve long term reliability and operational efficiency
• Optimize inspection and monitoring programs
• Minimize unplanned downtime and failure risk
• Strengthen alignment with API integrity standards

Join Us at API 2026

Altamira’s multidisciplinary engineering and integrity expertise enables us to translate complex operational behaviors into actionable, risk based solutions. We look forward to connecting with peers and sharing insights at the 2026 API Pipeline Conference & Expo.

To Schedule a meeting at the conference, reach out to TK.Akins@altamira-us.com or (301) 257-2188.

About Altamira

Altamira is a leading engineering and environmental consulting company specializing in regulatory compliance, strategic advising and digital solutions. With decades of experience and a reputation for integrity, innovation and agility, Altamira partners with clients to solve complex operational and regulatory challenges across various industries. Our multidisciplinary team delivers high-quality services in asset integrity, pipeline safety, environmental health and safety, GIS and energy asset engineering, supported by deep expertise in federal, state and local regulations including PHMSA, EPA, DOT and OSHA. Headquartered in Texas with satellite offices across the Gulf Coast and Southwestern U.S., Altamira is committed to driving sustainable outcomes and long-term value through tailored, technology-enabled solutions. Learn more at https://altamira-us.com and follow us on LinkedIn.