PUBLICATION AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION
Published papers
The publication and dissemination of the results, recommendations and guidelines emanating from EPRG's research has always been an important activity. EPRG regularly publishes research results, recommendations and guidelines in journals and at conferences, enabling the findings to be subjected to critical peer review and made available to the wider pipeline industry. List of published papers
International exchange of information
Since its formation in 1972, EPRG has had a technical exchange agreement with the US-based Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) . As part of this agreement, seventeen biennial Joint Technical Meetings have been held to exchange and review the results of research undertaken by the two organisations.
In recent years, the technical exchanges have broadened to include the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA). Commencing in 2003, the biennial Joint Technical Meetings have also involved APIA. A formal Tripartite Agreement is now in place to facilitate the exchange of technical information between the three organisations.
EPRG has also engaged from time to time in technical exchanges with the International Pipeline and Offshore Contractors Association (IPLOCA).
Industry standards and guidance
Much of the work undertaken by EPRG in past years has been incorporated in national and international standards for pipeline design, construction and operation. For example, modifications to the girth weld defect assessment methods in the UK Standard BS 7910 have largely been based on recent work by EPRG. Interactions have also occurred with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) concerning offshore design standards, and with the American Petroleum Industry (API) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) concerning the initiatives to harmonise international pipeline standards.