It’s that time of year! Our team is looking forward to once again attending the annual API Pipeline and Cybernetics conference – this year in Austin, Texas. We always look forward to attending this key industry event to connect with our customers and partners, learn what is new and relevant in the industry, and share what exciting things we have going on.
There are multiple ways to connect with us there. If you plan to be at the conference, we hope you will come to see us at our Exhibit Hall Booth or attend one of our Speaker Sessions to hear from our CTO, COO, or Director of Cybersecurity and IT.
Stop by to chat about leak detection solutions or see a demo of our software. You can also get some swag including one of those little pipeliner dudes pictured below. We're also available to schedule some time for more focused demos or discussions.
Our team will be presenting three sessions; one each day and in three different tracks. Check out the descriptions below:
Monday, April 28 – 10:30-11:10 AM
Track: Cybernetics | Artificial Intelligence
Speaker: Braden Fitz-Gerald - Flowstate Chief Technology Officer
Modeling fluid flow in pipelines is challenging due to dynamic conditions, product variability, and measurement limits. Traditional methods like CMB, CVB, and RTTM require manual tuning and rely on hydraulic equations that often fall short in real-world scenarios.
This presentation will introduce a machine learning approach that learns pipeline behavior from historical data, eliminating the need for explicit equations. It adapts quickly, reduces manual effort, and improves accuracy, even under changing conditions.
Benefits include:
We'll share real-world results, including withdrawal tests, showing how this approach outperforms traditional models. Attendees will see how machine learning simplifies pipeline modeling while boosting reliability and sensitivity.
Tuesday, April 29 – 4:20-5:00 PM
Track: Cybernetics | SCADA/Cybersecurity
Speaker: Nick Dresang - Flowstate Director of Cybersecurity and IT
With growing regulatory pressure and the need for reliability, operators demand secure, advanced solutions for monitoring integrity and detecting leaks. This session will present a cloud-based leak detection system that integrates data from SCADA systems, satellite-connected devices, and cellular pressure sensors.
To ensure security, the system uses cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR), and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) tools. These enable real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and proactive threat response, safeguarding pipeline data.
A key component is the “onion approach” to defense-in-depth security, with layered controls protecting against diverse threats. This includes OT/IT network separation, secure VPNs for encrypted communication, and robust authentication. The system’s architecture enhances resilience against breaches and security incidents.
Edge devices and satellite-connected sensors collect data from remote sites, ensuring coverage in hard-to-reach areas. Real-time pressure data improves the speed and accuracy of leak detection.
Supporting multiple data sources and polling intervals, the system enables Computational Pipeline Monitoring (CPM) in line with industry standards. By merging secure, scalable, and advanced technologies, the proposed solution offers operators a comprehensive tool for modern pipeline monitoring.
Wednesday, April 30 – 9:40-10:20 AM
Track: Cybernetics | Leak Detection
Speaker: Angie Schrader - Flowstate Chief Operations Officer
As the demand for safety and efficiency in pipeline operations increases, so does the complexity of alarm management. This workshop aims to explore the critical workflows involved in the investigation and diagnosis of alarms within pipeline leak detection systems. Participants will engage in active discussion designed to identify common challenges in alarm response, share best practices for handling alarm events, and collaboratively design streamlined workflows that enhance investigation processes.
We will delve into key topics, including alarm prioritization, root cause analysis, and the integration of data analytics to support decision-making. By fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue among industry professionals, engineers, and solution providers, this workshop will facilitate the sharing of best practices and innovative solutions for improving alarm analysis and diagnosis.
We look forward to seeing you in Austin!