The newly established Pipelines Monitoring Center (PMC) houses many of the applications that enable the pipeline network, equipment and operations to be remotely monitored. Data about the operational status of the various types of field equipment, including cathodic protection systems and remote terminal units (RTU), comes in to the PMC from all along the 18,000-kilometer pipeline network. This information is used by PMC operators to quickly and efficiently deploy direct field personnel in response to equipment maintenance requirements. The PMC also supports monitoring the safety of its personnel as they drive to remote locations. The Pipelines organization has outfitted its fleet of vehicles with the Auto Vehicle Locator (AVL) system. Information about vehicle speed, location and operational status is transmitted by satellite to the PMC. The technology, being developed in collaboration with the Inspection Department and specialty service providers, is designed to identify areas of pipeline coating disbondment and crack type defects, allowing for early repair. The department now uses instrument scrapers to inspect pipelines and detect maintenance issues. Although these have proven extremely effective for general repairs, other types of defects require more specialized inspection technology. A prototype of the advanced technology is now being tested. "We are very impressed with the Pipelines organization’s talent," Industrial Relations senior vice president Khalid A. Al-Falih said at a luncheon following the presentations. In a special moment, Jum’ah relayed the sentiments of pride and appreciation for Saudi Aramco employees as expressed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul-aziz, during a recent meeting of the Supreme Council of Petroleum and Mineral Affairs. "His (King Abdullah’s) confidence was not won because of low-quality work. It was won because of the high-quality work and the high caliber of everybody in this company," Jum’ah told the crowd. Casting his gaze around the room, Jum’ah had his own praise to bestow. "I’m glad today because I see the many young people seated at tables in this room. I see the confidence with which they speak, the knowledge they have, their desire to do a better job, their dedication and their intelligence. I feel extremely happy and gratified that we are on the right track." --SPA 23/07/2006 10:07 ت م www.spa.gov.sa/377534