SPE Flow Assurance Technical Section Flow Assurance Technical Section

Flow assurance knowledge, community, and practical solutions across the full value chain.

Welcome

The Flow Assurance Technical Section connects practitioners and researchers advancing reliable, safe, and efficient hydrocarbon and energy-fluid transport from reservoir to sales point. We convene global expertise through webinars, workshops, technical exchanges, and member-led initiatives.

Technical Exchange
Webinars, panels, and member discussions on current challenges and emerging solutions.
Practical Guidance
Curated resources, case studies, and best-practice knowledge sharing.
Global Community
Regional engagement to connect ideas across operating environments and disciplines.
Get involved
Interested in speaking, moderating, or leading an initiative? We welcome proposals for technical content and member engagement activities.
Volunteer / Propose a Topic

Chairperson

Letter from the Chairperson (2026)

Dear Colleagues and Fellow Flow Assurance Professionals,

As we navigate an evolving energy landscape, the importance of Flow Assurance has never been more critical. Whether we are addressing the complexities of deepwater developments, late-life asset management, or the nuances of gas hydrate formation in multiphase systems, our collective expertise ensures the safe and efficient transport of oil and gas from the reservoir to the point of sale.

While my own recent focus has been on advancing state-of-the-art modeling for hydrate kinetics, I am constantly reminded that the strength of our SPE Technical Section lies in its diversity. From wax and asphaltene management to scale inhibition and computational fluid dynamics, our community thrives when we share insights across all disciplines.

I am excited to announce that we are officially reactivating our webinar series. These sessions will provide a platform for global experts to share the latest research, field experiences, and technological breakthroughs directly with you, regardless of your location.

However, we also recognize the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction. To foster deeper connections, we are considering planning a series of in-person events in Houston, Texas. These meetings will offer a unique opportunity to listen to high-quality presentations on trending industry topics, but most importantly dedicated time to reconnect with the local flow assurance community, meet your peers, and build professional relationships.

The success of the Flow Assurance Technical Section depends on your engagement. We want to ensure our programming aligns with the challenges you face in the field every day.

I look forward to seeing you online soon, and hopefully in person in Houston!

Best regards,
Luis Zerpa
Chairperson
SPE Flow Assurance Technical Section

A Decade of Excellence

In January 2014, the Flow Assurance Technical Section became operational to advance open discussion, awareness of best practices, and knowledge-sharing across the global flow assurance community. Highlights below are summarized from SPE Flow Assurance Technical Section: A Decade of Excellence.

2014–2024
Over the first 10 years, FTS organized and supported 100+ technical events worldwide (lunch talks, webinars, workshops, and technical sessions at ATCE/OTC).
Member access & reach
FTS launched Luncheon Webinars for global access and formalized Regional Champions to serve all six SPE international regions outside the USA.
Excellence Award (2022)
FTS received the SPE Technical Section Excellence Award (2022) and continues to build toward the next phase of growth under FA leadership.

Selected Milestones

A few program and community milestones referenced in the decade review.

  • Signature event: SPE Forum “Flow Assurance – The Future State of the Art” (Newport Beach, California, June 2015), chaired by Dr. Phaneendra B. Kondapi and Dr. Cem Sarica, with participation from 50+ senior flow assurance engineers.
  • Governance & continuity: Past Chairs Committee formed to advise and support section functions; Regional Champions created to expand engagement across international regions.
  • Students & pipeline: Graduate Student Scholarships and student recognition awards created to encourage flow-assurance-focused graduate study and research.
Leadership history (founding team, past chairs, and selected events)
Founding team (formation & launch)
  • Champion / Founding Chair: Prof. Dendy Sloan (Colorado School of Mines)
  • Inaugural Chair: Dr. Jeff Creek (Chevron)
  • Chair-elect: Dr. Phaneendra B. Kondapi (FMC Technologies / University of Houston)
  • Vice-Chair: Dr. Steve Cochran (Chevron)
  • Secretary: Dr. Hariprasad J. Subramani (Chevron)
  • Treasurer: Dr. John Nighswander (SLB)
  • Technical Moderator: Dr. Taras Makogon (ConocoPhillips)
  • Directors: Dr. Greg Hatton (Shell), Prof. Cem Sarica (University of Tulsa), Dr. Scott A. Bufton (IntecSea)
Past chairs (by year)
  • 2013 — Prof. Dendy Sloan
  • 2014 — Dr. Jeff Creek
  • 2015 — Dr. Phaneendra B. Kondapi
  • 2016 — Dr. Steve Cochran
  • 2017 — Mr. Hassan Karimi
  • 2018 — Dr. Cem Sarica
  • 2019 — Dr. Hariprasad J. Subramani
  • 2020 — Dr. John Nighswander
  • 2021 — Dr. Taras Makogon
  • 2022 — Prof. Carolyn Koh
  • 2023 — Mr. Nikhil Joshi
key events organized or supported
  • Panel Session on Flow Assurance and Multiphase Flow — ATCE Amsterdam (2014)
  • Flow Assurance Technical Session — ATCE Houston (2015)
  • Panel Session on Error Analysis and Uncertainty in Flow Assurance and Facility Design — ATCE Houston (2015)
  • First Annual Member Meeting — Houston (ATCE 2015)
  • SPE Workshop: Flow Assurance Challenges in Shale and Tight Gas Developments — Galveston, TX (Oct 2015)
  • SPE Workshop: Ensuring Production Today, Creating Solutions for Tomorrow — Edinburgh, Scotland (Oct 2015)
  • Panel Session on Understanding Present and Evolving Flow Assurance Technologies — ATCE Dubai (2016)
  • Panel Session on The Smarter Flow Assurance Path Toward Improved Offshore Production Economics — ATCE San Antonio (2017)
  • Panel Session on Flow Assurance — ATCE Dallas (2018)
  • SPE/AIChE Workshop: Spend Less and Produce More — Austin, TX (Feb 2019)
  • Flow Assurance Technical Session — ATCE Dubai (2021)
  • SPE/AIChE Workshop: Flow Assurance Best Practices for Today, Challenges for the Future — Galveston (Oct 2022)

Quick Links

Shortcuts to the most-used destinations for members and visitors.

Featured

Pin your latest webinar, announcement, or technical highlight here.

Title • Date • Time
Add a 1–2 sentence abstract and link to registration.
News • Update
Highlight an initiative, volunteer call, or publication.
Best practice • Case study
Feature a recommended reading list or learning pathway.

Program Themes

Representative topics we cover (customize to match your 2026 program plan).

Hydrate / Wax / Asphaltenes
Prediction, inhibition, remediation, and operability strategies.
Multiphase Flow Assurance
Transient behavior, slugging, pigging, and facilities integration.
Integrity & Reliability
Corrosion, erosion, monitoring, risk-based decision frameworks.
Digital & Data
Surveillance, analytics, digital twins, and model validation.
Emerging Energy Fluids
CO₂ transport, hydrogen, ammonia, and new operating envelopes.
Deepwater & Subsea
Thermal management, subsea processing interfaces, constraints.

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