Industry Groups and Working Committees
Industry Working Groups & Regional Chapters
OPCIA’s working groups are where the real work gets done. Join a group to collaborate with peers, contribute to technical resources, and shape industry best practices.
Technical Working Groups
Pipeline Integrity Working Group
The Pipeline Integrity WG addresses the full lifecycle of pipeline coating management — from specification through application, inspection, monitoring, and rehabilitation. Current projects include: development of a coating condition assessment protocol compatible with inline inspection data, and a collaborative failure investigation database. Meets monthly via video conference.
Corrosion Engineering Working Group
The Corrosion Engineering WG focuses on the electrochemical science underlying pipeline coating performance, with emphasis on cathodic protection integration, soil chemistry interactions, and microbially influenced corrosion. The group produces the organization’s Quarterly Corrosion Science Bulletin and co-sponsors research with PRCI. Meets quarterly in person with monthly calls.
Materials and Coatings Working Group
The Materials WG evaluates emerging coating materials and application technologies, develops material qualification protocols, and maintains the organization’s coating comparison database. Current work includes qualification testing of nano-composite polyurea formulations and bio-inspired anti-corrosion coatings. Meets bi-monthly via video conference.
Technology Innovation Working Group
The Technology WG tracks and evaluates emerging digital technologies including digital twin platforms, AI-assisted inspection analysis, and robotic application systems. The group produces the annual Technology Horizon report, which is one of our most-downloaded member resources. Meets monthly via video conference.
Professional Development Working Group
The Professional Development WG designs and delivers training resources, mentorship programs, and career development support for members at all career stages. Current initiatives include the Mentorship Match program, CIP exam preparation resources, and a university outreach program partnering with 8 engineering schools. Meets monthly via video conference.
Regional Chapters
OPCIA has 12 active regional chapters providing local community for members. Each chapter holds regular meetings with technical presentations and networking, and coordinates with the national organization on regional events and advocacy.
| Chapter | Region | Meeting Frequency | Upcoming Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Coast Chapter | TX, LA, MS, AL | Monthly | August 20, 2026 |
| Mid-Continent Chapter | OK, KS, MO, AR | Monthly | August 27, 2026 |
| Rocky Mountain Chapter | CO, WY, UT, NM | Monthly | September 3, 2026 |
| Great Plains Chapter | ND, SD, NE, IA | Quarterly | September 10, 2026 |
| Pacific Northwest Chapter | WA, OR, ID, MT | Quarterly | October 1, 2026 |
| Northeast Chapter | PA, NY, NJ, OH | Monthly | August 13, 2026 |
| Canada West Chapter | AB, BC, SK | Monthly | August 19, 2026 |
| Canada East Chapter | ON, QC, Atlantic | Quarterly | September 17, 2026 |
| UK & Ireland Chapter | United Kingdom, Ireland | Quarterly | September 24, 2026 |
| Middle East Chapter | Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait | Quarterly | October 8, 2026 |
| Asia-Pacific Chapter | Australia, SE Asia | Quarterly | October 15, 2026 |
| Latin America Chapter | Brazil, Colombia, Mexico | Quarterly | November 5, 2026 |
Join OPCIA to participate in working groups and access your regional chapter community.