2026 featured speakers
Company: JA Electronics
RECTIFIER COURSE INSTRUCTOR
seth meaders
This hands-on course provides an in-depth look at rectifier fundamentals, covering installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting techniques essential for effective cathodic protection systems. Attendees will learn how to identify and resolve common rectifier issues, perform accurate measurements, and ensure system reliability in the field. Designed for technicians, by technicians, this session delivers practical, real-world training to strengthen skills and confidence in rectifier management.
Company: Marathon Petroleum
Presentation Title: On-Site Diagnostic Reference Electrode Coupon Assembly Installation: Utilizing Extendable Probe Rod Tool
Ryan Ell
This study demonstrates the feasibility of using an extendable probe rod tool to install a diagnostic reference electrode coupon assembly at an existing cathodic protection (CP) test station. Traditional methods—such as mechanical or vacuum excavation—require heavy equipment, multi-person crews, permitting, and extensive safety procedures, making them costly, time-consuming, and disruptive to the environment.
The proposed method involves driving a small pilot hole with the probe rod tool, allowing a compact coupon assembly to be placed at pipeline depth. A single technician can perform the installation quickly, with minimal preparation, reduced risk, and little to no surface disturbance. This approach lowers costs, accelerates data acquisition, and enables timely troubleshooting of CP deficiencies, especially in remote, congested, or environmentally sensitive areas where conventional methods are impractical.
The presentation will cover mechanisms of AC coupling to pipelines, severity drivers and ranking of induced AC interference, Code of Federal Regulations, field data collection to assess the threat, mitigative measures (design, construction), testing and monitoring of an AC mitigation system.
Company: Energy Transfer
Presentation Title: AC mitigation and monitoring
Eric Frechette
This presentation walks attendees through the complete process of developing effective ground beds — from initial planning and design considerations to installation and execution. Attendees will gain practical guidance on best practices, lessons learned, and real-world approaches to optimizing system performance and longevity. The session will also touch on how major operators approach the process, offering valuable insight for technicians and engineers involved in cathodic protection system design and maintenance.
Company: Phillips 66
Presentation Title: “Ground Bed Playbook : Guidance for the planning, design, and execution of ground beds”
justin thatcher
A technician-driven, open discussion focused on real CP interference challenges faced in the field. Attendees are encouraged to share experiences, ask questions, and exchange practical solutions with peers who’ve dealt with similar issues — fostering collaborative problem-solving and shared learning.
Company: Williams
Presentation Title: “Tech to Tech: Solving CP Interference”
austin morgan
An overview of how solar-powered systems are used in cathodic protection applications, including key components, design considerations, common challenges, and real-world use cases for maintaining reliable CP performance in the field.
Company: ONEOK
Presentation Title: “Solar Power Systems for CP”
Cory Mikles
2025 - 2026 sTOCKYARD sHORT coURSE cOMMITTEE
CHAIR: ANDREW BELL | Explorer Pipeline
VICE CHAIR: TRAVIS TAYLOR | Targa Resources
ACTIVITIES CHAIR: RILEY SAUNDERS | Fleet Corrosion
TREASURER: DAVID BRADFORD | Accurate Corrosion Control
SECRETARY: CODY CARLTON | Sunoco LP
COMMITTEE MEMBER: ROBERT HADLOCK | Flint Hills Resources