Authors: Monique Roberts, PODS Association; Chad Hultman, ONEOK
Resource type: White Paper (Peer-Reviewed Conference Paper)
About this paper
This paper summarizes the origins of the PODS Association and describes recent updates to the PODS data model aimed at broadening its applicability across pipeline segments, written for the Pipeline Simulation Interest Group (PSIG) community. It outlines the two current core model options — PODS 7 and PODS 7 with Utility Network support — and how optional regulatory and industry-focused modules extend the core model.
The paper covers the PODS 7 UNet + APR Implementation Pattern Working Group’s work defining which PODS objects participate in connectivity modeling (Utility Network) versus linear referencing (APR), the required rulebases and subnetwork tiers, and a validated test geodatabase demonstrating the combined environment under real-world scenarios. It explains why accurate connectivity, consistent stationing, and validated asset attributes matter directly to PSIG-relevant simulation and modeling workflows — including line pack calculations, hydraulic gradient forecasting, integrity-constrained simulation, and capacity/throughput modeling — and documents measurable operator benefits including ONEOK’s reported reductions in modeling, design, and simulation effort.
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PSIG 2601. Presented at the PSIG Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington, May 6–9, 2026. © Copyright 2026, PSIG, Inc.