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W. Kent Muhlbauer (P.E. WKM Consultancy, LLC)

As an author, lecturer, consultant and software developer in pipelines, Kent Muhlbauer is most well-known for his expertise in pipeline risk management. Techniques developed by Mr. Muhlbauer are in use by the largest pipeline operators all over the world, and he is an advisor to private industry, government agencies, and academia, as well as a frequently invited speaker at industry conferences worldwide. Mr. Muhlbauer also has an extensive background in pipeline design, operations, and maintenance, having held technical and management positions in a pipeline operating company for over 13 years prior to becoming a full time pipeline consultant.

From 1982 to 1994, Mr. Muhlbauer held a variety of positions at Dow Chemical’s Pipeline Division in Texas, responsible for estimation, design, construction, and cost control on numerous projects. Since 1986 Mr. Muhlbauer has been owner and principal of WKM Consultancy, where he has advised and consulted internationally in the specialized areas of pipeline risk management, pipeline quality management, regulatory compliance, and technical aspects of pipeline designs and operations. As an independent consultant, Mr. Muhlbauer has been a primary investigator and consultant in numerous pipeline technical projects for over 50 clients, including some of the largest pipeline operators in the world.

Mr. Muhlbauer is probably best-known for his influential book, Pipeline Risk Management Manual, first published in 1992 by Gulf Publishing Company and now in its third edition with Elsevier. He has also authored several high-end software packages, including the Pipeline Risk Controller, PipeCalc version 4.0, and the Pipeline Rules of Thumb CD. In addition, he has authored numerous papers in journals and dozens of conference papers, presentations, and industry short courses.

He received his BS in civil engineering from the University of Missouri, and he currently lives in Austin, TX, where he is an avid runner and erstwhile cyclist.