The Gas Research Institute's one-mile-long flowloop at Battelle's complex in West Jefferson, Ohio, is the finest facility of its type for testing and developing pipeline technologies.

In the complex process of producing, harnessing, transferring, and using energy, Battelle remains a technology leader. In 1996, Battelle formed the Energy Advisory Committee comprising leaders of diverse energy fields, such as Joseph W. Martinelli, President of the Chevron Pipe Line Company; Branko Terzic, Chairman and CEO of Yankee Energy System; John P. DesBarres, former President and CEO of the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company; David L. Lemmon, President of the Amoco Pipeline Company; and Oliver G. Richard III, Chairman, President and CEO of the Columbia Gas System, Inc. The Committee taps collective knowledge to monitor trends and needs of the energy industry. Continuing leadership in energy product development, Battelle, in conjunction with Columbia Gas and First Company of Dallas, designed a triple-integrated energy system for multifamily dwellings. The Tri-PacTM System contains a high output, gas-fired hot water heater that also supplies space heating, and an electric air conditioner. Mounted on an outside wall, the system is easily accessed and serviced and can efficiently supply the energy needs of multifamily dwellings. It will be commercially available for the next heating season. To ensure reliable energy delivery, Battelle is developing a sophisticated system to monitor tens of thousands of miles of electrical power lines in the West. Recognizing the potential for grid instabilities with an increasingly competitive power industry, Battelle began building the system prior to last year's West Coast blackout. Reviewing system outputs led to better understanding of causes of the blackout. When completed in 1998, the system will monitor the western power grid to detect and correct conditions preceding blackouts. The Battelle-developed system is being considered by several utilities for other sections of the national grid. As needs for safe, reliable energy continue to grow, Battelle technology will deliver solutions.

The fall meeting of Battelle's Energy Advisory Committee was hosted by Joe Martinelli (right), recently retired President of Chevron Pipe Line. First Company's Tri-PacTM System , developed by Battelle, boasts a clean exterior appearance and a high-performance control system.