When an engineer spends decades shaping the very codes that keep industrial piping systems safe, the recognition tends to arrive not as a single moment, but as a career’s worth of accumulated impact. That impact was formally acknowledged this month for Tony Paulin, founder of Paulin Research Group (PRG), who has been awarded the ASME B31 Forever Medal for his enduring contributions to piping engineering and the evolution of industry standards.
The honor underscores Paulin’s dedication to refining the engineering methodologies used to evaluate piping systems, pressure equipment, and complex structural behavior—work that has quietly influenced how critical infrastructure is designed and assessed.
Throughout his professional life, Paulin has operated at the crossroads of academic research, industry code development, and hands-on practical analysis. His work has been instrumental in shaping the way engineers approach piping flexibility, stress analysis, and the interpretation of demanding loading conditions—areas where getting the details right can mean the difference between safe operation and catastrophic failure.
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As the founder of Paulin Research Group, he built an organization with a singular focus: developing advanced engineering software rooted in real-world testing and rigorous research, rather than relying on theoretical shortcuts or guesswork.
Today, PRG’s portfolio includes widely used engineering analysis tools such as FEPipe and NozzlePRO, which support engineers responsible for evaluating piping systems, pressure vessels, and structural components across a range of industries.
Paulin’s long-standing participation in ASME B31 committees reflects a deeper commitment to not just using standards, but actively improving them—helping to refine the methods engineers rely on to assess mechanical integrity and ensure long-term reliability.
The Forever Medal is reserved for individuals whose careers demonstrate not only technical problem-solving but also a willingness to share knowledge openly and strengthen the broader engineering community. Paulin’s body of work fits that description comfortably.
PRG continues to carry that legacy forward, investing in research-driven software development and engineering education to ensure the next generation of engineers builds on a solid foundation.
For more information, visit www.paulin.com.
Why it matters: As industrial systems grow more complex and safety margins become tighter, the standards that govern piping and pressure equipment are more critical than ever. Recognizing figures like Tony Paulin highlights the often-invisible work that goes into keeping those standards rigorous, relevant, and grounded in real-world engineering—work that ultimately protects lives and infrastructure.
Jordyn Hayden
CEI
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