THE AUSTRALIAN PIPELINER | JANUARY 2024
power versatility THE
ISSUE 201 | JANUARY 2024
OF
RIDING THE CREST OF THE INDUSTRY WAVE WITH VACLIFT – page 20 The 'beating heart' 24 of Austrack
Turning pipe dreams into a reality 30
A leader in subsea isolation
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EXCAVATORS EXCAVATORS EXCAVATORS EXCAVATORS EXCAVATORS | GRADERS | GRADERS | GRADERS | GRADERS | GRADERS | LOADERS | LOADERS | LOADERS | LOADERS | LOADERS | DOZERS | DOZERS | DOZERS | DOZERS || DOZERS TELEHANDLERS | TELEHANDLERS | TELEHANDLERS | TELEHANDLERS | TELEHANDLERS | TRACTORS | TRACTORS | TRACTORS | TRACTORS | TRACTORS | BACKHOES | BACKHOES | BACKHOES | BACKHOES | BACKHOES | DUMPERS | DUMPERS | DUMPERS | DUMPERS | DUMPERS | MOXYS | MOXYS | MOXYS | MOXYS || VACLIFTS MOXYS | VACLIFTS | VACLIFTS | VACLIFTS | VACLIFTS EXCAVATORS | GRADERS | LOADERS | DOZERS | TELEHANDLERS | TRACTORS | BACKHOES | DUMPERS | MOXYS | VACLIFTS EXCAVATORS | GRADERS | LOADERS | DOZERS | TELEHANDLERS | TRACTORS | BACKHOES | DUMPERS | MOXYS | VACLIFTS EXCAVATORS | GRADERS | LOADERS | DOZERS | TELEHANDLERS | TRACTORS | BACKHOES | DUMPERS | MOXYS | VACLIFTS EXCAVATORS EXCAVATORS EXCAVATORS EXCAVATORS | GRADERS | GRADERS | GRADERS | GRADERS | LOADERS | LOADERS | LOADERS | LOADERS | DOZERS | DOZERS | DOZERS | DOZERS TELEHANDLERS | TELEHANDLERS | TELEHANDLERS | TELEHANDLERS | TRACTORS | TRACTORS | TRACTORS | TRACTORS | BACKHOES | BACKHOES | BACKHOES | BACKHOES | DUMPERS | DUMPERS | DUMPERS | DUMPERS | MOXYS | MOXYS | MOXYS | MOXYS || VACLIFTS | VACLIFTS | VACLIFTS | VACLIFTS EXCAVATORS | GRADERS | LOADERS || DOZERS | TELEHANDLERS | TRACTORS | BACKHOES | DUMPERS MOXYS | VACLIFTS EXCAVATORS EXCAVATORS EXCAVATORS EXCAVATORS | GRADERS | GRADERS | GRADERS | GRADERS | LOADERS | LOADERS | LOADERS | LOADERS | DOZERS | DOZERS | DOZERS | DOZERS TELEHANDLERS | TELEHANDLERS | TELEHANDLERS | TELEHANDLERS | TRACTORS | TRACTORS | TRACTORS | TRACTORS | BACKHOES | BACKHOES | BACKHOES | BACKHOES | DUMPERS | DUMPERS | DUMPERS | DUMPERS | MOXYS | MOXYS | MOXYS | MOXYS || VACLIFTS | VACLIFTS | VACLIFTS | VACLIFTS EXCAVATORS | GRADERS | LOADERS || DOZERS | TELEHANDLERS | TRACTORS | BACKHOES | DUMPERS MOXYS | VACLIFTS
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Michael Michael Michael Michael Benson, Benson, Benson, Benson, Austrack Austrack Austrack Austrack MD MD MD MD Michael Benson, Austrack MD Managing the building of major
26 26 Culya 26 Culya 26 Culya St, 26 Culya St, Pinkenba Culya St, Pinkenba St, Pinkenba St, Pinkenba Qld Pinkenba Qld 4008 Qld 4008 Qld 4008 Qld 4008 4008
26 Culya St,297 Pinkenba Qld 4008 + 61 + 419 61 + 61 419 +170 419 61 +170 297 419 61 170 297 419 170 297 170 297 26 Culya St, Pinkenba Qld 4008 + 61 419 170 297 sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au 26 Culya St, Pinkenba Qld 4008 + 61 419 170 297 26 26 Culya 26 Culya 26 Culya St, Culya St, Pinkenba St, Pinkenba St, Pinkenba Pinkenba Qld Qld 4008 Qld 4008 Qld 4008 4008 26 Culya St, Pinkenba Qld 4008 sales@austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au + 61 419 170 297Qld 26 26 Culya 26 Culya 26 Culya St, Culya St, Pinkenba St, Pinkenba St, Pinkenba Pinkenba 4008 Qld 4008 Qld 4008 4008 26 Culya St, Qld Pinkenba Qld 4008 sales@austrackequipment.com.au + 61 + 419 61 + 61 419 +170 419 61 170 297 419 170 297 170 297 297297 + 61 419 170 www.austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au + 61 + 419 61 + 61 419 +170 419 61 170 297 419 170 297 170 297 297297 + 61 419 170 www.austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au sales@austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au
CONTENTS
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As a leading supplier of plant machinery and construction services, Pipeline Plant Hire has been providing long term solutions to tier 1 companies and civil clients for over 30 years. Image courtesy of Pipeline Plant Hire.
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EXECUTIVE REPORTS President’s Message POLICY Gas customers in the crosshairs FUTURE FUELS Creating new knowledge to fight corrosion ADVOCACY Achieving net zero will take a village PIPELINES IN NSW Pipeline projects surge in NSW COVER STORY Pipeline Plant Hire riding the crest of industry wave with VacLift
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PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION From Perth to the UK: kwik-ZIP’s spacer rise
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Meeting the demand of growing pipeline projects with new generation drill
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Boosting water security for the Southern Downs
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REHAB & REPAIR Leading the way with years of experience
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A maintenance specialist for pipeline operators
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Delivering speed and safety to pipe weld testing
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A leader in subsea isolation
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CORROSION Cortec unveils EcoEmitter for corrosion protection
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EXCAVATION EQUIPMENT A precise tool in underground asset protection
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WOMEN IN PIPELINE FORUM A single ripple to a collective wave: 12 months of change for women in pipelines
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NDT Jumping water on the Port Kembla looping project
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WOMEN IN PIPELINES The ‘beating heart’ of Austrack
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 in highlights
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Women in Industry returns for 2024
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REGULARS Members & memos
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PE PIPELINES Australian CSG continues to grow
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APGA members
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Turning pipe dreams into a reality
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People On The Move
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A groundbreaking PE stormwater drainage system
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association’s (APGA) vision is to lead the sustainable growth in pipeline infrastructure for Australasia’s energy. APGA is a non-profit organisation formed to represent the interests of its members involved in: the ownership, operation, maintenance, design, engineering, supply and construction of pipelines, platforms and all other structures used in or in connection with the drilling for, extraction and transmission of hydrocarbons, solids, slurries and similar substances both onshore and offshore. As a single voice representing the collective interests of its members, APGA is dedicated to encouraging the extension and development of the industry. The Australian Pipeliner is the official journal of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) and is distributed to members without charge and circulated to interested organisations throughout Australia and overseas. It is also available on subscription. The publishers welcome editorial contributions from interested parties. However, neither the publishers nor APGA accept responsibility for the content of these contributions and the views contained therein are not necessarily the views of the publishers or APGA. Neither the publishers nor APGA accept responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. All communications should be directed to the publishers.
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
WE BRING ENERGY TO ITS DESTINATION
TURNKEY ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTION PROVIDER CAPABILITIES Pipelines
Renewables
Facilities
Defence
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TRANSMISSION PIPELINES
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CSG GATHERING AND WELLHEAD CONNECTIONS
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INTEGRITY TEAM WORK STRIVE TO BE BETTER
EXECUTIVE REPORTS
President’s Message
I
t is my privilege to welcome you to the first edition of The Australian Pipeliner for 2024. It is also my first as President of APGA, a role I am very grateful to have been appointed to at our Convention in Perth last October. Having spent my career in and around the pipeline industry, I fully appreciate the crucial role that Australia's pipeline network plays in supporting the nation's infrastructure and economy. With vast distances and diverse landscapes, pipelines are the lifelines that connect resources, communities, and industries across this vast continent, and The Australian Pipeliner is an essential tool for communicating the efforts, technology and industry issues that affect the hardworking professionals who contribute to the success and reliability of our industry. During the past few years, we have seen the delivery of many long-distance cross-country pipelines, especially in Western Australia. Still, even with the number of new projects like these slowing in delivery, we remain critical players in the transportation of essential resources such as water, oil, and natural gas. The upgrading and maintenance of these networks not only facilitates the efficient movement of these resources, but it also contributes significantly to economic growth and sustainability. The emphasis on innovation and environmental consciousness continues to grow in the delivery and maintenance of pipeline assets. This edition of the magazine focuses on corrosion, along with rehab, repair, and coatings and linings features. Advancements in technology and engineering in these sectors of the pipeline market are leading to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly pipeline systems that align with our commitments to a sustainable future.
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Also included this month is a feature on New South Wales. With significant projects such as the Jemena's Port Kembla Lateral Looping Pipeline and APA's Kurri Kurri Lateral Gas Transmission and Storage Pipeline that connects to the Hunter Power Project under construction, and with many readers I am sure are involved in these projects, it is timely focus to kick off the year's first edition. For those who could make it to Perth for the Convention, I hope you enjoyed a fantastic event like me. There is a notable change in the demographic of the delegates attending, with many more young professionals attending than in previous years. The Secretariat aims to harness this enthusiasm and encourage further involvement in committees and related activities to ensure a strong backbone for the next generation of pipeliners. Collaboration and sharing are the hallmark of the association and I encourage you all to get involved. Visit apga.org. au to find out more. Finally, with the start of the new year, the APGA Board is focusing on the strategic plan for the association through 2027. Given the significance of the energy transition and the pathways we take towards net zero and how this could affect the association, we are undertaking a more involved development process. We will be sharing it with you in the coming months and are keen for member input and feedback. I look forward to catching up with you all at one of the many great events planned for this year.
JOHN STUART-ROBERTSON APGA PRESIDENT
The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
ABN: 29 098 754 324 APGA Secretariat Registered Office: 7 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 (PO Box 5416, Kingston ACT 2604) T: +61 2 6273 0577 E: apga@apga.org.au W: www.apga.org.au Chief Executive Officer Steve Davies Corporate Services Manager Michelle Wickson National Policy Manager Jordan McCollum Communications Manager Lawrence Shelton Engagement Manager Gayle Burns Membership Officer Katy Spence Events Coordinator Matthew Freeborough Policy Manager Catriona Rafael Government Relations Manager Paul Purcell
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MEMBERS & MEMOS
Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline taking shape The pipeline construction commenced the Yarwun site in October 2023. It is set to deliver long term water security to Gladstone residents and industry, while supporting emerging industries like hydrogen. “This critical project is more evidence that Queensland’s Big Build is delivering for Queenslanders, no matter where they live,” former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. The $983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline will have the capacity to transport 30 gigalitres per annum from the Fitzroy River to Gladstone. “Its construction will also lead to new industries like hydrogen establishing themselves in Gladstone knowing they have
water security, delivering the clean energy jobs of the future,” Palaszczuk said. The 117-kilometre pipeline will run from
the Lower Fitzroy River in Rockhampton and connect to Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network at Yarwun.
The pipeline will have the capacity to transport 30 gigalitres per annum from the Fitzroy River to Gladstone.
AGIG begins Gladstone Hydrogen Park construction
The project will supply nearly 800 Gladstone homes with a blend of up to 10 per cent renewable hydrogen.
In October 2023, construction begun on Hydrogen Park (HyP), a city-wide renewable hydrogen blending project, in Gladstone, Queensland. The project, led by Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) and supported by $2.72 million from the Queensland government’s Hydrogen Industry Development fund, will supply nearly 800 Gladstone homes and businesses with a blend of up to 10 per cent renewable hydrogen in their gas supply. AGIG Chief Executive Officer Craig de Laine said the project marks an important milestone in the company’s vision for renewable gas.
“AGIG is focussed on delivering its vision to provide renewable gas to our customers across Australia, including in Queensland. This includes by providing at least 10 per cent renewable gas by 2030 and 100 per cent renewable gas by no later than 2050,” de Laine said. “We appreciate the Queensland Government’s ongoing support of HyP Gladstone, and the broader actions they are taking to develop a hydrogen industry in the state. “Queensland is very well placed to benefit from this new low-carbon industry and the jobs it will create, including in regions such as Gladstone.”
Santos teams up with APA
The partnership will assist Santos accelerate delivery of large-scale, low-cost CCS services to emitters.
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Santos has signed an agreement with APA Group to collaborate on the potential development of CO2 infrastructure throughout eastern Australia, which will include an assessment of CCS pipeline transport routes from key emission sources. The scope of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) is to assess decarbonisation opportunities by working jointly to link heavy CO2 emitters and/or CO2 import locations to the Santos-operated carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility in Moomba, South Australia. Santos Energy Solutions Executive Vice
The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
President Alan Stuart-Grant said working with APA, a leading energy infrastructure provider and Australia’s largest pipeline developer, will put Santos in a leading position to accelerate delivery of large-scale, low-cost CCS services to domestic and international emitters. “I am very excited about the growth potential for carbon storage services at Moomba. Santos has already booked carbon storage resources in the Cooper Basin of 100 million tonnes,” Stuart-Grant said. “The Cooper and Eromanga Basins have enormous carbon storage capacity, with the potential to store up to 20 million tonnes of CO2 per year for up to 50 years.”
MEMBERS & MEMOS
Parmelia funding boosted by $1.33 million The funding $1.33 million funding, secured by APA Group and Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF), will be provided through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)’s Advancing Renewables Program. This sum is set to support a feasibility study exploring the potential to produce and transport cost-effective green hydrogen to WesCEF’s production facilities at the Kwinana Industrial Area south of Perth, via APA’s existing Parmelia Gas Pipeline (PGP). APA Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Adam Watson said the funding contribution from ARENA
reinforces the significance of the project and its potential to support the energy transition. “As a nation we need to continue exploring options for utilising our existing energy infrastructure to support an efficient and cost-effective transition to a low carbon future,” Watson said. “Around 90 per cent of natural gas consumed in Australia is used to power our most critical industries, many of which are hard to abate. “We see a significant opportunity to work with these industries to support their decarbonisation efforts.” The project is delivered in conjunction with APA’s PGP conversion project.
The funding will assist Parmelia’s role in the energy transition.
$6 million WA pipeline secures water supply $6.3 million investment is set to secure water supply from Katanning to Kojonup.
With construction beginning in May 2023, the 60-year-old pipeline in WA has been replaced.
“Water is one of our most precious resources. We’re working to deliver secure and reliable water to communities right across WA,” Federal Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said. “Projects like this that upgrade old water infrastructure mean we can move water more efficiently to where it’s needed, reduce leakage, and ensure communities and farmland along the pipeline can get a reliable supply. “This is a win for regional WA and its residents in and around Kojonup.” The project involved replacing 2.2km of pipeline from Pemble Street to KojonupKatanning Road, easing pressure on other
The Mount Morgan pipeline is set to complete in September 2025.
New pipeline for Mount Morgan The federal and Queensland governments, along with the Rockhampton Regional Council, will jointly fund the $88.2 million Mount Morgan pipeline project. The new pipeline is set to deliver long-term water security to Mount Morgan in Central Queensland (QLD), ending water carting and securing sustainability for the town. The project will include construction of a 28km portable water pipeline from the pump station at Gracemere to Mount Morgan, upgrade of the pump station, construction of a new reservoir and a new pump station at Moonmera. Rockhampton mayor Tony Wililams said the new pipeline will secure Mount Morgan’s
supply infrastructures. “This project is yet another example of the WA Government investing in infrastructure that delivers secure, sustainable drinking water to regional Western Australians,” WA Water Minister Simone McGurk said. “These projects, along with those jointly funded through the National Water Grid Fund, are important in ensuring reliable, secure water supply to customers, now and into the future.” The upgraded main is part of a 40-kilometre conveyance pipeline, which runs along Kojonup-Katanning Road and supplies drinking water to more than 530 homes and businesses in Kojonup.
water security, after the town has been on level six water usage restrictions since March 2021. “It’s great to see the project reach this important milestone,” he said. “For generations, the Mount Morgan community has struggled with water security and the imposition of water restrictions for extended periods. “We know that water security in regional areas means security for jobs and opportunity, and I am particularly proud to see the Palaszczuk and Albanese Governments working with Council to deliver on our commitment to Mount Morgan.” The Mount Morgan pipeline project is set to complete in September 2025.
The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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POLICY
Gas customers in the crosshairs The tail end of 2023 has seen substantial consultation from governments on the future for gas customers, with a focus on customer electrification. Jordan McCollum, APGA National Policy Manager talks about a stalled electricity sector transition.
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dditional funding announced for the national Capacity Investment Scheme in late November 2023 confirmed what energy industry experts had been saying for some time: the electricity system isn’t on track to achieve 82 per cent renewable electricity by 2030. But adjacent policy consultation hasn’t appeared to have caught up with this reality just yet. From the Senate Inquiry into Residential Electrification to the Victorian Renewable Gas Consultation and the Future Gas Strategy, most consultation considering gas use decarbonisation assumes electricity will decarbonise it. The Senate Inquiry into Residential Electrification terms of reference is founded on the preconception that households will electrify. Despite this, the terms of reference do consider many of the challenges of an “electrify everything” approach. As can be seen in APGA’s response to this consultation (available in the submissions section on APGA’s website), this was a perfect opportunity to discuss the benefits of parallel renewable gas and renewable electricity pathways for households. Based on recent years of research, APGA made the case that electrification is not the only option to decarbonise households. We proposed that pursuing household electrification as the only decarbonisation solution introduces unnecessary social and economic risks, and that allowing households to choose both electrification and renewable gas accelerates the transition. In the meantime, new renewable electricity can deliver cheaper decarbonisation elsewhere in the economy, such as in achieving the Federal Government's pledge to achieve 82 per cent renewable electricity by 2030. Alongside this, the Victorian Government took a strong step in the right direction by consulting on a renewable gas target. Focusing on incentivising both biomethane and hydrogen uptake via a percentage-of-gas-use style target, the paper appeared to be a positive change of heart from the typically electrification-focused state. Unfortunately, Victoria’s typical electrification focus was still at the heart of even this process. The consultation paper concluded that only customers which physically could not electrify should be allowed to decarbonise via renewable gas, excluding commercial and residential customers from inclusion in the scheme.
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APGA made the case that electrification is not the only option to decarbonise households.
Worse, the paper insinuated that residential and commercial customers could be economically liable for the scheme and considered ways to shield low-income households from additional cost burden. This is despite the fact that the scheme would prohibit households from benefiting from the scheme. Another policy which dehumanises gas customers, this comes alongside moves by the Victorian Energy Minister to drive up gas appliance and connection costs through prohibiting distribution network funded appliance discounts and amortisation of connection charges. There is hope however in the federal consultation on the Future Gas Strategy. This multi-decadal strategy in development under the resources ministry seeking to both ensure security of gas supply while delivering decarbonisation of gas users. While the strategy consultation paper wrestles with the need to achieve both ends simultaneously, it currently only considers natural gas supply. This provides an opportunity for expansion of the strategy to include renewable gases as well as natural gas, therein introducing The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
the solutions to its most challenging goals. By expanding the Future Gas Strategy to cover natural and renewable gases, the means to secure supply and reduce demand come into the remit of the strategy. Just like electricity supply under Minister Bowen’s plan to achieve 82 per cent renewable electricity is managed as all electricity, fossil and renewable, gas supply can be managed, secured and decarbonised in exactly the same way. And this is the great benefit of the scale of the energy decarbonisation challenge. We can learn from what worked in one sector – electricity decarbonisation – and apply it to another – gas decarbonisation. This is at the core of the gas infrastructure industry’s call for a renewable gas target. Setting targets for renewable gas as a per cent of all gas consumed in Australia, much the same as was done in electricity, can deliver both decarbonisation and increased gas supply. It is hoped that the Federal Government will take up this opportunity for the Future Gas Strategy across the coming years, and in doing so secure decarbonisation and gas supply for all gas customers, be they industrial, commercial, or residential – even in the great state of Victoria.
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FUTURE FUELS CRC
Creating new knowledge to fight corrosion Future Fuels CRC Chief Executive Officer David Norman sat down with The Australian Pipeliner to discuss how the industry can overcome corrosion issues by using biomethane.
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orrosion will always be an issue for infrastructure, and this drives our industry to research better solutions for the future. We can improve both how we protect pipeline systems from external corrosion but also how we can protect them from the effects of new fuels and fluids like hydrogen, biomethane and carbon dioxide. Our recently completed research project RP3.2-09 on biomethane impurities, led by the University of Melbourne, researched the corrosion impacts of the addition of biomethane into gas networks. Biomethane can bring higher-than-usual oxygen concentrations into natural gas pipelines, so we need to understand what this means for updating standards. We now have biomethane injection into the gas grid in Australia with great potential for future scale-up, so it's important to develop the right standards to enable its widespread use in our networks. Working with Deakin University and Atteris,
our project RP3.4-10 on carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines’ impurities looks at the developing issue of piping high-density CO2 for storage, sequestration, and use. The corrosivity of high-density CO2 can increase significantly when certain commonly found impurities are present. The relationship has not been predictable with some rates of corrosion higher than expected. Our project will provide a better understanding of what is already known globally and how we plan further research to better manage this issue in such a vital area. Some of this work was presented by Tom Seeber from Atteris at this 2023’s APGA Convention and Exhibition in his paper ‘Researching the Aggressive Internal Corrosion of CO2 Pipelines’. Our research also focusses on how we can continue to build our knowledge of cathodic protection to manage existing and future sources of potential corrosion. Cathodic systems are one of the foundational
It’s possible to protect pipeline systems from external corrosion, as well as from the effects of new fuels and fluids like hydrogen, biomethane and carbon dioxide.
Future Fuels CRC CEO David Norman believes that the future holds a few keys to overcoming corrosion problems.
technologies in our management of corrosion, so we must continue to learn, innovate, and prepare for the future. The University of Melbourne’s research RP3.204B on cohesive gas impurities works to understand how the industry’s cathodic protection systems are affected by the build-up of conductive deposits that can be present in some natural gas streams. These deposits can cause the electrical failure of pipeline isolation joints which reduces the effectiveness of cathodic protection systems. This research now provides natural gas producers with a quantitative method to reduce specific contamination rates within the gas transmission network, helping to maintain the effectiveness of protection systems. Our work also shows the complex nature of future challenges. We have started research to assess the risks of coating damage and hydrogen embrittlement of steel pipelines under the combined effects of hydrogen from external cathodic protection and internal hydrogen containing fuels, in our project RP3.4-08. Many pipelines in the future may face this double combination of corrosion risks and owners and operators need to be prepared with new knowledge to protect their assets. Although future corrosion challenges seem significant, they can be effectively managed in the same way we always have; by deeply understanding the issue and then engineering effective solutions.
For more information, visit futurefuelscrc.com
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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APGA ADVOCACY
Achieving net zero will take a village APGA Corporate Affairs Manager Paul Purcell highlights how there’s a quiet truth about Australia’s transition that many people know, but it isn’t often said.
The journey to net zero will be hard, and the support from the community will be key in order to achieve it.
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he journey to net zero will be hard. In fact, it is likely to be the most significant engineering and industrial challenge of our lifetimes – requiring trillions of dollars in capital, unimaginable labour deployment, and above all, fit-for-purpose policy frameworks in domestic and international markets. But the reality is, governments and industry cannot achieve net zero without the Australian community. Today, Australians broadly support the transition – and recognise its necessity. We have a moral imperative to limit global warming. But the lines between populism and pragmatism are blurring. That is the greatest danger to successfully reaching a carbon-neutral world as quickly as possible.
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The road to net zero is littered with potholes and speedbumps. It’s not straight, or simple but the ultimate destination is vital. There are many major challenges, including delayed rollout of renewable assets and transmission infrastructure, lack of long-duration storage, and unreliable coal generation. If we accelerate without carefully navigating these speedbumps, the jolt – felt through systems affordability, reliability, and sustainability – could knock the wheels of the transition entirely off. Once an issue loses popular support, it’s nearly impossible to get it back which is why gas infrastructure is so important to ensure the wellbeing of the energy transition today, and for the foreseeable future. Through APGA’s advocacy program, we track public sentiment to better understand how Australians feel about major energy issues so we The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
can tailor our policy approach to align with community expectations. It would come as no surprise that cost of living is the greatest issue felt by Australians today. The cost of energy is an important driver, and in the aggregate, ensuring Australians have affordable, decarbonised, and reliable energy must continue to be the three pillars of domestic energy policy. Emissions reduction is vitally important, but it is just one of three elements in the energy trilemma. It sounds like industry speak but the effect of unbalanced policy ultimately flows through to the community. In the latest analysis conducted by Redbridge, we examine the role of affordability, sustainability, and reliability in determining how people genuinely feel about the energy transition. First, reliability. Let’s look at Victoria – which
APGA ADVOCACY
according to the Australian Energy Market Operator has the highest risk of energy shortfalls in the coming years. The research shows Victorians are not confident about their state’s energy grid. 80 per cent of Victorians are very or somewhat concerned about the state of the local electricity grid, and in the priority of needs, reliability of electricity almost always ranks above rapid decarbonisation. Simply, Victorians want to reduce emissions but not at the expense of blackouts. This is the first lead indicator that illustrates why sentiment about the role of natural gas has improved rapidly over the past six months, with opposition to new gas projects now down to just 11 per cent. We observe that Australians increasingly understand the role gas will play as a safety blanket, and how it works in tandem with renewables to displace coal and ensure reliable, low-carbon electricity. Next, we examine the cost. It is abundantly clear that Australians now strongly reject the proposition that energy will be cheaper as the country continues to transition to net zero – with just 12 per cent thinking this statement is true. Alarmingly, more than 50 per cent of mortgage
holders in Melbourne and Sydney are now cashflow negative, which means they are spending more on their day-to-day expenses than they have monies coming in. This dire financial situation is indicative of the broader economic pressures Australians are facing, including the rising cost of energy. As they are forced to rely on credit cards, savings, or loans from family and friends, the financial strain becomes a significant barrier to supporting broader societal initiatives like the energy transition. This brings into sharp focus the need for energy policies that consider the economic realities of everyday Australians. The government and industry must innovate not only in technology but also in financial mechanisms, ensuring that the transition to net zero does not exacerbate economic inequalities. Public education and engagement are crucial. There's a need for a clear, transparent dialogue about the costs involved in the transition and how they will be managed. Without widespread understanding and support, the transition risks being perceived as another financial burden rather than a necessary step towards a sustainable future. The transition to net zero in Australia is not just a technological or policy challenge but also a social
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APGA Corporate Affairs Manager Paul Purcell.
and economic one. The journey must be navigated with a keen understanding of the complex web of factors impacting the Australian community. Only through a balanced approach that addresses reliability, affordability, and sustainability in tandem, can the transition maintain the support needed for success.
PIPELINES IN NSW
Pipeline projects surge in NSW
In New South Wales alone, there are currently 31 pipelines operating in the state.
Australia has approximately 42,000km of natural gas transmission pipelines that efficiently transport gas under high pressures to the outskirts of cities and towns.
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n New South Wales (NSW) alone, there are currently 31 pipelines operating in the state. The Australian Pipeliner puts the spotlight on the region for this edition.
Port Kembla Pipeline completes first HDD drive The project team on the Port Kembla Pipeline in New South Wales has completed pulling back the project’s first horizontal directional drilling (HDD) drive. Nacap announced that the first drive for the pipeline – HDD 1 – was 338m long, drilling beneath the ground near the Port Kembla coal terminal offices. The pipeline forms part of AIE’s Port Kembla Energy Terminal (PKET), which will streamline connecting LNG from a floating storage and regasification unit, berthed in the harbour at Port Kembla, with the NSW gas transmission network. The deal for the PKET was signed by Jemena and Australian Industrial Energy (AIE) – a subsidiary of Squadron Energy – was signed in March 2022. Construction of the PKET is expected to take up to 16 months to be completed, and is being completed by Nacap, Jemena, Zinfra and UEA Group.
Interflow completes milestone on Rutherford project Interflow has completed its longest single-pull Titeflow installation in history at Rutherford, NSW. Completed in early June 2023 by Interflow’s Central Coast team, the objective of the project was to replace the pipe, which had no remaining strength, with a new HDPE pipe. However, most of the pipe was unable to be dug up, meaning the solution needed to have minimal excavation. Due to this, the Interflow team decided to use Titeflow, its die-reduction slip lining technology, which allows for a tighter fit and maximum hydraulic capacity.
WaterNSW utilises inspection vehicle for pipelines WaterNSW has designed a prototype vehicle to inspect the Warragamba Dam pipelines, which supplies 80 per cent of Sydney’s untreated water. The modified mobility scooter is equipped
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with a camera and can be lowered in place via manholes. The vehicle was designed by WaterNSW’s asset team at Warragamba Dam after previous trials involving other inspection devices didn’t prove successful. The vehicle is driven by one operator and has 360-degree images of the pipe interior, which can be reproduced in 3D if any faults or action points are identified. The full 27km twin pipelines move water from Warragamba Dam to Prospect Reservoir with inspections taking place in winter when the demand for water is lower.
Verbrec awarded Bomaderry pipeline operation and maintenance contract Australian engineering services company Verbrec has been awarded the Shoalhaven Starches Bomaderry Gas Pipeline (SSBGP) operation and maintenance contract. The Verbrec infrastructure team will operate and maintain the 6km SSBGP, located in Bomaderry NSW from the Eastern Gas Pipeline tie in, through to the new cogeneration point, powering the Bomaderry food production plant. Verbrec infrastructure services general manager Jarrod Woolnough said the contract marks the first NSW pipeline operation and maintenance contract for the company. “Our unique capabilities and position in the market allowed us to transition from owner engineer support, through to operational readiness services, resulting in the award of the Operation and Maintenance contract,” Woolnough said. “A great milestone for the infrastructure services team and Verbrec.”
Jemena and Origin Energy sign renewable gas supply agreement The development of Australia’s renewable gas sector has taken a significant step forward, as Jemena and Origin Energy have signed an agreement for the sale and purchase of renewable gas produced at the Malabar Biomethane Demonstration Project. The agreement will enable biomethane to be blended into Jemena’s gas distribution network, which distributes gas to more than 1.5 million gas users across Sydney and parts of regional NSW. The agreement was announced at this year’s The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
Australian Domestic Gas Outlook Conference by Jemena’s Managing Director, Frank Tudor. “We received broad interest from a number of retailers when we initially approached the market with an offer to purchase biomethane, and we are thrilled to have agreed to sell the renewable gas to Origin,” Tudor said. “The announcement is proof that renewable gases, such as biomethane, are commercially viable and that there is significant appetite from the market for it as part of the future energy mix. “Biomethane is a here and now technology which can help lower carbon emissions by displacing other gases.”
Construction begins on $1.2 billion wastewater plant Sydney Water has begun construction on its $1.2 billion Upper South Creek Advanced Water Recycling Centre (AWRC) in Western Sydney. The facility will supply wastewater services to 400,000 new dwellings in the growing Western Sydney Aerotropolis Growth Area. It will also service Camden, Penrith, and Liverpool, and will help cater for growth until 2056. The AWRC is a significant step forward in the sustainable development of Sydney’s Western Parkland City and, will be one of the southern hemisphere’s most advanced wastewater recycling facilities, offering more than 1000 jobs during the construction phase. Sydney Water Managing Director Roch Cheroux said the facility will be a foundation for the circular economy in Western Sydney. “This facility will use state-of-the-art technology to provide wastewater services and high-quality recycled water for a range of reuse applications locally,” Cheroux said.
• First to move the vacuum reservoir from the excavator stick to the counterweight • First to use the excavator hydraulics to power the vacuum pump
• First to develop a remote controlled in pipe inspection tool • First to develop a VacLift that will only release a pipe when the pipe is on a solid surface
• First to remove radio remote control
• First to increase the range of diameters able to be handled by each pipe shoe
• First to introduce dedicated excavator operator controls
• First to develop a fully adjustable attachment pickup.
• First to introduce 360˚ rotation • First to develop an in-trench pipe assembly apparatus • First to develop an hydraulically assisted multiple o ring jointed pipe assembly tool
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PIPELINEPLANTHIRE.COM.AU
COVER STORY
Pipeline Plant Hire riding the crest of industry wave with VacLift Pipeline Plant Hire (PPH) Director Gerard O’Brien and business partner Global Pipeline Equipment Manufacturer Mat Dridan spoke to The Australian Pipeliner on how, for more than 20 years, PPH’s VacLift equipment has been among the gold standard for safety and efficiency on Australian pipeline construction projects.
All of Pipeline Plant Hire equipment is designed and manufactured in Australia.
“A
ustralia is home to some of the driest inhabited areas on the planet, which makes access to safe and reliable water supplies vitally important, especially for remote communities,” Pipeline Plant Hire Director Gerard O’Brien said. As existing pipelines are expanded, transportation of large volumes of water over greater distances with minimum evaporation loss
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plays an increasing role in supporting Australia’s future, and Pipeline Plant Hire’s expertise is more in demand than ever. One example of this is the Wentworth to Broken Hill Pipeline, a project that saw Pipeline Plant Hire’s unique VacLift equipment achieve a record-breaking rate of pipe laying. “Our vacuum pipe handling equipment creates distance between the workers and the The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
pipe, reducing the risk of injury and dramatically improving the cycle time for each pipe movement,” O’Brien said. “And that in turn enables our customers to complete their work faster without compromising on safety.” VacLift works by using a vacuum to suck pipe lengths into the grasp of an attachment fitted with rubber seals called a ‘shoe’ that raises lengths of poly pipe or steel pipe weighing up to 15 tonnes without causing damage during the lifting process. Global Pipeline Equipment Manufacturer Mat Dridan said that this results in enormous time and cost savings for customers because the VacLift cycle time is under 40 seconds per pipe length, whereas conventional methods take between five and ten minutes. The VacLift system is available for customers to hire as a fully integrated, ready-to-use system consisting of an excavator fitted with a VacLift unit mounted on the counterweight of the machine to provide maximum safe lift capacity, but Pipeline Plant Hire’s services don’t stop there. “We’ve also developed a VacLift attachment that can be fitted to the customer’s own machine using auxiliary hydraulics to power and control operations,” Dridan said. “And because the equipment has been designed to only lift or release the pipe lengths in a grounded position it’s almost impossible to drop the pipe, and also safeguards any personnel
COVER STORY
As a leading supplier of plant machinery and construction services, the company has been providing long term solutions to tier 1 companies and civil clients for over 30 years.
involved and protects the lifting equipment.” Traditional methods of pipe handling put workers at risk when attaching and detaching slings and hooks, but VacLift significantly reduces the dangers involved. “Removing workers, slings and hooks from the process allows the VacLift operator to lift and, for water pipelines, lay the pipe themselves,” O’Brien said. “We’ve invested millions of dollars in making pipe handling safer and in doing so we’ve enabled tens of millions of safe pipe movements, without so much as a paper cut attributed to our equipment.” And Pipeline Plant Hire has a lot of equipment, providing everything from buckets, rock breakers and augers to material adaptors, beams, and shoes. “All our equipment is designed and manufactured in Australia,” Dridan said. “Our range includes small units used to feed poly pipe, fusion welding machines lifting hundreds of kilograms each, and large units capable of lifting large diameter, high pressure steel pipe at weights that exceed 12 tonnes. “With the combined development of our rear mounted vacuum lifts, patented throughput of vacuum at the rotator, expanded range in pipe diameter per shoe and many other proven
Plant Hire has a lot of equipment, providing everything from buckets, rock breakers and augers to material adaptors, beams and shoes.
technical advantages, we’ve contributed massively to efficiency gains in the pipeline industry.” As a leading supplier of plant machinery and construction services, the company has been providing long term solutions to tier one companies and civil clients for over 30 years and
is looking forward to setting the benchmark for many years to come. “Working with manufacturers, suppliers and customers, we continue to provide improvements and innovations wherever we can,” O’Brien said, “There’s plenty more in the pipeline.”
For more information, visit pipelineplanthire.com.au The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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WOMEN’S PIPELINE FORUM
A single ripple to a collective wave: 12 months of change for women in pipelines APGA Young Achievement Award Margaret Gayen sat down with The Australian Pipeliner on behalf of the APGA Women in Pipelines Forum Advocacy Committee to reflect on the past year’s boundaries being broken and reshaped – and all by the hands of women.
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here was a moment at this 2023’s APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition, when I walked into the Women in Pipelines Forum (WPF) booth and burst into tears. I had just won the APGA Young Achievement Award. I had received the award for technical contributions to hydrogen projects, and for my work towards gender equality in our industry. I remembered how my Mum – a female engineer herself – had warned me not to make a fuss about sexism in the workplace, to just “call it out at the time, and move on”. She wasn’t warning me because she didn’t think I should do anything; she was warning me in order to protect me. Her experience told her that speaking up would not end well. For me, winning the Young Achievement Award showed that a demand for change can end well – it can even be celebrated. My award announcement was immediately followed by Susan Jaques winning the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Pipeline Industry. Susan’s technical contributions to our industry are significant and have been for many years. She is the first person to have won both the Outstanding Contribution and the Young Achievement Award, and I believe she is the first woman to have won either of them. Susan’s achievements highlight the contributions of women in our industry for many years. For me, her award showed that women in our industry deserve to be welcomed, recognised, and celebrated. Following the awards, we all watched the fantastic keynote speech by Michelle Cowan. A
female footballer, a coach in a man’s world, Michelle was a speaker that not only empowered women, but identified how men could be our greatest allies. She shared the stories of the men who had supported her, encouraged her, helped her on her journey – and she encouraged the audience (to take just 40 seconds) to be that support for the people they worked with. I was blown away by Michelle’s presentation, but I was tipped over the edge when I realised that it was a member of the APGA Secretariat who thought to organise her as the keynote speaker. Someone who heard mine and Carina’s message last year and decided to do something more. For me, that presentation showed that our industry had listened, and someone had acted. When I looked around the room, I saw an increased presence of women in the audience, and an increased number of women on the program to present. The statistics supported that feeling – 36 per cent of presenters were women, compared to 15 per cent just before COVID-19. It was clear that women were inspired to come to the Convention because they saw that there was a place for them there. They were brave enough to submit an abstract, and then stand on a stage, because they saw they could have a voice there. As it all started to sink in, I was able to retreat to the Women in Pipelines Booth - a safe space amongst familiar and friendly female faces. That’s when I burst into tears. Those women didn’t shy away from my tears – they understood. They just offered a tissue, a reassuring remark, and let me collect myself. It was the most wonderful thing. It shed light on what already existed – a
Mikayla Rousham (Process Design Engineer, APA Group), Gretyl Lunn (Project Engineer, APA Group), Margaret Gayen (Senior Mechanical Engineer, GPA Engineering), Carina Nixon (Project Engineer, GPA Engineering), Tricia Grant (Business Manager, CNC Project Management) have all chosen the pipeline industry as much as it chose them.
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
supportive network of smart, capable, and emotionally competent women. In the booth, we had a poster. It asked the question: “who is a woman you admire in the industry?” Men and women from the convention responded to the question with sticky notes. In an industry where a woman can feel alone in a crowd, the sticky notes underlined the amount of inspirational and admirable women we have the privilege of knowing, working with, and learning from. I am so happy to share the list of women who were named, and I know there are many more to be added: • Liz Brierley – SEAGas. • Susan Jaques – Sage Consulting Solutions. • Wendy Oldham – retired (SeaGas/APGA). • Donna McDowall – Quanta Services (APGA). • Janet McCrystal – Quanta Services. • Cara Robb – CNC Project Management. • Tricia Grant – CNC Project Management. • Justine Hyams – MBS Environmental. • Orla Gallagher – Nacap. • Carina Nixon – GPA Engineering. • Margaret Gayen – GPA Engineering. • Marzieh Amanabadi – GPA Engineering. • Elizabeth Wheeler – APA Group. • Allyson Woodford – APA Group. • Jen Ward – APA Group. • Kerryanne Mallitt – APA Group. • Nada Radford – APA Group. • Madonna Burns – APA Group. • Valerie Linton – The University of Auckland. • Jan Hayes – RMIT University. • Caitlyn Knight – LONG Energy and Resources. • Tania Coltman - Jemena. • Natasha Coelho – Origin Energy. • Marie Malaxos – Black Mountain Energy / MBS Environmental. • Rachel Webber - Spiecapag. • Megan Le Bourdonnec - Veris. • Cirina Di Pierro – Powered Digital. • Barbara Jinks – Freelance Advisor. • Lauren – (no details available). I am proud of my achievements and my work, but I am prouder of this industry for being strong and inspirational women, for being supportive, allied men, for being willing to change, and to build a stronger workforce into the future.
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WOMEN IN PIPELINES
The Austrack fleet is a sight to behold.
The ‘beating heart’ of Austrack The Australian Pipeliner spoke with Austrack General Manager Donna Owens to discuss how the company is making a difference in a historically male-dominated industry.
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ore and more bastions of what was once a male dominated sector have been breached, and Austrack is a testimony to that. Austrack General Manager Donna Owens is very much a case in point. She is busy. She is focused. She is driven. And she is clearly at home managing all the complexity of the rapidly expanding heavy machinery business that Austrack has grown into. Owens forms a powerful tandem with Austrack Managing Director Michael Benson, as there is hardly a decision of any import made at Austrack without her input. “My background in pipelining goes back to when I first arrived in Australia,” Owens said. She worked on the Western Corridor Pipeline in Brisbane in 2006, where she first met Benson. “Through a succession of pipeline projects, we are still working together almost 20 years later,” Owens said.
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“I worked on the Sugarloaf pipeline in Victoria and onto a succession of gas pipeline projects in Queensland and before I knew it, I was a pipeliner.” Donna Owens does a final check on a crawler carrier with Plant Manager Matt Jones at Austrack.
The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
Owens spends her days directing operations at the yard, making sure that the equipment that’s chosen is right for the job, ensuring all the contractual paperwork is in place with the
WOMEN IN PIPELINES
customer, and that all equipment leaving the Austrack yard meets all necessary safety and documentation and performance criteria. She is equally adept at negotiating hire rates and dealing with finance and legal and human resource matters. There’s nothing at Austrack she doesn’t touch. Often, Owens is described as the “beating heart” of the company. Originally from Ireland, Owens found herself in the Australian pipeline universe because “the great Australian outdoors is everything that Ireland is not”. “I loved it and when I first got into pipelining,” Owens said. “I had found my niche. “I loved the satisfaction of seeing a project progress on to its conclusion and I enjoyed the camaraderie and the shared goal that pipeline construction entails.” This new career path was lifechanging for Owens. It is here she discovered there was a place for a detailed person like her, in a “whole glorious scrum”. “And now that I have been at Austrack for nearly 10 years, I have discovered that the attention to detail is a requirement in this activity too,” she said. Owens is all about the Austrack mentality – delivering quality now. “One of our company’s catch cries is ‘we make it happen’ and I would like to think that’s more than just a catchy slogan. It’s what we do.”
Drive past Austrack yard excavator booms stand to attention.
She’s been there from the company’s very early days and couldn’t be prouder of what the company has achieved. “Lots of hard work, early starts, late finishes and the satisfaction of seeing the inexorable growth of a company that had ambition and a plan to go with it,” she said. “Look at us now. Our machines and attachments number well beyond a thousand. “Among our customer base is the crème de la crème of pipeline contracting.” Austrack benefits from the preferred customer status, inlcuding working with major manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi and Superior. “We are blessed with great staff who every day show us what can be achieved with us all pulling
in one direction. So, we think we have got the trifecta at Austrack,” Owens said. “Great customers, great suppliers and great staff.” According to Owens Austrack wouldn’t be the same without its amazing team. “Almost all our staff come with a background in on-site pipelining, and we have all been at the coalface,” she said. “I like to think we have earned our stripes. We are uniquely qualified to understand the requirements of our customers.” When Owens is out socially and she tells people what she does, she’s frequently asked if she likes her job. “I say yes – but it’s a lie because I love my job,” she said.
Crawler carriers waiting for their next assignment.
For more information, visit austrackequipment.com.au The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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WOMEN IN PIPELINES
Women in Industry Awards returns The 2024 event will be hosted in Sydney following last year's record-breaking ceremony.
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he 2023 event was memorable for countless reasons. One of them being Woman of the Year and Safety Advocacy awards recipient Giselle Phillips. Sitting down with The Australian Pipeliner to reflect on the awards, Phillips said it was “thrilling - a different city, with a different vibe and just being a finalist was exciting”. “I met so many wonderful women and male allies across a variety of industries,” she said. Phillips said she will be in attendance at next year’s awards, taking place on Thursday, June 20, and was looking forward to it. “By celebrating and encouraging, Women in Industry benefits not only women themselves but also their organisations, the economy, and society at large. It is a fundamental step towards building a more equitable and prosperous world,” she said. “I want to be able to meet, connect and celebrate with the many women that are championing and actively contributing to their industry.” For Phillips, events like these are vital for recognising the place of women in traditionally male-dominated fields “because they create a supportive, empowering, and inclusive environment that recognises, acknowledges and celebrates women's contributions”. “While also pushing for positive changes in industries and society as a whole,” she said. Also playing an important role in the success of the event, is the support of The Women in Industry’s valued sponsors, such as Fulton Hogan, who just renewed its partnership for 2024. Fulton Executive General Manager Sarah
Giselle Phillips took home the Safety Advocacy Award as well as the Woman of the Year Award.
Marshall said the company was thrilled to be supporting such an impactful event. “I’m so thrilled that we’ve been able to renew our sponsorship, it demonstrates our commitment to improving gender diversity in not just our own business but within the industry as a whole,” she said. “We believe that we’re setting the standard for other construction and infrastructure companies to follow suit.” As the most coveted award on the roster, Fulton Hogan was thrilled when the company was given the opportunity to sponsor the Women of the Year award. “Women continue to be underrepresented in our industry and we’re proud to shine a light on some of the incredible work that is happening across a range of industries,” Marshall said. According to her, it’s crucial to celebrate the achievements of those within the industry, and especially those who are pushing boundaries and
Giselle Phillips and Fulton Hogan Executive General Manager Sarah Marshall.
driving change in predominantly male industries. “I’m a firm believer in the fact that you can’t be what you can’t see.” A statement seconded by Fulton Hogan Infrastructure Services National Communications and Stakeholder Manager Nina McHardy. “In predominantly male industries it’s important to lift females up – to celebrate their respective success but also to demonstrate to those that are following in their footsteps that whilst females are in the minority, they are still so important and deserve to be celebrated,” she said. “We’re looking forward to seeing the incredible nominations as well as hopefully celebrating the talent that exists within our business.” McHardy said this event is a way to give back to women and the businesses who champion them. “It is also great to celebrate the businesses that support them – after all we all want to work for an employer who appreciates diversity and is taking steps to improve it within their business awards such as this are a great way to showcase supportive businesses as well as the great talent that sits within them.” Seven sponsors have been confirmed for the 2024 awards including Atlas Copco, COG Advertising, Fulton Hogan, Komatsu, PACCAR Australia, SEW EURODRIVE and Kenter. With 11 categories available for sponsorship, there are numerous benefits to securing sponsorships. These include promoting corporate values as an equal opportunity employer; with progressive policies encouraging women in management as well as networking among peers and influencers in mining, manufacturing, engineering, and commercial road transport industries.
For more information, visit womeninindustry.com.au
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
Asia Pacific Piping Systems (APPS) is an established piping system installation specialist that offers critical solutions to the water, CSG, mining, building, civil infrastructure, chemical process and water treatment industries throughout the Asia Pacific region. When you partner with Asia Pacific Piping Systems, you partner with a company that naturally flexes, scales and adapts to meet the unique needs of its clients. A company that can do everything with a more personalised, family-minded approach.
0427 277 770 info@appiping.com 63b George Street Moffat Beach QLD 4551
PE PIPELINES
Australian CSG continues to grow The addition of high-density polyethylene pipe, fused via butt fusion, has significantly boosted the efficiency of natural gas collection in Australian coal seam gas (CSG).
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igh-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping systems have a growing presence in many large and smalldiameter applications, particularly in the underground sector. HDPE delivers long-lasting, leak-free infrastructure that can be installed much more quickly than traditional iron or steel pipe, allowing contractors to increase efficiency and lower overhead costs. As demand for natural gas and other energy sources continues to increase, so too does the need for methods that boost productivity and efficiency in the field. Butt fusion using HDPE is a proven, reliable method with the potential to drastically reduce both labor and equipment costs, opening the door for drastic savings as the market continues to develop.
Changing gears In Queensland, Australia, natural gas has historically been acquired by conventional methods from existing reservoirs. However, as those reservoirs have depleted over time, the acquisition of natural gas has shifted to processes that utilise the natural gas supplies in the state’s abundant coal seams. As the methods of acquisition have changed, the overall process has likewise evolved to install wells quickly and efficiently for smaller coal seam reservoirs. In a 2016 edition of the Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, an article titled 'An Overview of the Coal Seam Gas Developments in Queensland' it explained how this process required the installation of “considerable infrastructure” that is an ongoing process as development continues. Coalbed methane – also known as coal seam gas (CSG) – is a naturally-occurring substance found in coal seams and formations. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, coalbed methane is formed when plant material is converted to coal, a process known as coalification. The resulting methane can be accessed by drilling into the seam itself and establishing a well to pump out existing ground water, which reduces pressure in the seam and lets the methane separate from the coal in the form of natural gas. HDPE piping systems have a growing presence in many applications.
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
Increased demand In the past two decades, the demand for CSG in Australia has risen dramatically, according to
PE PIPELINES
Business Queensland, an official Queensland industry publication. Because of the speed at which HDPE pipe can be installed, operators in Queensland are able to quickly place gathering lines that transfer coalbed gas and groundwater from wells to nearby substations to be cleaned and filtered.
Butt fusion using HDPE is a proven, reliable method.
The Bowen and Surat Basins For years, a coalbed gas project has been underway northwest of Brisbane, in an area known as the Bowen and Surat Basins. These basins represent more than 90 per cent of Queensland's total gas production, including CSG. This project involves running gas pipelines from Roma, a town about 475km northwest of Brisbane, to Gladstone, a city 486 km away. In Gladstone, the natural gas is processed and liquified, then used domestically or shipped to international markets. This project is comprised of about 1450 existing gas wells that supply coalbed gas to four power stations. In addition to the potential for international use, that natural gas is able to power about 800,000 Queensland homes. All that activity has kept distributors and fusion machine operators busy. “There are a lot of in-ground fusions involved,” GEM Industrial Services National Sales Manager Darren Chandler said. “Two of the biggest HDPE manufacturing companies in Australia have set up not far from these fields, just so pipe could be more quickly moved out to the sites.” GEM Industrial is one of many companies brought in to perform fusions in the well fields. The company is a regional contractor and partner of McElroy Manufacturing, the Tulsa, Oklahomabased manufacturer of high-quality HDPE fusion machines. Many McElroy machines have been involved in the installation of the gathering lines in the Queensland CSG industry. By using butt-fused HDPE, Chandler said operators have taken hours-long welding and beading processes and whittled them down to less than an hour. “It’s so much quicker,” he said. “The idea is productivity.” Welding crews utilised the TracStar® 900, one of McElroy’s flagship machines, to complete inground HDPE fusion in the well beds. Working in 21-day shifts, the crews would fly to the remote parts of Queensland to complete the work. Because of the TracStar’s unique design, operators were able to lift the carriage off the rubber tracks and lower it into the ditch.
Performing fusions in the ditch with the TracStar 900 carriage provides the same level of joint quality as fusions done on a tracked vehicle and allows operators to save time that might otherwise be spent relocating the pipe after the fusion takes place.
maintenance workovers take about three to six days per well. A CSG well has an average lifespan of about one year. Once the well is depleted, it is capped, generally with cement, to ensure no remaining deposits of natural gas can escape to the surface.
Well installation and maintenance
Looking forward
One contractor, Arrow Energy, has the process of well installation and maintenance down to a science. In a 2020 briefing, Arrow Energy indicated that it takes between four and eight days to clear and level a well pad, then an additional four to seven days to drill the well. The installation of well surface facilities takes 30 to 90 days, and the water pump installation takes about five days per well. After the well is in place,
As natural gas collection within the Australia coal seams continues to evolve, so too will the ways that this collection method is studied and improved. When combined with equipment that is properly installed and maintained, the risk of emissions resulting in coal bed gas activity can be lowered, bolstering the benefits of coal bed gas when compared to traditional methods.
For more information, visit mcelroy.com The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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PE PIPELINES
Turning pipe dreams into a reality When it comes to innovation in delivering piping systems, look no further than Asia Pacific Piping Systems.
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amily. Innovation. Integrity. These are the three values that drive Asia Pacific Piping Systems (APPS) and its focus to provide critical solutions to the water, coal seam gas (CSG), mining, building, civil infrastructure, chemical process, and water treatment industries throughout the Asia Pacific region. Since forming in 2016, APPS has proved to be a commanding presence within the industry by successfully servicing multiple top end clients alongside smaller players with its scalable solutions. Through its turnkey piping installations, APPS’ services are customised to suit the unique needs of any project. The company has a wealth of highly skilled pipe installers who have the experience and expertise to complete piping system installations across multiple sectors. This includes APPS speciality HDPE and all plumbing related pipework, civil earthworks, and pressure testing, to name a few. For the mining sector, APPS continues to work with Tier 1 and smaller mining companies throughout the Asia Pacific region. Some of the capabilities include dewatering, pipeline, and pumping installation, pipeline construction, maintenance, and repairs. Across the water industry, APPS offers an endto-end service that encompasses all aspects of water infrastructure and piping systems.
Since 2016, APPS has provided critical piping installations for many industries.
What is the point of difference? For APPS, it is the company’s extensive experience using Fast Fusion® technologies. With its welding crews certified by the manufacturer, APPS’ key personnel have the expertise to install HDPE pipe networks with the Cool Pack 500®, with 36 units currently on projects within Australia. These machines double the welding speed per hour by halving the welding costs. To ensure the utmost quality, APPS personnel have also undergone manufacturer training to attain Preferred Installer Status of the HDPE, GF, PE, and PVC piping systems. This ensures peace of mind for clients by backing up the selection of the correct product
APPS is also certified by Fast Fusion to use its technologies.
For more information, visit appiping.com
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
and utilisation of installation equipment. To top it off, the GF Piping Systems Association extends to providing technical and project sales support for its full portfolio of GF Piping Systems products.
Solutions in action With its cutting-edge tools and multi-skilled pipe installers, APPS has worked across a number of projects, exceeding the delivery expectations of its clients. One example is the Aura Sewer for Unity Water and McConnell Dowell. The Aura Sewer Project will connect additional sewerage services to the Caloundra Aura development in Queensland. For this project, APPS acting as a welding contractor and installed 710mm to 1200mm HDPE 8km pipeline using McElroy Manufacturing T900/T1200. Another key project is the Roy Hill RMARN Water Project. Completed on behalf of Monadelphous between July 2022 and April 2023, APPS installed 18km of 1000mm HDPE water bore field pipeline and 1000mm to 630mm pipe work for the pump station. Here, the team completed a significant achievement of 18 welds completed with a Fast Fusion cool pack on 1000MM HDPE pipe in one day shift on McElroy’s T1200 iSeries. When partnering with APPS, clients can rely on the company to scale and adapt to meet their unique needs for any project. With a personalised, family-minded approach, APPS continues to raise the bar within the pipeline industry.
ENHANCE SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE OF YOUR PIPELINE VALVES WITH ACC PRODUCTS, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES
The most effective method to maintain and improve safety and reliability of pipeline ball valves is routine lubrication using a proven valve lubricant along with a preventative maintenance scheme will ensure optimum valve operation. The DSI range of lubricants, sealant and flush are being used throughout the Pipeline industry in all states within Australia. All ACC’s DSI products are supplied by a company that is a leader in the manufacture of lubricant since 1968. Call today for more information +61 8 9470 5070 (24 Hours) sales@acc-corporate.com ACC Corporate 4 Roy Street Welshpool, 6106 Perth, Western Australia
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PE PIPELINES
StormFLO® by Vinidex – a groundbreaking PE stormwater drainage system The Australian Pipeliner sat down with Ryan Kerr, Product Manager for StormFLO® to discuss this innovative stormwater pipe solution. Speaking of use, where has StormFLO® been approved for use? StormFLO® has been fully approved for use under rail by Metro Trains and V-Line* in Victoria; and The Department of Transport NSW*. The Department of Planning & Transport in VIC and several councils in QLD, VIC and NSW have also granted approval for StormFLO® to be specified on major infrastructure projects. This is testament to the high quality of product produced by Vinidex and the confidence that key authority bodies have in StormFLO®.
Where is StormFLO® made? StormFLO® has been fully approved for use under rail by Metro Trains and V-Line in Victoria.
L
aunched in 2021, StormFLO® by Vinidex has taken the market by storm – literally. A lightweight, highperformance PE pipe system, StormFLO® is a suitable alternative to concrete pipes in stormwater drainage applications.
What can StormFLO® be used for? StormFLO® is a corrugated PE twinwall pipe used for stormwater drainage applications in the infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and commercial building markets.
What are the benefits of StormFLO® relative to other pipe systems in market?
StormFLO® is Australian-designed and Australian-made by Vinidex.
would otherwise go to landfill, making it an environmentally sound choice. Vinidex has a high commitment to quality, so we are the only Australian manufacturer to use a proven ASTM Standard test method for HDPE pipes, known as ‘unnotched constant ligament stress crack test’ (UCLS). This test was coined in the United States - who are more advanced when it comes to using PE pipes for buried pipe applications. It ensures that the performance of StormFLO® remains uncompromised by the inclusion of recyclate and that it’s fit for the purpose it’s being used for.
StormFLO® is Australian-designed and Australian-made by Vinidex.
Where can StormFLO® be purchased? StormFLO® by Vinidex is available for purchase through Reece Civil distributors nationally.
How can interested customers learn more about the system and whether it’s suitable for their next project? Check out the Vinidex website (vinidex.com.au) or give our technical experts and sales team a call on 13 11 69. They would be happy to have a chat to you about your next project and how we might be able to help you out. *Approved with conditions
Compared to concrete pipe systems, StormFLO® is lightweight and flexible making it easier to install. It doesn’t compromise on performance either. StormFLO® is made to stringent Australian standards – AS/NZS 5065 - and has excellent hydraulic performance, abrasion resistance, and resistance to cracking. StormFLO® also has a 100-year design life, which helps deliver peace of mind and reassurance that the system will stand the test of time.
Is StormFLO® an environmentally friendly product? Every length of StormFLO® pipe contains at least 30 per cent externally sourced postconsumer and industrial recyclate content that
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Compared to concrete pipe systems, StormFLO® is lightweight and flexible making it easier to install. It doesn’t compromise on performance either.
The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION
From Perth to the UK: kwik-ZIP’s spacer rise As a result of an increasing understanding in the UK trenchless market of the benefits of spacers, kwik-ZIP products are continuing to be used to help bring many UK projects to fruition.
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n the seaside town of Devon, known for its spectacular coastline, and beautiful beaches the kwik-ZIP HDX-90 spacers were utilised on a gas main crossing in Southwest England. The Forches Cross LTS Diversion involved the sleeving of a 40m 500mm OD API 5L steel pipe (also known as L360 pipe) into a 1200mm ID concrete sleeve. The diversion was required in preparation for work on the new North Devon Link Road which was designed to reduce pressure on surrounding roads and provide access to a new housing development in the area. kwik-ZIP’s large range of spacers cater for a variety of carrier and casing pipe size combinations as well as providing flexibility to deal with different project requirements. The HDX Series has a unique load-sharing design. It is designed to maximise the loadbearing capacity of each runner while reducing point loading. The simple and efficient installation process does not require any special tools. The HDX casing spacer comes in four runner heights, ensuring that pipeline installers can handle a range of carrier pipe outer diameter and casing inner diameter combinations. This flexibility also grants installers the ability to customise pipe position for grade control. The spacers incorporate low friction, high abrasion-resistant wear pads attached to load-
Forches Cross LTS Diversion in the UK using kwik-ZIP HDX-90 spacers.
The kwik-ZIP HDX-90 spacer.
sharing runners. The outside diameter of the carrier pipe determines the number of segments required for each spacer and installation is simple, requiring only a screwdriver. The HDX Series can handle steel, DICL, HDPE, concrete and MSCL (amongst others) carrier pipes in a range of sizes. kwik-ZIP’s HDX Series minimises potential damaging vibration and movement transfers from the outer casing to the carrier pipe via innovative suspension and dampening technologies.
The Forches Cross LTS Diversion involved the sleeving of a 40m 500mm OD API 5L steel pipe.
For more information, visit kwikzip.com
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
Use of spacers in the UK is becoming more of a standard practice and contractors appreciate the advantages that kwik-ZIP spacers provide. This includes reduced insertion forces and carrier pipe protection during sliplining, as well as quick and easy installation processes. In Australia, kwik-ZIP’s HDXT & HDX Series spacers have been successfully appraised by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), with both products one of the only casing spacers on the market to be approved as compliant by WSAA. The WSA PS-324 Product Specification prescribes casings spacer requirements for correct protection of carrier pipes when installed inside casings. kwik-ZIP’s series of spacers caters to a range of carrier and casing pipe size combinations. It also provides contractors and installers flexibility to deal with project alterations. The company’s spacers have no metal parts, instead manufactured from high-grade thermoplastic. It is flexible and tough, and the low-friction coefficient also minimises the installation forces for large bore pipes. The metal-free construction is compatible with all potable water applications and is resistant to corrosion and rust.
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PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION
Meeting the demand of growing pipeline projects with new generation drill As transmission pipeline projects in Australia increase in size and magnitude, so too must the equipment used to execute these projects.
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ermeer strives to keep pace with this demand, constantly innovating and enhancing its equipment to streamline construction work and enable users to work on larger-scale projects. Vermeer’s latest D550 horizontal directional drill (HDD) is a prime example of this. The world finds itself in a critical position when it comes to gas, and Australia is no exception to this, resulting in a push for upgrades to existing gas infrastructure or new infrastructure to ensure increased capacity to deliver gas to all Australians. Oftentimes major transmission pipeline projects require excavation and digging across a long distance, resulting in significant disturbance and damage to the surrounding environment. As such, there is an increasing need for equipment that is sustainable, without sacrificing efficiency and effectiveness.
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Maxi rig drill innovation Rising to meet this need, Vermeer introduced its newest generation of maxi rig drills: the D550 HDD. With an impressive 100,000 foot-pounds of torque to complement the various performance features, Vermeer’s D550 is the leader of the 550,000lb (249,475.8kg) drill class. The drill’s productivity is further enhanced by the 10.2cm fluid course through the head-shaft and mud swivel, which allows up to 1000 gallons per minute (GPM) of fluid to be pumped downhole while maintaining low pressure. “This latest generation maxi rig drill delivers more compared to older Vermeer models,” Vermeer Corporation Trenchless Product Manager Clint Recker said. “In addition to the D550 drill’s classleading torque, it can deliver a steady, ultraslow speed control for working in challenging hard rock, as well as rotation The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
speed for boring in challenging clay conditions.” Vermeer’s D550 horizontal directional drill brings the ease and sustainability of microtunnelling to large scale projects, enabling crews to work effectively and efficiently to install large-diameter products, including gas and oil pipelines, and highvoltage electrical lines over long distances. The D550 offers a less messy solution for excavating large-scale pipeline installation projects, not only increasing efficiency but also significantly reducing the impact of the works on the surrounding environment and infrastructure. With a hydraulic circuit that delivers the peak amount of torque at high rotational speeds while simultaneously keeping system pressures low, the D550 helps to maximise component life. As the cities of Australia expand, the likelihood of urban areas being unaffected
PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION
The drill’s new onboard telematics system allows drill operators and service technicians to access important diagnostics information.
Vermeer’s D550 horizontal directional drill.
by these kinds of project works grows less and less likely. For this reason, many sites must now adhere to stringent noise requirements and sustainability regulations. With sound power of only 111dB(A), the D550 operates quietly, keeping jobsite sound levels down and minimising the need for sound barriers when working in urban and residential areas. Operationally, the D550 controls have three different auto drilling modes – rotation, thrust and speed – and the drill’s new onboard telematics system allows drill operators and service technicians to access important diagnostics information. The D550 ultra-slow speed control technology delivers thrust control that is
precise and finite, allowing drill operators to regulate weight-on-bit pressure for optimal cutting action and maximum tooling life. As Australia sees an increase in large-scale transmission pipeline projects, it’s important that contractors have access to innovative equipment which will enable them to complete projects efficiently while reducing damage and disturbance to the environment. Vermeer’s newest generation of maxi rig drills allows contractors to bring the ease of microtunnelling to larger projects. In doing so, Vermeer Australia is ensuring it stays abreast with the growth and advancement predicted for Australia’s gas transmission pipelines. The D550 drill can deliver a steady, ultra-slow speed control for working in challenging hard rock.
For more information, visit vermeeraustralia.com.au The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION
Boosting water security for the Southern Downs Owned and to be operated by Seqwater, the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline is set to provide a drought contingency supply for the Southern Downs region in Queensland.
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Seqwater began geological survey works in November 2023.
challenges arising from intermittent rainfall, drought and population growth,” Former Seqwater General Manager Major Projects Barbara van Heerden said. In November 2023, Seqwater opened the expressions of interest (EOI) process for a head construction contractor to deliver the pipeline project. A key feature within the construction contract is a procurement policy where local businesses are given weighted favour for subcontracting work. The project will involve trades associated with pipeline installation, reservoir construction and pump station construction and is estimated to employ more than 400 workers during the construction phase. Seqwater held two industry briefings ahead of the planned tender release in early 2024. In November 2023, Seqwater continued ecological investigations to help progress the
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design development and inform which locations along the pipeline route should be avoided. These investigations were completed via a combination of desktop and field survey techniques to identify protected plant species, habitats, and significant street trees along the alignment. As of publication, the project is in the pre-construction phase and Seqwater is on track to confirm the finalised route in 2024. While details are still being confirmed, it is anticipated that the pipeline will be located completely underground. Once the pipeline route has been finalised, Seqwater will share details with the community.
Early geological survey works for the project.
For more information, visit seqwater.com.au
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he pipeline first received the green light at the end of 2022, with the Toowoomba Regional and Southern Downs Regional Councils voting in favour for the project. In January 2023, the Queensland (QLD) Government officially signed off on funding, amounting to more than $370 million. Water utility Seqwater will construct, own, maintain and operate the pipeline, which is expected to be ready in early 2027. The pipeline will transfer water from Wivenhoe Dam to Toowoomba via existing water infrastructure, before delivering water to Warwick through the new 109km pipeline. It will have the capacity to deliver 7.3 megalitres per day from Wivenhoe Dam. “We know how tough the drought was for the Southern Downs and I’m pleased to see this vital water security project moving forward,” QLD Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said. “Ensuring we can move water around the region when needed through drought-resilient water supply infrastructure like the Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline is critical to meeting future growth.” The pipeline will also provide a drought contingency supply for the Southern Downs and a permanent water supply to the communities of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby, and Clifton. “While Warwick and Toowoomba have local water supply dams, this new pipeline provides more options to manage water supply
The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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Leading the way with years of experience When it comes to providing hot tapping and line isolation services, Pro Pipe Services has the pipeline experience customers can rely on.
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he Pro Pipe Services team has grown considerably over the past three years, with all its technicians having various amounts of experience in the pipeline industry. The company’s technicians have gained their skills by providing hot tapping and line isolation services not only at the local and national level, but also right across the globe. Company Directors Joe Buttigieg and Dean Muscat were previously employed by one of the world’s leading suppliers of hot tapping and line isolation products and services. During this time both Buttigieg and Muscat held various roles with the organisation, from technician to master technicians, then onto managerial positions, including looking after the Global Technical Services group. “We know the industry very well, we have been fortunate to gain our experience working in many countries abroad, on many various sized pipelines, product and pressures,” Buttigieg said. “Having worked in many countries across the world, such as the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and throughout Asia, including right across Australia and New Zealand, means we have a good understanding of what different customers require when it comes to pipeline services. “At Pro Pipe Services, we are about being adaptable, however still providing a safe, reliable and efficient service.” A testament to this is the hot tapping and line Isolation services the company has provided to the local industry since first forming in 2018. “We have been operational now for just over five years, and in that time, we have seen massive year-on-year growth in our business,” Buttigieg said. “Our local technician base has tripled, and we have completed well over 2000 jobs of various sizes in that period of time, with an estimated 3500 hot taps and 1500-line isolations during that period.” Whether it is steel, cast iron or polyethylene, low or high-pressure gas, water or any other pipeline product, the team at Pro Pipe Services has the knowledge and expertise to safely execute any hot tapping and line Isolation project, on time. Pro Pipe Services is also using proven technology that has stood the test of time. “By using T.D Williamson’s hot tap and line isolation equipment, we know that we can achieve a seal that can provide the customer with
10-inch (DN250) stainless steel hot tap at water treatment plant.
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a safe environment to perform alterations, tie-ins or abandonment of existing infrastructure, whether it be for a modification or repair of a pipeline,” Buttigieg said. Over the last five years, Pro Pipe Services has provided hot tapping and line isolation services on a number of major pipeline and infrastructure projects in the Australian pipeline industry, including major stake holders. Buttigieg said this is something Pro Pipe Services is very proud of. The company also continues to invest in its technicians and equipment, to provide more professional services to the industry. “Commissioning of pipelines is a relatively new service we provide to customers,” he said. “We can provide the engineering calculations and commissioning plans to ensure that the pipeline is commissioned safely. Pro Pipe Services has added to its existing fleet of T.D Williamson POLYSTOPP® PE isolation Equipment and invested in POLYSTOPP® QC (Quick Connect) equipment. The POLYSTOPP plugging equipment allows the customer to isolate and modify their PE pipeline safely without the need for squashing, therefore removing the risk of any damage to the pipeline on completion of the job. With some customers running their PE lines at maximum capacity, the investment in the POLYSTOPP QC equipment allows Pro Pipe Services to isolate PE lines at 10 bar (1000 kPa). Pro Pipe Services not only provides hot tapping and line isolation services, but it also provides pipe cutting, commissioning, decommissioning, equipment maintenance on all types of pipeline equipment and training. “With Pro Pipe Services having a local presence in the Australian pipeline industry and being based in Australia with Australian Technicians, our technicians have all the qualifications, and requirements to work on any site in Australia,” Buttigieg said. “Having a local service centre fully equipped with equipment, tools and technicians means we can respond to our customers needs in a timely fashion. “To add to this, Pro Pipe Services is a T.D Williamson channel partner, meaning we can access more equipment, engineering, and products for our customers.” To further compliment the channel partnership and services it provides to the pipeline industey, Pro Pipe Services has build a number of relationships with welding companies to provide a greater scope of services to the industry.
Double 180mm PE POLYSTOPP hot tap and stop with bypass.
For more information, visit propipeservices.com The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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REHAB & REPAIR
A maintenance specialist for pipeline operators Since 1992, ACC Corporate has been providing a wide range of services to the oil and gas industry, with a particular focus on pipeline maintenance throughout Australia.
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hile ACC Corporate’s core business is predominantly for the offshore market, it has provided lubricants, sealant, grease fittings and grease injection pumps for pipeline operators for many years. The company has proven that regular lubrication of pipeline valves will allow the valves to function correctly. Through this extensive experience, its product range has grown to encompass valve service products, grease injection pumps and valve fittings. It has also evolved to provide personnel to conduct on-site valve maintenance. For pipeline operators, maintaining pipeline valve integrity is an important focus. This is due to the nature of the gas being transported to various end users, businesses, and facilities. ACC Corporate technicians can ease pipeline operators minds by conducting integrity checks. Each ACC technician has training to identify faults and provide solutions to ensure the pipeline valves are fully functional. This includes testing of valve seats and cycling operations. To assist in the maintenance of the pipeline valves, ACC Corporate has a number of products perfect for the job. The company’s range of valve flush, lubricants and sealants are designed to provide lubrication and sealing qualities for pipeline ball valves. Manufactured by ACC Corporate, the grease
injection pumps have been sold to many pipeline operators where the operator has its own pipeline maintenance personnel. With a focus on providing efficient support services for its customers, ACC also provides a 24/7 phone service for field technicians to discuss any specific issue and seek assistance from ACC personnel. Expanding on this, ACC Corporate prioritises safety and implements various initiatives to minimise risks. These include utilising an online integrated management system to log risks and improvements, implementing online health and safety e-learning modules, electing a Health and Safety Representative to be the voice of its workers, a drug and alcohol testing program, and safety refreshers at all staff meetings. In 2021, the company was also awarded the ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certifications. These internationally recognised standards set criteria for quality management and occupational health and safety management systems. With its number one goal to meet client objectives, the company follows strict quality and conformance checks on all projects and follows recommended guidelines. Throughout its journey over the last 30 years, ACC Corporate has developed its highly experienced team of professionals to ensure the
ACC Corporate’s range of valve flush, lubricants and sealants are designed to provide lubrication and sealing qualities for valves.
effective development and management of its products and services. This includes a management team with an extensive track record within the industry, along with a highly qualified team of field technicians who continue to actively work with customers in challenging offshore Maintaining pipeline valve integrity is an important focus for pipeline operators.
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REHAB & REPAIR
ACC also provides a 24/7 phone service for field technicians.
ACC’s portfolio of products has grown over the years to cover numerous applications.
and onshore environments. ACC Corporate’s portfolio of products has grown over the years to cover numerous applications. But what’s the point of difference? For ACC Corporate, the company prides
itself on its fast response to demands and ability to adapt its offerings to comply with the various complexity of different client requirements. The company supplies these products on time with a competitive price.
For more information, visit acc-corporate.com
SMARTER TOOLS FOR A SMARTER JOBSITE ASSURANCE THAT EVERY JOINT IS FUSED CORRECTLY, in adherence to industry standards, before the pipeline goes into service, is the smarter way to work. Utilizing the McElroy DataLogger® can ensure every fusion joint on the job is recorded, evaluated, and stored, for added traceability and confidence in a job done right.
SEE HOW MCELROY’S SMART FUSION TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES CAN IMPROVE YOUR JOBSITE AT MCELROY.COM
©2023. MMI block and DataLogger are registered trademarks of McElroy Manufacturing, Inc. All rights reserved.
Scan the QR code to learn more and download machine specifications.
REHAB & REPAIR
Delivering speed and safety to pipe weld testing Conventional flange-to-pipe weld testing often carries high costs and risks of downtime and delays, disposal challenges and potentially dangerous work conditions. Curtiss-Wright EST Group developed its GripTight® Isolation Plug to resolve these challenges and keep workers safer.
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he GripTight Isolation Plug is a one-tool solution that positively isolates and monitors potentially hazardous or explosive vapors upstream of a welding job, before hydrotesting the new weld connection. The GripTight Isolation Plug features the GripTight gripper technology, a proven system with a 20-year track record of successful use in EST Group’s GripTight Test Plugs. The gripper system is designed for reliable sealing and adheres to the principle, “the greater the pressure, the greater the grip”. If a faulty valve should cause a rapid increase in the upstream pressure, the grippers use that pressure to increase their grip on the pipe’s inner diameter (ID) wall The grippers hold the GripTight Isolation Plug in place and withstand the full rated line pressure up to 103 BarG, thus preventing a failure that could damage the line or lead to serious injury for the onsite work crew.
A two-seal system The GripTight Isolation Plug is built on the functionality of the proven Double Block and Bleed (DBB) Test Plug, a two-seal plug that revolutionises how pipe connections are isolated and tested. The DBB Test Plug has a dual port design that allows gas or water to be introduced to the cavity section between the two seals through the fill port. Air is evacuated through the vent port, resulting in a safe, positive pressure barrier between the hot work and any residual upstream gases. This cavity is pressurised and constantly monitored. Any decrease in cavity pressure, which might indicate a leak, is detected instantaneously. This allows the operator to stop the welding operation and immediately attend to the pressure drop to prevent the possibility of an explosion or fire. The plug’s dual port system also allows water (or other medium) to be circulated between the seals, providing enhanced cooling capabilities during pre/ post weld procedures. This cooling feature can enhance safety when working in areas with tight space restrictions that require the plug to be set close the weld area. The GripTight Isolation Plug is also designed for use in seamless and welded pipe.
In situations in which seam-welded pipe is used or where corrosion, pitting or scale is present, the pipe’s ID may require some preparation before the plug is installed. With an increased clearance, the plug can be positioned over a weld for testing, even when a slight weld intrusion is present on the ID of the pipe.
Pressure testing Once the welding is complete and the weld area has cooled to below 82°C, the seals are released, and the plug can be moved to reposition the isolation cavity over the weld. The plug is then reset and pressurised to test the integrity of the weld, up to a test pressure of 155 BarG. Pressure tests can be completed in as little as 10 minutes from insertion to removal. The GripTight Isolation Plug also permits pressure testing with significantly less water than traditional pressure test methods. For example, using a traditional blind flange to test a weld in a 1000-ft length of 12-inch, schedule 40 pipe, would require filling the entire line with approximately 5800 gallons of water. Using the GripTight Isolation Plug to test that same weld requires less than a gallon of water. This not only significantly reduces fill time and minimises the challenges associated with disposing of large volumes of potentially contaminated water, but it also helps get the line back into service more quickly.
Reliability and availability Each GripTight Isolation Plug is manufactured in an ISO 9001:2015 registered facility and is designed to meet ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes. The plugs also meet ANSI
GripTight Isolation Plug 42-Inch.
N45.2, NQA-1, and 10 CFR 50 Appendix B program requirements. The GripTight Isolation Plug is available in a wide size range – from ¾-inches to 48-inches NPS (DN20 to DN1200) – with larger sizes available upon request. The plug’s lightweight aluminum and steel construction makes it easy to transport and install, oftentimes circumventing the necessity of cranes or other lifting devices. GripTight Isolation Plugs come standard with urethane seals but can be custom built with alternate material upon request. Curtiss-Wright EST Group can supply GripTight plugs to plants, shipyards, and refineries across the Gulf Coast quickly, thanks to a Houston-based distribution network that stocks plugs of various sizes and specifications. The rapid response of a local supplier is critical in unplanned or emergency situations where maintenance needs to be completed safely and efficiently. A plug can be express shipped to the site to allow the operator to fix the problem and get the pipe back in service quickly.
Cutaway view of 4-inch GripTight Isolation plug in pipe.
For more information, visit cw-estgroup.com
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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REHAB & REPAIR
A leader in subsea isolation Offshore Sarawak was the location for STATS Group latest project, which marked the first subsea isolation and largest piggable isolation in Malaysia for the company.
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TATS supplied a 38-inch Remote Tecno Plug® and contingency subsea encapsulation clamp for the 75-bar gas pipeline to facilitate the safe repair of a leaking flange. STATS Group Regional Manager Asia Pacific Gareth Campbell said this challenging project marked a significant milestone in the region. “The successful completion of our first and largest subsea isolation in Malaysia provided a leak-tight isolation for seven weeks allowing divers to carry out essential repair works safely,” he said. “In addition, we provided our largest subsea repair clamp, a 38-inch class 900 encapsulation clamp which although not required, will be kept in storage by the client to be used as an emergency response should an unplanned issue arise in the future. “The provision of emergency pipeline repair equipment can provide rapid and safe repair ensuring pipeline production can be resumed as soon as possible, minimising environmental and commercial impact.” STATS DNV type approved 38-inch Remote Tecno Plug was deployed from the platform and pigged for 4.1km to the set location on the seabed. The high integrity isolation provided safe breaking of containment conditions for the divers in compliance with subsea isolation guidelines. The Remote Tecno Plug also included a
The 38in Subsea Clamp provided by STATS Group.
separate test plug module which was used to conduct a reinstatement test of the pipeline following the repair activities.
Engineering and testing ILI data supplied by the client was analysed and a site survey was conducted on the platform to
gather critical information for the successful deployment and pigging of the Remote Tecno Plug. Prior to deployment of the isolation equipment to Malaysia a full factory acceptance test (FAT) was performed in a purpose-built test-fixture. Upon successful completion and independent witnessing of all FAT operations the equipment was mobilised to the port at Johor Bahru in Malaysia. Final pre-deployment checks and an equipment demonstration was conducted and witnessed by local teams prior to mobilising equipment to the platform and Diver Support Vessel (DSV).
Deployment Once on the platform, and the pig launcher was drained, vented and nitrogen purged to allow the isolation plug to be loaded into the launcher. Communication with the Remote Tecno Plug is achieved using an extremely low frequency inductive system which is used to track, set, and monitor the Tecno Plug throughout the work scope. The DSV was used to position subsea tracking and communication systems at various positions along the pipeline and at the final isolation location.
The high integrity isolation provided safe breaking of containment conditions for the divers in compliance with subsea isolation guidelines.
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With the tracking system positioned and function checked, the pigging was commenced and the Tecno Plug travelled through the topsides pipework and subsea to the isolation location.
This project marked the first subsea isolation and largest piggable isolation in Malaysia for the company.
Pipeline isolation Pigging was halted once the Tecno Plug reached the exact isolation location and the plug was hydraulically activated to engage the locks and dual seals against the pipe wall. As part of the isolation barrier proving sequence, each seal was tested independently with full pipeline pressure in the direction of the expected pressure differential, proving both seals of the double block isolation were leak tight. The annulus between the Remote Tecno Plug seals was then vented to subsea ambient to create a zero-energy zone. With the pipeline vented to subsea ambient (11 bar) behind the Tecno Plug an isolation certificate was then issued to the client.
Flange replacement Once the isolation was in place divers could enter the water, break the flanged joint and safely recover a section of pipeline to inspect the flange face. A repair of the flange was conducted on the deck of the DSV, and the spool was replaced. In total the isolation was maintained for 49 days, providing leak-tight double block and monitor isolation. With repair activities completed, prior to unsetting and recovering the Tecno Plug, a reinstatement test of the pipeline was conducted to leak-test the pipeline at 115 bar. The test plug was set using a second control module and a test boundary was created to perform a reinstatement leak-test of the replaced pipe spool and flange. This was achieved by raising the pipeline pressure on the launcher side against the seal on the test plug, creating a test boundary to confirm the integrity pipeline back to the platform.
Isolation plug recovery On completion of the reinstatement test, the test plug was unset and the pressure behind the isolation plug back to the platform was equalised and the Tecno Plug was hydraulically unset, retracting the locks and seals from the pipe wall. Pressure in the pipeline was then vented from the platform launcher causing the Tecno Plug to pig back to the platform. Controlled venting was conducted until the Tecno Plug was tracked back into the launcher.
Plug for launch on platform.
For more information, visit statsgroup.com The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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CORROSION
Cortec unveils EcoEmitter for corrosion protection
Cortec's EcoEmitter.
Savcor has introduced a new product to its line of service, with this product specifically deigned to provide corrosion protection for sensitive assets.
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oming from Cortec’s EcoEarth line, the EcoEmitter® is an engineered device to protect assets such as electronic and optical equipment and components from corrosion. Each EcoEmitter can protect volumes up to 0.2 m3 (8.8 ft³), with the vapor phase corrosion inhibitors emitting from the device. It then saturates the enclosure via diffusion, filling all void spaces and recessed areas with protective vapor molecules. These molecules are attracted to and adsorb onto metallic surfaces, resulting in the formation of nanofilms, very thin microscopic molecular layers of corrosion protection. The nanofilms formed do not adversely affect or alter the appearance, conductivity, or optical functionality of the components protected. Similar to the VpCI-105 and VpCI-111 Emitters, the EcoEmitter was carefully designed to include biobased content as an environmentally responsible option aimed at sustainability. The polymeric cup, made from 60 - 80 per cent biobased resins, replaces polyethylene and contains corrosion inhibiting powder that releases protective vapors through a breathable 70 per cent biobased membrane. This easy to install device is designed to provide corrosion protection for metal components and parts enclosed in non-
ventilated cabinets and tool or control boxes. Corrosion of complex electronic and electrical equipment is an increasingly serious problem that triggers expensive failures during manufacturing, shipping, storage, or field operations. It can be caused by numerous factors such as salt, humidity, moisture, and contaminants. Cortec designs and manufactures a wide range of VpCI Emitters to suit a number of applications. They are installed in small, enclosed areas with little or no ventilation such as electronic cabinets, controller panels, and junction boxes. Among the most popular VpCI Emitters provided by Cortec are VpCI-105 and VpCI111. VpCI-105 Emitters powered by VpCI are compact, space-saving, high-tech systems. They provide corrosion protection for metal components and parts in enclosed spaces up to 142L (5 ft³). For larger volumes, more than one device can be used. By using a small device, corrosion can be stopped at any step from manufacturing to final installation. EcoSonic VpCI-105 has a breathable membrane through which the corrosion inhibitor is released. It provides long-term protection against corrosion even in the presence of adverse conditions including salt, moisture,
airborne contaminants, H2S, SO2, NH3, and others. VpCI-111 Emitters are designed to provide corrosion protection for metal components and parts enclosed in non-ventilated control boxes, cabinets, or toolboxes up to 312L (11 ft³). Both emitters are effective in polluted and humid environments and provide continuous protection for up to 24 months. The products also don’t interfere with electrical, optical, or mechanical surface properties and are simple and quick to install. They also provide protection during operation and shutdown. Products are free of nitrites, halogens, and phosphates. This product is available through Savcor Products Australia in Australia and New Zealand.
For more information, visit savcorproducts.com.au
Products for the Pipeline Industry www.savcorproducts.com.au Call: 1800 SAVCOR
Cathodic Protection Materials:
Pipeline Fittings & Equipment:
Cortec VpCI Preservation Materials
Surge Protectors
Sacrificial anodes (Zn, Mg, Al)
Borin Permanent & Portable electrodes
Corrosometer resistance probes
Loresco Coke Backfill
Gypsum bentonite backfill
APS Flange Insulation Kits
Dehn & Sohne IEC Certified Spark Gap Arresters
Radolid Nuts Protectors
Pipeline pigs and equipment including: Foam, Poly Coated & Wire Brush Pigs Monolithic Insulating Joints Hot Tapping Equipment
Wachs Pipe Cutting and Beveling Pipe Seals, Pipe Clamps, Leak Repair APS Casing Spacers Impressed Current & Sacrificial Anodes
Trusted Supplier of Cathodic Protection & Prevention materials in Australia. Melbourne
T: 03 9764 2651 E: melbourne@savcor.com.au
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Sydney
T: 02 9807 4542 E: sydney@savcor.com.au
Brisbane
T: 07 5549 2248 E: brisbane@savcor.com.au
The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
Perth
T: 08 6240 3900 E: perth@savcor.com.au
The official magazine of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) and the leading media brand for the sector.
The publication covers everything from upstream gas exploration and facilities, to construction and maintenance of hydrocarbon transmission pipelines and water pipelines. With mature readership lists developed over several decades, excellent brand recognition in the industry and a strong reputation for producing high-quality original content, The Australian Pipeliner has unparalleled access to key decision-makers in the upstream and midstream sectors.
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THE
INER | NOV
RALIAN PIPEL
| JANUARY
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| JANUARY 2024 THE AUST
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THE AUSTRALIA
ISSUE 201
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ISSUE 200 |
THE E CREST OF page 20 RIDING TH VACLIFT – WAVE WITH
INDUSTRY The 'beating of Austrack
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Safety is priority A leader in n subsea isolatio
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ENHANC ING SAFE TY AND CO WITH PR MPLIANC OPER EQ UIPMENT E – page 18 Ma
naging major gas projects
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From strengt h to strength
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A young gun making a name for himself 42
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EXCAVATION EQUIPMENT
Abletech Underground trailblazing the use of non-destructive excavation Non-destructive digging (NDD) techniques, such as vacuum and hydro excavation, are growing in popularity within the energy sector as a critical tool to protect underground assets, including pipeline infrastructure. One company educating the market on the benefits of this technology is Abletech Underground.
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ombining the power of high-pressure water and a high-flow vacuum, hydro excavation provides a quick, clean, and precise excavation. Without the use of construction equipment, vacuum excavation presents as a much safer option, reducing costly asset strikes, disruption to services, and serious personnel injury. The technology is prevalent within the water utility sector and is now becoming more common in the energy industry, especially as population growth leads to the introduction of more services in an already crowded underground network. The situation underground has become so complicated in some metro areas that Abletech Underground Operations Manager Kelsee Stevens said it is becoming impossible to even put a bucket into the ground.
“In these circumstances, a vacuum truck can be the perfect solution in place of traditional excavation,” she said. “Strict rules in regards to exclusion zones and asset owner requirements are imposed across the board.” In the pipeline industry, adaptability is an important factor for excavations. “Hydro excavation allows for efficient and accurate digging, making it ideal for works that require careful excavation around utilities, pipelines, or other structures,” Stevens said. “With fully adjustable water pressures, remote controlled suction booms and large compacity spoils tanks, we can comfortably and safely expose utilities.”
Innovating with new technology For asset owners, avoiding asset strikes is
Abletech Underground Operations Manager Kelsee Stevens.
Abletech Underground is armed with the latest technology to make digging on-site efficient.
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
EXCAVATION EQUIPMENT
paramount as consequences can lead to service interruptions, costly repairs and injuries. Stevens said they regularly receive enquiries as a result of asset strikes. “Our clients know they can trust us when it comes to protecting their site and personnel,” she said. “Obviously traditional methods of excavation still have their place and will not be replaced by vacuum excavation, it’s simply a safer and more efficient alternative in certain situations and environments.” Over the past 12 months Abletech’s expert team has attended more than 7,200 active sites, illustrating how prevalent the issue is within society. When it comes to minimising risks, Stevens said hydro excavation is a smart choice for operators to save time and money. “Vacuum excavation isn’t just sucking dirt,” she said. “It might have been back in the day, but this is the stigma we are trying to change. We ensure the critical assets on our clients work sites are positively identified and correctly protected.” Armed with the latest technology to make digging on-site efficient, Abletech offers multiple services to ensure clients can progress projects without the fear of an asset strike. “Subsurface utility investigations are something we pride ourselves on,” said Stevens. “Our role on projects often involves mapping out the underground network via a certified
The vacuum trucks include a fully wireless controlled six-inch suction boom, 3500 psi fully adjustable pressure washers and extension hoses.
locator, identifying the asset through vacuum excavation, surveying and then reinstating the area back to its pre-existing condition. This is all conducted in accordance with Australian standards.” While NDD is powerful as a standalone solution, Stevens said it also excels when used to complement traditional methods of excavation. “The Abletech team specifically carry various high-level qualifications to ensure the utilisation of our fleet is vast,” she said.
“Not only can they be utilised for live digs, asset identification, tie-ins and trenching, but with the advancement in technology, these units can now maintain sewer and storm water networks, clean wet wells, assist on shutdowns, issued for site clean-up, dewatering, confined space entries and hard-to-reach general excavations. “Our gear is designed and suited to facilitate various site conditions, and we have the ability to mobilise Australia wide.”
Hydro excavation continues to expand as industries recognise its benefits.
For more information, visit abletechunderground.com.au The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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NDT
Jumping water on the Port Kembla looping project Pipe Tek Managing Director Myles Brannelly and Operations Manager Taddam Farrant discuss the company’s work on the newly constructed Port Kembla lateral looping project.
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emena and its project partners Zinfra and NACAP were contracted to construct the Port Kembla lateral looping pipeline – a 12.2km gas pipeline connecting Squadron Energy's new Port Kembla Gas Terminal at Spring Hill to Jemena's Eastern Gas Pipeline at Kembla Grange in the Wollongong City Council region. The project also included an upgrade to Jemena’s existing Kembla Grange facility to include a metering station. Zinfra Acting General Manager of Projects and Infrastructure Justin Anderson said that once operational, the terminal had the ability to meet more than 70 per cent of New South Wales (NSW) current gas needs. “This is a complex project which relied on teams from different businesses working together to deliver it on time,”Anderson said. “While Zinfra took the lead on project management and engineering work, we were supported by a skilled team of experts from NACAP and its key subcontractors such as Pipe Tek. “Each team brought a unique set of skills to the table in order to tackle the challenges presented by this project.” The project involved the construction of 10 complex horizontal directional drills (HDDs)
across the pipeline alignment. NACAP commenced construction in December 2022 with the help of trenchless subcontractor UAE Group, and subcontracted Pipe Tek to pre-test all HDDs, as well as mainline hydrotesting works and a caliper pig run following the completion of construction activities. “This project was a really exciting one to be involved with,” Brannelly said. “We always enjoy working with the NACAP team and we love a good challenge.” Farrant agreed and noted his appreciation working with NACAP. “We love working with NACAP,” Farrant said. “Being able to support a project that aims to strengthen the security of gas supply for NSW and the east coast was the icing on the cake.”
Advanced hydrotesting techniques As part of the contract, Pipe Tek strength and leak tested the 450mm diameter, 12km looping mainline at 22 megapascals (MPa) in accordance with AS2885.5, using its custom-built hydrotest trailer with in-built Protech pump. The team also completed a tie-in spool test on the 0.1km Kembla Grange Meter Station to EGP pipeline.
Pipe Tek’s Port Kembla Project team with the company’s custom-built hydrotesting truck.
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
Myles in Pipe Tek's portable lab monitoring pressures during testing.
“We actually tested the mainline in two sections – one 6500m section and one 5500m section – using a hydrotesting technique called ‘jumping’,” Brannelly said. ‘Jumping’ of the test water allowed Pipe Tek to use the same water to test both pipeline sections. The team used water from bladders installed in the middle of the two pipe sections. The bladder bags required careful handling to ensure
NDT
Pipe Tek on the Port Kembla looping easement.
that no damage and water loss occurred. After completing testing on the first section, the test water was pushed through to the second section with pigs via break tanks. “It’s a difficult technique so our onsite team were on high alert,” Farrant said. “We scheduled a 24-hour roster to make sure everything went smoothly, and it did.
Providing pig data in a tricky location Pipe Tek completed cleaning and gauging with bidirectional pigs and used a cupped magnet pig to help remove ferrous material in the pipeline. The team also completed a caliper run using an Enduro Pipeline Service 18-inch Digital Data Logger (Ddl) to confirm the ovality of the pipe. “The run went really well and delivered some great data,” Farrant said. “The Ddl is an efficient and thorough tool to use - it logs anomalies in clock positions and can detect up to five datasets in one pass. Desiccant dryers, compressors and foam pigs were used to dry the pipeline to -20 degrees Celsius for commissioning. “The pipeline runs through a major town Wollongong - and includes numerous HDDs, which meant there were lots of bends and it was
difficult to navigate the pigs through the network,” Farrant said.
Always up for a challenge Pipe Tek’s works on the Port Kembla Lateral Pipeline Project mainline took 30 days to complete. “This project had a few interesting aspects that tested and proved our team’s abilities,” Farrant said.
“This project had a few interesting aspects that tested and proved our team’s abilities. We couldn’t have asked for a more supportive contractor to work with in Nacap,” Operations Manager Taddam Farrant said. “We couldn’t have asked for a more supportive contractor to work with in NACAP.” Brannelly agreed and said it was a rewarding project for the team. “We love a good challenge - and this project involved some advanced hydrotesting techniques, tricky pig manoeuvring, working to tight deadlines, and communication with multiple stakeholders,” he said. NACAP Operations Director James Povey noted the company’s work with Pipe Tek. “NACAP and Pipe Tek worked well together to successfully deliver the Port Kembla Pipeline Project hydrotesting program,” Povey said. “Pipe Tek brought well established systems and processes to the project as well as enthusiasm to deliver their work safely.” Based in Brisbane, Queensland, Pipe Tek is an end-to-end pipeline cleaning, inspection, and testing company with strong attention to detail and a direct approach to safety. The company is Enduro Pipeline Services’ exclusive agent for Australia.
Hydrotest point setup – Port Kembla.
For more information, visit pipetek.com.au The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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YEAR IN REVIEW
According to Santos, Narrabri natural gas is essential to ensure Australia’s energy transition to renewables and cleaner energy technologies maintains both energy security and affordability for all Australians over the coming decades.
2023 in highlights From constructing major pipelines to milestone projects in the gas industry, The Australian Pipeliner looks back on the biggest stories of 2023.
Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline takes shape The pipeline construction has commenced at the Yarwun site in October. It is set to deliver long term water security to Gladstone residents and industry, while supporting emerging industries like hydrogen. “This critical project is more evidence that Queensland’s Big Build is delivering for Queenslanders, no matter where they live,” former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. The $983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline will have the capacity to transport 30 gigalitres per annum from the Fitzroy River to Gladstone. “Its construction will also lead to new industries like hydrogen establishing themselves in Gladstone knowing they have water security, delivering the clean energy jobs of the future,” Palaszczuk said. The 117km pipeline will run from the Lower Fitzroy River in Rockhampton and connect to Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network at Yarwun. Preparation works, including geotechnical investigations and cultural heritage clearances are taking place at the southern end of the pipeline corridor, near Gladstone, with major works expected to commence in early 2024. The project is expected to be complete in late 2026, with weather and construction conditions permitting.
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The pipeline will run from the Lower Fitzroy River in Rockhampton and connect to Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network at Yarwun.
Narrabri gas pipeline edges closer to construction Santos’ Narrabri Gas Project is one step closer to beginning following the National Native Title Tribunal’s decision to permit the construction of the pipeline. The tribunal ruled shortly that the project could go ahead and found the public benefit of the project outweighed any environmental concerns. The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
However, the tribunal imposed a condition that Santos takes all necessary steps to ensure the Additional Research Program be implemented. Santos will continue to engage constructively with the Gomeroi people and work closely with them to ensure their heritage is protected and they benefit from the project development in a range of ways, including through training and employment, and involvement in all aspects of their cultural heritage protection and management.
YEAR IN REVIEW
Santos has a strong track record of working collaboratively with First Nations peoples in Australia and internationally. The company has a range of cultural heritage and native title agreements in place with 23 Traditional Owner Groups and six Aboriginal Land Councils around Australia.
The agreement for a new gas pipeline connection from the Mahalo North Project into the domestic gas market are set to benefit the state.
APA completes first stage construction on east coast gas grid APA Group has completed construction on the first stage of its east coast grid expansion to boost gas security and reliability in July. The company first made the decision in 2021 to invest in a 25 per cent expansion of the grid, to deliver more capacity to customers. “The first stage of our East Coast Grid expansion is now complete, with the second stage under construction and expected to be complete in readiness for the growing winter demand in 2024,” APA Group chief executive officer and managing director Adam Watson said. “When completed, these projects will further enhance system capacity, reliability and security of supply to Victorian households and businesses, as well as supporting the gas-fired power generation that is essential for backing in and backing up renewables,” Watson said.
New pipeline for Mahalo North project Comet Ridge and Jemena have reached an agreement in May for a new gas pipeline connection from the Mahalo North Project into the domestic gas market. As part of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a pre-FEED agreement, Jemena
will immediately undertake a pre-FEED study of a high-pressure gas transmission pipeline of 73 km from the Mahalo North Gas Project to Jemena’s Queensland Gas Pipeline. In November 2022, Comet Ridge announced the independent certification of natural gas for Mahalo North, after the pilot production test achieved a gas flow rate of 1.75 million cubic feet per day. The company aims to move these reserves into production as soon as possible, by leveraging its partnership with Jemena to provide the infrastructure route to market. Comet Ridge managing director Tor McCaul said the agreement with Jemena will coincide with the previously announced joint study with
Denison Gas, which provides a different route to market for Mahalo North gas. “Jemena’s gas pipeline would take a southerly rote direct into Jemena’s own QGP, which gives us direct access to both Gladstone and Wallumbilla markets,” McCaul said. “This gas production would have a slightly later start date but would allow a larger volume of Comet Ridge gas into the domestic gas market, allowing our other projects, at Mahalo East and Mahalo Far East, to feed in sequentially. “Jemena has the balance sheet, experience and expertise to be able to deliver this project quickly and efficiently, as it did with Senex on the Atlas development.”
Stage two of the east coast grid expansion works is now underway and is set to complete for winter 2024.
The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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APGA MEMBERSHIP
Australian Pipelines and Gas Association Membership CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR Alltype Engineering Altrad Services Pty Ltd Enscope Pty Ltd Global Engineering & Construction Pty Ltd HH Civil Pty Ltd Maxibor Australia Michels Corporation Mitchell Water Australia Pty Ltd Moody Civil & Pipe Pty Ltd National Australian Pipelines P and G Welding Pty Ltd Pipecraft Pipeline Plant Hire Pty Ltd Service Stream Steel Diamond The Newham Group CONSULTANT ACIL Allen Consulting Australasian Corrosion Consultants Pty Ltd CNC Project Management DNV GL Australia Pty Limited Energy Matrix Group Pty Ltd EnergyQuest Pty Ltd Fortin Pipelines Future-Proof Solutions Jiva Consulting JLL Infrastructure Advisory Pty Ltd Land Access & Management Services Pty Ltd MVC Services Pty Ltd OC Project Services Pty Ltd Pipeline Engineering Consultants Plant & Platform Consultants Ltd Powered Sage Consulting Solutions Pty Ltd Sustech Engineering Pty Ltd Ted Metcalfe Independent Consultant Twycross and Partners Pty Ltd Veris ENERGY DISTRIBUTOR ATCO Gas Australia Powerco Limited ENGINEERING/PROJECT MANAGER A J Stack Solutions Pty Ltd AFS Projects Atteris Pty Ltd Auscor Pty Ltd Bamser Holdings Pty Ltd Core Group Limited Fyfe
GHD Pty Ltd GPA Engineering Pty Ltd Lidiar Group Long Energy and Resources (Aust.) Pty Ltd Momentum Engineering Pipeline Drillers Group Solarig Australia Pty Ltd SPIE Plexal Vaughan Civil Pty Ltd Verbrec Ltd (ASX: VBC) GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS/ REGULATORS Department for Energy and Mining Department of Planning and Environment NSW Energy Safe Victoria Resources Safety and Health Queensland INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION Pipeline Research Council International, Inc PIPELINE OWNER/OPERATOR Ampol Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd Arrow Energy Pty Ltd AusNet Services Australian Energy Market Operator Beach Energy Limited Brookfield Infrastructure Group Esperance Pipeline Company First Gas Ltd Fortescue Future Industries Pty Ltd GB Energy Methanex NZ Ltd Mobil New Zealand Oil Limited Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd Origin Energy Limited Power and Water Corporation PowerGas Limited Qenos Pty Ltd Refining NZ Santos South Australian Water Corporation Tas Gas Holdings Pty Ltd Vector Limited Viva Energy Australia Ltd WestSide Corporation Woodside Energy Ltd SERVICE PROVIDER Atlas Copco Rental Oceania Avmin Pty Ltd AXS Pty Ltd
APGA New Membership Approvals CORPORATE MEMBERS Engineering/Project Manager Vaughan Civil Pty Ltd - Francesca Beardsmore - CMBR Auscor Pty Ltd - Ryan Graham - CMBR Supplier of Equipment or Materials Pacific Valve Tech & Engineering Pty Ltd - Anubhav Anand - CMBR
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Baker Hughes Brooks Hire Service Pty Ltd Brownline Australia Pty Ltd Bureau Veritas Asset Integrity and Reliability Services Pty Ltd Civil Geospatial Services Pty Ltd Corrosion Control Engineering (Holdings) Pty Limited Deaton Enterprises Pty Ltd trading as CST Hire Downer EDI Engineering Power Pty Ltd DSQ Pty Ltd ERIAS Group Pty Ltd IntelliGas ITI International LandPartners Pty Ltd Lochard Energy (Iona Operations) Pty Ltd Mipela GeoSolutions NDT Global Pty Ltd Oceaneering Australia Pty Limited ORIX Commercial Peter Norman Personnel Pty Ltd Picarro, Inc Pipe Tek Pty Ltd Piping Specialty Supply Service Pty Ltd Prime Creative Media Pro Pipe Services Pty Ltd Project Communications Australia QIC Protective Coatings (Aust) Pty Ltd Qube Energy Pty Ltd Red Rock Oilfield Services Rogers Energy Services ROSEN Australia Pty Ltd Scape Consulting Pty Ltd SRG Global STATS Group T D Williamson Australia Pty Ltd TFG Group Pty Ltd Turbo Systems Australia Pty Ltd Vertech Group Pty Ltd Viega Pty Ltd Wasco Energy Group WRAP Resources Australia Zinfra SUPPLIER OF EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS Aegis Pty Ltd Anode Engineering Pty Ltd Anti Corrosion Technology Pty Ltd Aquip Systems AtlasGas Pty Ltd Austrack Equipment Sales and Rentals
Australian Pipeline Valve Bao Australia Pty Ltd CRC-Evans Pipeline International Delnorth Pty Ltd Denso (Australia) Pty Ltd EagleBurgmann Australasia Pty Ltd EDMI Pty Ltd Fast Fusion, LLC FPK (FERRET INDUSTRIES) Gasco Pty Ltd GF Piping Systems Heath Pipeline Services Pty Ltd Herrenknecht AG Inductabend Pty Ltd iPipe Services Iplex Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd Jindal Saw Limited Laurini Officine Meccaniche Srl LFF Australia Lincoln Electric Company (Australia) Pty Ltd Man Industries India Ltd McElroy Australia Ozzies, Inc. PAC Pacific Valve Tech & Engineering Pty Ltd Pipeline Equipment Rentals Pipeline Machinery International LP Pipeline Supplies Australia PipeServ PSAH Pty Ltd RazValve Pacific RDO Equipment Pty Ltd Richmond RTi Asia Pacific PTY LTD Savcor Products Australia Pty Ltd Scapeworks Australia Shawcor Pty Ltd SICK Pty Ltd Tapex Industrial Techrite Controls Pty Ltd TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia Pty Ltd Tremco Pipeline Equipment Pty Ltd Universal Corrosion Coatings Pty Ltd Vacuworx Australia Vinidex Pty Ltd Vlentec Australia Pty Ltd Welspun Corp Limited Western Process Controls Worldwide Group Future Fuels CRC
Techrite Controls Pty Ltd - Anubhav Anand - CMB FPK (FERRET INDUSTRIES) - Greg Weir - CMBR Service Provider Vertech Group Pty Ltd - Craig Davies - CMP Adviser/Consultant Fortin Pipelines - JP Fortin - CMBR
The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
APGA MEMBERSHIP
APGA would particularly like to acknowledge the generous support of its Owner Members • •
APA Group Australian Gas Infrastructure Group
• •
Epic Energy SA Pty Ltd Jemena
• •
SEA Gas Tasmanian Gas Pipeline Pty Ltd
APGA would also like to acknowledge the strong support of its Lead Members • • • • •
• • • • •
Australian Portable Camps Esso Australia Pty Ltd McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd MPC Kinetic Nacap Pty Ltd
QGC Quanta Services Australia Pty Ltd Solar Turbines Australia Spiecapag Australia Pty Ltd Worley Services Pty Ltd
Honorary Life Members • • • • • •
• • • • • •
Ken Barker David Curry Keith Fitzgerald* D C Gore* Robert Gration Max Kimber
• • •
Andy Lukas Tony Marletta Mick McCormack Stuart McDonald Jim McDonald* Allan Newham
Stephen Ohl Mark Twycross Phil Venton *deceased
Individual Members • • • • • • • •
Dean Barker Paul Beukelman John Blain Bevan Boocock Grant Bowley Stephen Callaghan Ken Cameron Chris Carter
• • • • • • • •
Mark Cooper Geoff Cope John de Robillard Daniel De Vere Amy Farrugia Gretchen Gagel Chris Gatehouse Lynndon Harnell
• • • • • • •
Mark Harris Chris Harvey Justine Hyams Jeff Jones Ashley Kellett Steven Liddell Cameron MacDiarmid
• • • • • • • •
James McMahon John Millett Mick Murphy Trevor Nichols John Piper David Pollock Brett Reay Shaun Smith
• • •
Ian Spence Jasper Tieland Andrew Wood
Edwin De Prinse Mark Dragar Yuyu Fang Daniel Faulkner Matt Felvus Sean Fleming Nick Flint Tom Forde Mark Fothergill Paul Frederick Tess Gardener Jarrod Gilby Calvin Gordon Peter Hanily
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Geoff Harrison Chris Hewson Ian Israelsohn Linda Johnson Hugo Kuhn Trent Leach David Levy Stephen Livens Nicole Lowndes Paul May Donna McDowall John Messent Stephen Mudge Matthew O'Connell
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Wendy Oldham Brian O'Sullivan Neil Parry Tawake Rakai Ben Rees Darren Rogers Josh Row Craig Sheather James Smith Colin Symonds Soheil Taherian Warwick Tidswell Andrew Tsitas John Walsh
• • • • •
Sean Ward Louise Watson Rob Wheals Paul Williamson Michael Xanthopoulos
Employee Members • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Michelle Andersen Eric Bardy Geoff Barton Lauren Beynon Rick Boreham Andrew Bourke Liz Brierley Peter Bucki Francis Carroll Philip Colvin Vera Corso Anne-Maree Corson Craig de Laine
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
People on the Move In this regular column, The Australian Pipeliner is tracking new appointments in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific’s pipeline sector.
RHYS HUMPHRIES – GENERAL MANAGER AND COUNTRY LEAD FOR NEW ZEALAND – ENERMECH Rhys Humphries has been appointed EnerMech General Manager and Country Lead for the New Zealand region.
Chief Executive Officer.
Established in 2008, EnerMech provides rapid and scalable integrated asset support across the full life cycle to multiple markets.
He holds over 35 years of industry experience including project management, green and brownfield engineering, operations management, maintenance management, construction, and commissioning.
Humphries joined the business from NZ Corrosion Services, where he was
Humphries will oversee more than 60 employees across New Zealand.
“I am thrilled to be at the helm of this division and support the strategic growth plans for the business,” he said. “EnerMech New Zealand is full of exceptionally talented people, and I have enjoyed getting to know everyone better over the past few months.”
DAVID GILLESPIE – MANAGING DIRECTOR – JEMENA Jemena has appointed David Gillespie as Managing Director, following his roles of Chief Financial Officer and Interim Managing Director. Board Chair Jiang Longhua welcomed Gillespie to the position, saying that his deep experience in the Australian energy sector was already well documented in his previous role as Chief Financial Officer.
Gillepsie shared his enthusiam following the announcement. “I am excited to be leading the Jemena team during the next phase of Australia’s push to a low-carbon future,” he said. “Both Jemena and Zinfra have the right mix of people, assets, and skills to contribute meaningfully to Australia’s energy transition and I am confident our
group will continue to perform strongly into 2024 and beyond. “I would like to thank our teams for their continued support and ongoing commitment to delivering energy services and products safely and reliably for our 1.8 million customers across New South Wales, Victoria, and other parts of eastern and northern Australia.”
ROB PORTER – DEPARTMENT MANAGER FRONTLINE SERVICES – VERTECH GROUP Rob Porter has recently been promoted within the Vertech Group team as its Department Manager – Frontline Services.
values while engaging new and existing clients to ensure delivery of urgent and specialist inspection and NDT services.
of his career, first as a Technician and then as a Supervisor.
Porter has been with Vertech for just over a year and will now oversee frontline services such as non-destructive testing (NDT) and in-service inspection.
His new position is also about providing specialist proposals in testing, access, rigging, and liaising with Vertech’s group of companies.
In his new position, Porter is looking forward to upholding the company’s
Porter has worked as an NDT specialist in the field for the first 14 years
The reasons why he was drawn to this new role are numerous, and include the “fast turnaround of solutions and mobilisation of skilled technicians to customers while developing the business relationship to acquire long standing contracts and service agreements”.
If your company has recently employed a new person within your business you would like profiled in ‘People on the Move’, send details of the career news alongside a high-res photo to Editor Clemence Carayol at clemence.carayol@primecreative.com.au
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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2024
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