The Australian Pipeliner Jul 2021 by Prime Creative Media

ISSUE 187 | JULY 2021

Loading up WORK UNDERWAY ON MAJOR GAS PIPELINE PROJECT – page 42

Baker Hughes offers versatile composite pipe

PipeServ proves its industry expertise 34

PAC joins landmark hydrogen project 48

Providing a full spectrum of end-to-end solutions

Specialising in: • • • • • • • • • • •

Dedicated / scheduled linehaul services Oversize / extra mass movements Quick turnaround mobilisations Heavy haulage / earthmoving equipment General freight and tubular loads Quick hitch services Project & material logistics coordination Wharf Breakbulk Quarantine compliance Dangerous goods / explosive loads Hotshot services

Contact our highly experienced team today Peter Smith - Resources Development Manager | 0455 557 663

www.sadleirs.com.au

E rdsprojects@sadleirs.com.au

W O N K WE

PRESSURE!

taddam@pipetek.com.au 0432 666 917

WWW.PIPETEK.COM.AU

CONTENTS

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY HDD methodology for river crossings

Primus Line rehabs historic Brisbane main

UEA goes to a new level

Making sliplining kwik and easy

PROJECTS STATS Group goes subsea for Bass Strait tie-in

Another string to the Pipe Tek bow

REHABILITATION & REPAIR Enabling major infrastructure projects

Serving up the highest quality pipeline services

Baker Hughes has recipe for composite pipe success

The pro choice

The optimum choice in pipeline analytics

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS Vacuworx and Qube give NGI a lift

Sadleirs always knows which way to go

HYDROGEN

COVER STORY

Integrity of existing pipelines in the hydrogen transition

PAC gets onboard renewable hydrogen project

PIPELINE EQUIPMENT

Vacuworx and Qube give the NGI a lift Vacuworx and Qube are once again proving vacuum lifting technology is the superior choice for handling large-scale pipeline projects. Cover image: The first shipment of pipe for NGI project from Baosteel arriving in Geraldton. Image courtesy of Dragonfly Media.

Austrack provides peace of mind

Reliability is key for Vermeer owner

CORROSION & CATHODIC PROTECTION

EXECUTIVE REPORTS

The original and the best

Mothballing: Protection for the future

President's Message

COMPANY NEWS

CEO's report

Flow meter delivers accurate biogas measurement

APGA NEWS & EVENTS

POLICY Gas and energy policy

TRAINING APGA PECS implementation group

PIPELINES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA SA pursues cleaner gas network

APGA celebrates departing legend in style

YPF in full swing around Australia

Countdown to the APGA Convention

REGULARS

FUTURE FUELS CRC Future fuels are now a reality

Members & memos

APGA membership

Advertisers' index

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

Australia’s leader in rehabilitation and repair PipeServ works alongside leading industry manufacturers to provide the highest quality repair and maintenance solutions for commercial pipelines in Australia, PNG, New Zealand and South East Asia.

CS|NRI COMPOSITE REPAIR WRAPS ClockSpring|NRI’s full suite of engineered composite repairs that now include Atlas carbon fibre wraps.

RAM PIPELINE REPAIR SLEEVES RAMFILL steel reinforcement sleeves providing permanent pipeline repairs.

OVOLIFTS PIPE LIFTING TOOLS Ovolifts pipe lifting systems enable the inspection or repair of pipeline touch points and pipe supports.

ROMACON REPAIR CLAMPS Romacon Petro split sleeves and leak repair clamps for both onshore and offshore pipelines.

DNV GROUTED TAPPING TEE DNV’s Grouted Tee is an alternative to welded hot-tap fittings suitable for standard and thin-wall pipelines.

Contact us to discuss PipeServ’s innovative and tailored solutions U41, 2 Thomsons Road, Keilor Park, VIC 3042 +61 7 3161 6600 info@pipeserv.com www.pipeserv.com

Check us out on LinkedIn! www.linkedin.com/company/pipeserv

EXECUTIVE REPORTS

President’s message

elcome to the July edition of The Australian Pipeliner. It is hard to believe that we are more than halfway through 2021. Over the past 12 months, we have certainly noticed a significant increase in the conversations about the journey to net zero emissions. I attended the Australian Domestic Gas Outlook conference back in March and nearly every conversation was centred on the balancing of recognising the contribution of gas to society, with the journey to net zero. Our industry continues to be the target of ill-informed people and lacks recognition of our contribution not just to daily lives, but to the recovery of the economy. I am still amazed at how some people don’t comprehend what is needed to reach the goal of net zero by 2050. The investment, the technology, the research, the growing energy needs of 8 billion people globally – it is a significant challenge, but within our capability if everyone works together. As we have said before, we all need to continue to educate people and dispel the myths and untruths that some people continue to push. You will have seen the release of APGA’s Strategic Plan 2021 to 2024 in early July. Please take some time to read the plan and offer any feedback, after all this will be our guiding principles for the next three years. The secretariat should be proud of the document they have produced. We have stayed with four pillars for the plan: Members, Capability, Advocacy and Social Responsibility. It was very evident in the

planning workshops, the feedback from members and the broader community that social responsibility is a topic that has gathered significant momentum, and rightly so. Social responsibility is no longer a “soft” issue but is instead now probably the most significant influence on what our journey into the future will look like. We will have all read and seen commentary about how financial institutions, banks and shareholders are demanding far more transparency and action. This is a global issue, not a local one. On the extreme, some financial institutions are no longer funding projects associated with gas, which is a worrying trend. I look forward to welcoming everyone at the upcoming APGA Convention and Exhibition in Brisbane in September. All being well with restrictions and increased vaccinations, it is shaping up to be a fantastic event. The secretariat has been working hard and thinking of new ways to make sure the conference is accessible to more people by offering more bespoke packages to attend. Despite how proficient we have all got with virtual meetings, humans are social creatures and will always to spend time together. I look forward to seeing you there.

APGA Board President Tony O’Sullivan MPC Kinetic Vice President Donna McDowall Quanta Services Australia Treasurer Wendy Oldham SEA Gas Immediate Past President Dave Maloney CNC Project Management

TONY O’SULLIVAN PRESIDENT

Board members Lou Guevara Vacuworx Australia Ray Keable LandPartners Kevin Lester APA Group Leon Richards McConnell Dowell John Stuart-Robertson HDI Lucas Sean Ward Jemena

A complete APGA membership list is printed on pages 66 and 67

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

WE MAKE IT HAPPEN Helping your company find equipment right for the job Austrack is passionate about providing the construction, mining and agricultural industries with quality new and used equipment. We have a long history in the construction and mining industries within Australia, and this experience serves to ensure it’s clients find the right equipment solution for their needs. Austrack believes in raising the bar with great service, effective solutions, competitive prices and ongoing support. Our industry knowledge keeps us consistently seeking equipment that will make your projects easier, cost effective and time efficient.

ENQUIRE WITH US TODAY AND FIND YOUR EQUIPMENT SOLUTION NOW!

26 Culya St, Pinkenba, QLD 4008 +61 419 170 297 sales@austrackequipment.com.au www.austrackequipment.com.au

EXECUTIVE REPORTS

Chief Executive Officer’s report

hat interesting times we live in. It feels like there is not a week that goes by without a major development or announcement of some sort that is of both great interest and high consequence. We've had Federal Government announcements on pipeline regulation, support for new technology, the deployment of new technology by Australian industry, International Energy Agency (IEA) reports and increased commitments from G7 nations on emissions reduction. That's quite a number of announcements to take in. It’s fair to say that some of these have been a mixed bag for the industry, and it has not been helpful that the media portrayal is often negative or presented in a way that is sensational. As I talk to people across the industry, I see that these negative portrayals are having an impact on people’s mood. It is human nature to focus on negative things, that is what usually presents us with danger, rather than the positives, which are all too often are taken for granted. Our industry has so much to be positive about and celebrating the positives is something we all need to focus on. Gaseous energy plays a major role in the global economy, and this is not going to change. The way it plays that role will change, as we develop renewable gases such as hydrogen and biogas, we will see a shift in the production, transportation and usage of gas. The media made much of the IEA’s Pathway to Net Zero Emissions report released in May, focussing on the predictions of oil use reducing by 75 per cent and gas use reducing by 60 per cent in 2050. What I didn’t see reported were the IEA predictions on hydrogen and biogas, with use of both in 2050 more than compensating for the reduction in natural gas use from today’s levels. Also not reported widely was the IEA’s prediction for carbon capture and storage (CCS). The IEA was clear that a net zero global economy cannot be achieved without widespread deployment of CCS – predicting a more than 100 times increase through to 2050

from today’s global capacity of 40 million t/year. The opportunity of the next three decades to 2050, and beyond, is fantastic for the pipeline and gas industries. The supply of energy through molecules has a huge future. One way to think of it is this: here in Australia, natural gas provides more energy than electricity. That means the opportunity to provide zero carbon energy through gas is bigger than that provided by renewable electricity. Further, the export opportunity is bigger than we can imagine, as hydrogen could enable us to meet today’s global LNG and coal demand. In addition to this more traditional opportunity of energy supply, there is the entirely new opportunity for our industries to provide storage. Manufactured, renewable gas is storing electricity. It is storing electricity in molecules, without the need for the rare earths and minerals that are required to store electricity as electrons. As the world ramps up battery production, it is foreseeable that the rare earths and minerals required for batteries will be the limiting factor in how far variable renewable generation can go in meeting energy demand. No doubt, storage through hydrogen will play a huge role. As outlined above, industrial scale storage of carbon is an entirely new market for our industry to develop and deploy our skills and expertise in. Combined with energy supply and storage, we can see countless opportunities. Not only are these opportunities for the people and companies in our industries, the successful application of renewable gases and CCS is absolutely central to our ability to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The future is very bright.

STEVE DAVIES CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

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 F: +61 2 6273 0588 E: apga@apga.org.au W: www.apga.org.au Chief Executive Officer Steve Davies Corporate Services Manager Peter Heffernan National Policy Manager Jordan McCollum Communications Manager Karen Polglaze Engagement Manager Dean Bennett Membership Officer Katy Spence Acting Administration and Events Officer Belinda Haddon

UEA’s horizontal directional drilling skillsets have been developed on the back of the delivery of significant and complex projects over the last 25 years.

HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING

OCEAN OUTFALL

TURNKEY SOLUTIONS

CONTACT estimations@uea.com.au www.uea.com.au

MEMBERS & MEMOS

Former WA MP joins Woodside board Former Western Australian Treasurer Ben Wyatt will join the Woodside board as a Non-Executive Director effective immediately. Mr Wyatt has an extensive parliamentary and professional background, becoming the first Indigenous person to become Treasurer in any Australian parliament before retiring from WA Parliament in March 2021. He is a practised lawyer in both private practice and with the Western Australian Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and was recently appointed to the boards of both the West Coast Eagles and the Telethon

Kids Institute. Woodside Chairman Richard Goyder says Mr Wyatt would bring a unique dynamic to Woodside. “Mr Wyatt’s proven strategic leadership, demonstrated across his diverse ministerial portfolio, will be an important contributor to the Woodside board as we execute our growth priorities and pursue the energy transition.” Mr Wyatt will be a member of the board’s Human Resources and Compensation Committee, Sustainability Committee and Nominations and Governance Committee.

Verbrec makes executive appointment Matthew Cooper is Verbrec’s new Chief Operating Officer. Verbrec says Mr Cooper will begin driving operation improvements and efficiencies across the Verbrec group of companies effective immediately, with a focus on program delivery, strategic planning and implementation, and HSEQ performance. Mr Cooper holds a mechanical engineering degree and an MBA from the Queensland University of Technology, and was most recently General Manager of EIM, which was acquired by Verbrec earlier this year.

“I look forward to working closely with Matt to execute our strategy of growing our capabilities across our key industries (energy, mining and infrastructure) and markets (Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea),” says Verbrec Managing Director Linton Burns. Verbrec has been delivering specialised services to the mining, hydrocarbons, infrastructure, defence, and technology industries since 1988. Its group of companies includes OSD, LogiCamms and Competency Training.

New appointment at Pipe Tek Tim Carroll is Pipe Tek’s new Australia and Asia Business Development Manager. Mr Carrolll is a well-versed industry professional with more than 20 years of experience in the drilling, civil and infrastructure sectors. His previous positions include five years has a directional driller with Schlumberger before spending time with Vermeer Australia as the Queensland Area Sales Manager. Pipe Tek provides a full turnkey solution to its clients including NDT, pre-cleaning,

gauging, filling, hydrostatic/pneumatic testing, dewatering, drying with either desiccant or refrigerate dryers, nitrogen purging, caliper pigging, inline inspection (ILI) with dig ups and verification by phase array. Leak detection is also available by either acoustic or tracer gas methods and Pipe Tek also specialises in pipeline abandonment. The company is also the exclusive representative of Enduro Pipeline Services for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Asia.

Winn & Coales acquires coatings company Denso Australia parent company Winn & Coales International has acquired the global Viscotaq™ business, including Amcorr Products and Services. Based in San Antonia, US, Amcorr are the formulators and manufacturers of the Viscotaq viscoelastic protective coating technology, used for corrosion prevention and sealing applications on vital infrastructure. Amcorr President and Co-Inventor of Viscotaq Edwin Welles says the brand was honoured to be a part of the Winn & Coales family. “A similar business culture, with a privately-owned structure and a technology driven mentality was a natural fit for us,” he says. “The acquisition will give Amcorr the opportunity to grow rapidly, bothnationally and internationally and above all,

guaranteededicated service and supply to existing and future clients across the globe.” Winn & Coales Chairman Chris Winn says the acquisition was exciting for the company. “The Viscotaq product line enhances and complements our existing range of coatings, which are already well established in the market,” he says. “We are now able to offer all corrosion prevention technologies to our customers, and we look forward to building on our leadingbrands further with our new colleagues at Amcorr.” Denso Australia has offices and warehouses throughout Australia and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Winn & Coales International.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

MEMBERS & MEMOS

Offshore acreage released for exploration Bidding is now open on more than 80,000 km2 of land in Commonwealth waters released for petroleum exploration. The release comprises 21 areas across the Bonaparte, Browse, Carnarvon, Otway, Sorell and Gippsland basins off Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and the Ashmore and Cartier Islands. Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia says it is “vitally important that Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy”. “Exploration will continue to play a key role in supporting Australia’s economic growth by encouraging investment in development prospects, as well as unlocking

additional supply. This year’s release provides opportunities in established oil and gas provinces with existing infrastructure as well as under-explored areas offshore Victoria, also within reach of existing infrastructure,” he says. “This is consistent with the drive to deliver current projects as well as the potential to increase supply into the east coast market. The continued release of areas for exploration is important to providing a steady supply of energy for the future. I would welcome and encourage industry bidding on the released areas.” Bidding for the acreage will close on 3 March 2022.

Nacap wins Santos pipeline contract Nacap has been awarded a construction contract by Santos for the Barrolka to Durham Downs replacement pipeline project. The company has been engaged to deliver the project which involves approximately 27 km of DN200 steel gas pipeline plus associated end of line facilities in southwest Queensland. Durham Downs is located approximately 50 km north of the Santos Ballera Gas Facility, and the project will see the replacement and upsizing of the existing pipeline which is nearing the end of its operational life. The pipeline will transfer

natural gas from the southwest Queensland fields to customers via existing Santos infrastructure, maintaining and increasing the gas gathering system’s capacity. Nacap has specialised in pipeline and facilities construction for more than 30 years, with its clients owners of some of the largest assets in the energy sector. The company has constructed many of Australia’s most renowned pipeline and facilities projects, with contract values ranging from $50 million to more than $500 million.

Bowen Basin pipeline study underway The Queensland Government is undertaking a $5 million study to assess the feasibility and potential of a new gas pipeline. The new pipeline would help improve the delivery of gas from the Bowen Basin to both the domestic and export markets, with KPMG, in partnership with GHD and Netherland, Sewell & Associates Inc, contracted to deliver the concept study. Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart says it was important to bring more gas to market. “Additional gas infrastructure will provide new sources of supply, leading to more affordable gas and supporting

jobs across our critical supply chain and industries. “Just like we opened up the Surat Basin 10 years ago, the Bowen Basin has the potential to be a source of future gas projects and jobs for Queenslanders,” he says. The study, which is expected to take six months with final recommendations made by the end of the year, will also analyse the potential amount of gas and sources of fugitive emissions in the area and determine the feasibility and best pathway for the infrastructure to achieve multiple benefits.

Sydney I Melbourne I Brisbane I Perth Townsville I Auckland I New Plymouth

AUSTRALASIA’S LEADING CATHODIC PROTECTION & CORROSION SPECIALIST

Celebrating 20 years as the Australian pipeline industry’s leading Cathodic Protection service provider

Engineering • Field Services • Products

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

www.cceng.com.au 11

POLICY

Gas and energy policy By Jordan McCollum, National Policy Manager, APGA

From economic regulation and government gas infrastructure plans to a net zero roadmap from the IEA, recent developments herald an era of change for Australian pipelines. Figure 2.8: Solid, liquid and gaseous fuels in the NZE Solids

Solids

Liquids

Gases

200 150 100

Coal Traditional biomass

Oil Modern bioenergy

Natural gas Hydrogen-based

2050

2040

2030

2020

2010

2000

2050

2040

2030

2020

2010

2000

2050

2040

2030

2020

2010

2000

Hydrogen conversion losses

International Energy Agency Net Zero Emissions Roadmap graphs on predicted changes in energy demand in solid, liquid and gaseous fuels to 2050.

uarter 2 2021 saw the delivery of a number of regulatory papers which foreshadow significant change in how the pipeline industry, and the energy industry as a whole, will look in the years to come. After lengthy consultation over recent years, the renamed Options to Improve Gas Pipeline Regulation Decision Regulatory Impact Statement (Pipeline DRIS) was delivered in May. Seeking to improve upon regulatory changes through the gas market reform process in 2018, the Pipeline DRIS proposes a reworked regulatory structure which narrows pipeline regulation down to two categories – a ‘lighter’ form of regulation and ‘stronger’ form of regulation. This represents a simplification from the current regulatory model which includes full, light, part 23 and unregulated options. The proposed stronger form of regulation will be based on the existing full regulation framework, while the lighter regulation model is to be based on existing part 23 regulation. The existing part 23 regulation is a negotiatearbitrate model with information disclosure and a commercially oriented dispute resolution mechanism. This is being strengthened through the inclusion of safeguards that currently apply to existing light regulation to form the lighter form or regulation. Two key realities stand out among these changes. First, once legislated, the changes proposed within the pipeline DRIS will mark the end of unregulated gas pipelines in Australia. Second, despite this, both forms of regulation will

continue to allow for negotiated transport tariffs to consider various forms of commercial risk. The legislative drafting process is under way, with public consultation due across July and August. The pipeline DRIS was closely followed by the National Gas Infrastructure Plan: Interim Report (NGIP:IR). Framed as “identifying priority infrastructure developments to alleviate forecast southern gas supply shortfalls in the near-term”, the NGIP:IR instead predominantly focuses on macro supply scenarios. Spending 14 of 28 pages framing the current state of gas supply by undertaking very high-level analysis of three macro supply scenarios, the report ultimately spends one page stating a handful of critical infrastructure priorities without providing background or justification. Despite this lack of detail, these critical infrastructure projects are due to receive government funding, with $38.7 million of federal funds committed to supporting early works across identified critical infrastructure projects. This was announced alongside funding for a full national gas infrastructure plan for 2022, which will include public consultation – a welcome inclusion following development of the NGIP:IR. NGIP:IR funding announcements also mention a $3.5 million development fund for a long-term Future Gas Infrastructure Investment Framework (FGIIF). Among NGIP:IR announcements, this could serve to be the biggest game changer, with the potential to become a vehicle for gas infrastructure underwriting. The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

Initial conversations indicate that any future FGIIF would focus solely on early works, much the same as funding for projects identified within the NGIP:IR. Industry participants note that early works funding is not a current hindrance to gas infrastructure development. In the closing paragraphs of the NGIP:IR, it identifies something interesting – “the evolving gas needs of an electricity system with higher levels of renewable generation and new technologies like hydrogen, also need to be considered”. This firstly recognises a similar role for gas power generation identified within the APGA commissioned Frontier Economics report Potential for Gas-Powered Generation to support renewables, which has since been backed up by the Gratton Institute report Go for Net Zero. Further, this hints at a future NGIP which lays out a pathway for the development of a renewable gas industry in years to come – the area where federal facilitation of plans could make a real difference in the transition to come. And make no mistake, there is a renewable gas transition to come. Despite heavily biased depictions in the media, the International Energy Agency (IEA) Net Zero Emissions Roadmap also released in May proposes a significant role globally for both renewable gases and gaseous energy in general. The IEA does predict a retraction of gaseous energy demand, but only to around year 2000 levels (down 36 per cent on today). Despite a call for no new natural gas fields beyond those already committed to, the IEA predicts that new renewable gas production capacity accounts for around half of all gaseous energy supply by 2050. Critically, this is not only a hydrogen story. Bioenergy accounts for a significant proportion of the renewable gas uplift, and synthetic methane for a significant proportion of IEA predicted gas network decarbonisation. You can find out more about the IEA position on the future of gaseous energy. A new section on the APGA website will be launched in July under Publications.. While the IEA proposed gaseous energy breakdown will vary from country to country, it is clear that gaseous energy from various sources will play a key role in a global net zero energy future. Ensuring that plans put in place by government today are best utilised to facilitate this transition tomorrow is a key part of Australia’s net zero energy transition.

Professional Pipeline Services Safe, Dependable Solutions with 24/7 Emergency Services

• Hot Tapping • Line Isolation & Bypass • Pipe Cutting • Commissioning • Decommissioning • Equipment Maintenance • Training

Pipeline Maintenance and repairs on: • Natural Gas • Steam • Water • Chemical • Hydrocarbons

E: info@propipeservices.com Ph: (03) 9330 4016 49 Lambeck Drive, Tullamarine, Vic 3043 www.propipeservices.com

TRAINING

APGA PECS implementation group – Maintaining industry confidence that our pipelines are safe and reliable By Chris Harvey, Chris Harvey Consulting

At the 2019 APGA Convention, Chris Harvey presented a paper entitled APGA’s Pipeline Engineer Competency System 10 years on – where to from here? A key focus of that paper was the question raised in a paper by Max Kimber at the 2003 APIA Convention “How safe and reliable are our pipelines?”.

ax Kimber’s paper was the beginning of a conversation within the, then, APIA about the industry’s engineering workforce and concerns about deskilling as a result of three forces at work: • The significant evolution of AS 2885 as a thinking engineer’s standard. • Microeconomic reform. • Generational change, sometimes called the “great crew change”. That conversation ultimately led to APIA’s Pipeline Engineer Training Project, which resulted in the development of what is now APGA’s Pipeline Engineer Competency system, aka the APGA PECS, which was completed in 2016. The PECS includes competency standards for the broad range of aspects of pipeline engineering that are essential to the industry and covers both onshore and offshore pipelines. My paper provided the results of a survey of the industry to assess awareness and application of the PECS and revealed that while there is a high level of awareness of the PECS at 92 per cent, the actual application of the PECS is likely to be 25 per cent or less. It made the following assessment: “It is likely that the PECS is getting close to being at a tipping point of general acceptance, but there is plenty of room for this to be reversed. There is still consistent effort needed to communicate the benefits of the PECS and assist pipeline engineers and their employers in seeing and exploiting the valuable resource the PECS is to the industry.” The paper noted the noted significant interest in APGA’s PECS internationally from ASME Pipeline Systems Division, Rosen (international ILI and integrity management specialist) and the Canadian Energy Pipelines Association (CEPA). This has resulted in CEPA, the Canadian sister organisation to APGA, entering into a licence agreement to adapt and adopt the PECS. CEPA launched the PECS-Can (PECS adapted to the Canadian industry) to its members in January 2021. Its members have begun the process of entering into sub-licensing of the PECS-Can. In

addition to the PECS being world leading, this international interest has arisen because of the high level of incidents, including fatal fire and explosion on gas pipelines and major environmental spills on liquids pipelines. The North American pipelines industry has identified that a significant factor in reducing incidents is the capability of its pipeline engineering workforce. My paper provided the relevant statistics for pipeline incidents and fatalities for Canada and the US and compared them with Australia’s recent incident history. Australia has been blessed with a low level of incidents; however, much of this must be attributed to the differences in age of North American versus Australian pipelines. A closer examination of Australian pipeline incident statistics suggests that incident rates have bottomed out and at best are holding level, but are likely to be on the increase, reflecting that the average age of Australian pipelines is increasing, and the cause of incidents is changing from purely construction related to a balance between those that relate to ageing and construction defects. The paper then considers the factors currently affecting the capability of the industry’s pipeline engineering workforce compared to those operating at the end of the 2000s: • The process of generational change is continuing. • The average age of engineers is reducing. • Pipeline incidents appear to be on the increase. • The number of engineers has increased significantly as a result of the Queensland LNG. • Pipelines and PE gathering systems, many have come from refineries and overseas. • Pipelines are aging, the oldest being 60 years old. • At best, 25 per cent of the industry is meaningfully applying the PECS This is not a basis for confidence about the capability of the pipeline industries pipeline engineering workforce and the industry can’t afford to be complacent, because of its incident record, to date. In response, I make the proposal/ challenge for APGA’s pipeline engineer employing The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

members to take an affirmative approach to the capability of their pipeline engineers. That is, adopt a clear and positive set of actions to assure themselves that the pipeline engineers in their employ are competent for the tasks they undertake and that there is an ongoing process of development for them. Specifically, I proposed: • The formation of a voluntary implementation group of pipeline engineer employing members. • Each member would develop its own implementation timetable. • The implementation group would meet regularly to share progress of implementation, experience gained in seeking to implement the PECS and in particular lessons learned. • The group would have a finite life – initially three years – that could be changed as indicated by progress. • Start with key employing members and allow new members to join as momentum gathers. • The implementation group would have APGA Board endorsement, and the implementation group would be chaired by a champion from the board. I gave a presentation at the November 2019 APGA board meeting, which accepted the proposal to establish a PECS implementation group. The board champion is Leon Richards from McConnell Dowell and the group has met four times with 21 initial members. The agenda of the group is to undertake an exercise of baselining where the member companies are in relation to implementation of the PECS and setting some one and two year targets. Members of the group have shared how they are doing initial implementation, had a refresher on how to access the PECS on APGA’s new x-info database and looked at some examples of some of the 15 applications for the PECS. The implementation group meets approximately every six weeks and is open to any APGA member that employs or contracts pipeline engineers. For those interested in paper, it is available on APGA’s knowledge base to members.

Higher flows. Faster installation. Lower total cost of ownership. Onshore composite pipes by Baker Hughes are designed to serve applications in high pressure, high temperature, and corrosive environments at a lower cost of ownership thanks to savings on installation and lower lifecycle costs.

bakerhughescompositepipe.com

FUTURE FUELS CRC

Future fuels are now a reality By David Norman, CEO, Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre

In 2017, when a group of forward-looking industry supporters helped created Future Fuels CRC to prepare the Australian energy industry for the great potential of future fuels, none of us expected the speed of change we now see.

nabled by research and development, there are now six hydrogen projects operating across Australia, a further eight under construction and ten more at an advanced level of development. These are backed up by another 38 already at earlier stages of development. There are also significant advances in biomethane, including Jemena’s Malabar project that is expected to inject renewable gas into its network in 2022. I was very proud to join Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) for the May launch of its $14.5 million hydrogen production facility Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyP SA). AGIG has now commenced blending renewable hydrogen into part of its natural gas distribution network in Adelaide. The HyP SA facility, located south of Adelaide at the Tonsley Innovation District has a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser which uses renewable electricity (solar and wind) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. AGN (part of AGIG) will blend up to 5 per cent renewable hydrogen into its existing natural gas distribution network to deliver a blended gas to more than 700 homes in parts of the Adelaide suburb of Mitchell Park. HyP SA is not alone, with Jemena's Western Sydney Green Gas Project due to come online later this year, blending green hydrogen into its natural gas network in New South Wales. These projects are happening in every state but, looking to the future, two thirds of ‘under development’ projects are in Western Australia and Queensland. To promote further growth, NERA has formed a network of 15 hydrogen technology clusters across Australia, providing seed-funding in partnership with governments and industry to build the skills, capability and commercialisation opportunities in the emerging hydrogen industry. With these projects come government and regulatory action. Every state and territory now has plans and strategies that support and enable the growth of future fuels, with the National Hydrogen Strategy providing a coordinated overview. The scale of new activity can become hard to stay abreast of, so I encourage you to use our HyResource knowledge sharing collaboration

Future Fuels CRC CEO David Norman.

(research.csiro.au/hyresource/) that is tracking every Hydrogen project across Australia. It’s a great resource, and it underlines very clearly that future fuels are already becoming a reality in Australia. Future Fuels CRC remains at the forefront of delivering the research the industry needs to make the full transition to future fuels. Future fuels are now being used in some Australian homes and businesses and this brings the ultimate transition to net-zero one step closer.

About Future Fuels CRC The Future Fuels CRC is the industry focused Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) partnership enabling the decarbonisation of Australia’s energy networks. The group works with its partners in a collaborative and connected research community embracing industry, academia and The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

government to: •Focus on the future of a crucial sector of the Australian energy economy. •Deliver the full potential of low-carbon fuels in the energy supply mix. •Find safe and reliable solutions to repurpose existing infrastructure and develop new infrastructure to transport future fuels. •Inform coordinated national policy and regulation associated with low carbon fuels. •Protect and extend the reliability and safe operative life of energy infrastructure. •Enable the structures, protocols and linkages to maximise the value of global low carbon fuel developments for Australia.

For more information visit www.futurefuelscrc.com

BRINGING ENERGY TO ITS DESTINATION

PIPELINE SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 30 YEARS Expertise include: y transmission pipeline y gathering pipeline y facilities A green energy future is our commitment and we have the capability and readiness to support hydrogen Safety, of course, is paramount. Our proactive response to COVID-19 means our people are safe and our clients are assured project continuity INTEGRITY - TEAMWORK - STRIVE TO BE BETTER nacap.com.au +61 3 8848 1888 (Melbourne, Head Office) +61 7 3328 8800 (Brisbane) +61 2 6884 7878 (Dubbo) +61 418 441 827 (Darwin) +61 8 6229 6500 (Perth) +675 313 7922 (Papua New Guinea)

Pipelines

Renewables

Facilities

Defence

CSG Gathering

Power

PIPELINES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

AGN has commenced blending renewable hydrogen into its existing natural gas distribution network at Hyp SA.

South Australia pursues cleaner gas network South Australia has been at the forefront of Australia’s clean energy transition for the better part of two decades and today it generates more than 60 per cent of its electricity from clean sources. Already with a diverse energy mix, the state is also making significant inroads in the hydrogen space, while also looking to unlock new natural gas supplies.

n April 2021, the Federal and South Australian governments signed a new 1.08 billion energy agreement known as the State Energy and Emissions Reduction Deal. The agreement contains a gas target of an additional 50 PJ per annum by the end of 2023 and 80 PJ per annum by 2030 in an effort to increase the supply of reliable and affordable gas to both SA users and the wider east coast market. The agreement also includes a $400 million investment in emissions reduction projects including hydrogen, carbon capture and storage and electric vehicles. The Commonwealth will contribute $660 million as part of the agreement while the SA Government will provide $422 million. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the deal will help reduce prices and create jobs. “This means getting more gas into the market to support the increase in renewable solar and wind power coming into the electricity system. One works with the other to deliver lower cost, lower emissions and reliable power,” he says. “This deal also makes sure that Australia gets ahead and stays ahead in the new energy economy by supporting the next wave of technologies, with a $400 million commitment for investing in key areas that have the potential to deliver new industries and opportunities for South Australians.” The Federal Government says achieving improved lower cost gas production in the Cooper Basin and a step-change in gas production in the

Otway Basin would be a key focus. SA Premier Steven Marshall says the agreement would help secure the state’s energy supply. “This agreement also coordinates our efforts to deliver a hydrogen export industry in SA, deliver carbon capture and storage to reduce emissions, deliver the infrastructure needed for electric cars, and generate new revenue for farmers from carbon reduction. “Put simply – this agreement is going to lower power bills for South Australians and create jobs in the fast-growing renewables industry.”

AGIG opens HyP SA Hydrogen Park South Australia (Hyp SA) has now commenced blending renewable hydrogen into part of Adelaide’s natural gas distribution network. Located in Adelaide’s Tonsely Innovation District, the facility was opened in May 2021 by SA Premier Steven Marshall and Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan, with a number of guests in attendance. Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG), through its Australian Gas Networks (AGN) company, has developed the project to be capable of producing approximately 175 t of hydrogen per annum, equal to the total gas use of around 1,500 SA homes, or tens of thousands of homes on a blended gas basis. A proton exchange membrane electrolyser at the facility uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. AGN will blend

approximately 5 per cent renewable hydrogen into its existing natural gas distribution network to deliver a blended gas to more than 700 homes in parts of the Adelaide suburb of Mitchell Park. AGIG CEO Ben Wilson says HyP SA is an Australian first and one of only a few projects in the world to deliver a renewable gas blend to homes connected to an existing network. “The hydrogen produced at HyP SA shows how we can use the state’s abundant solar and wind resources to deliver carbon-free gas to homes and businesses. HyP SA demonstrates the low carbon future of the gas industry and illustrates the important role the nation’s gas networks will play in meeting the decarbonisation challenge.”

Network upgrades AGN is also investing $513 million in its SA gas network over the next five years, which will include the replacement of all cast iron mains by 2026. Mr Wilson says the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) was supportive of the plans. “I am particularly pleased with the AER support for starting the process of blending renewable gas into the South Australian gas supply. This is a key step in reaching our target of providing a 10 per cent carbon-free gas supply by 2030 and full decarbonisation of gas supply by no later than 2050,” he says. “We are also targeting providing our customers with 100 per cent carbon-free gas supply solutions by 2025.”

For more information on the latest industry news, projects and products visit pipeliner.com.au

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

Delivering Essential Community Infrastructure For over 40 years, Diona has partnered with leading asset owners to keep the water running, lights on and waste managed for Australian communities.

years in gas

years in water

years in power

2000+ projects completed

$3+ billion of infrastructure delivered

5 million

metres of underground assets installed

diona.com.au

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

Maxibor's Vermeer 330x500 maxi-rig 'floating" to an island project.

HDD construction methodology for river crossings As part of its good practice approach, Maxibor prepares an HDD Construction Methodology document to provide a comprehensive overview of the processes involved in the physical delivery of major projects and demonstrate how key activities and issues specific to the project are to be managed.

he key to a successful horizontal directional drilling (HDD) project is clear communication to asset owner and principal contractor stakeholders of what you are going to do and how you will do it. This is particularly so for more challenging projects such as river crossings. The extent of contents of an HDD Construction Methodology highlights the diverse range of activities undertaken for an HDD installation. Typically, the document includes: • Scope • The stages of the drilling process • Drill path design • Drilling fluids • Downhole survey • Integrated construction management • Construction schedule • Key contacts • Design and engineering analysis o HDD alignment design and hydrofracture analysis o Pipe stress analysis and selection o Downhole tooling and equipment selections • Site preparation o Survey control

o Site and equipment set up • Site specific HDD construction procedure o Pilot hole construction o Reaming and hole conditioning o Pipe welding and testing o Product pipe installation and testing o Demobilisation and reinstatement o As-built data and deliverable submission • Contingency measures o Loss of drilling fluid o Hole collapse o Fluid pit overflow o Drill pipe failure o Side tracking In this article, edited extracts of two of the more important areas of a typical HDD Construction Methodology document that apply to a river crossing project have been selected to provide insight as to how Maxibor communicates to project stakeholders.

Drilling fluids The foremost purpose of drill fluid is to provide a medium to carry the drilled cuttings from the face of the bore along the annulus formed between the drill pipe and borehole to the The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

surface. Other functions include promoting borehole stability, reducing infiltration through borehole membrane, reducing drilling fluid loss to the formation through the build-up of a borehole wall filter cake and lubricating and cooling the drill string, drill bit and downhole instruments and product pipe during installation. To achieve these functions, a carefully engineered drilling fluid design is required. The fluid design takes into account the geological formation being cut, annular fluid pressures and pump rates, properties of drill fluid additives, make-up water properties and recycling methods and equipment available. Effective circulation of drill fluid requires a recycling system with a capacity to match the expected pump/flow rates required to clean the borehole. Typically, a freshwater bentonite-based system is used. These systems offer a high degree of cuttings suspension, as well as friction reducing lubrication. This enables large granular materials to be removed, as can be anticipated where rock is present. The drilling fluid can be modified with clay-inhibiting additives to mitigate swelling and bit-balling in sections of reactive clays. Long

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

chain polymers additives can also be added to the drilling fluid to build up a ‘filter cake’ on the borehole wall to prevent fluid losses and improve borehole stability. The density and pressure of the drilling fluid should be monitored and recorded at frequent intervals and, should the density rise above preset limits, drilling fluid should be diluted in the bore using freshwater and additional additives. The dilution volume will account for additions of fresh mud volume to reduce low gravity solids as well as some losses to the formation. Where the drill fluid emerges at the HDD exit or entry location throughout the stages of drilling, fluid can be pumped directly from the point of return through the fluid recycling systems and then onto the drill rig. This ensures a non-stop efficient drilling operation which is especially important in hard rock drilling operations.

HDD alignment design and hydrofracture analysis The river crossing alignments are designed to meet the requirements of the product pipeline while in service. HDD entry and exit angles and minimum radius of curvature of the proposed

borehole ensure that the HDPE carrier can be installed without exceeding material limits. The alignment designs take into consideration safe depths of cover required to resist fluid escape to surface, particularly during drilling of the pilot hole, when borehole pressures are at their highest. A close review of the soil properties and the interaction of the pilot hole is undertaken to determine the Minimum Required and Maximum Allowable pressures as per the soil properties. In practice, the drilling may vary the flow rates up or down to suit the stratum being drilled at the time. As such, fracture plots represent a good average across the bore and show areas where frac outs are likely so that appropriate control measures can be positioned ahead of the drilling operation. A Hydrofracture Analysis is completed at each crossing location to identify high risk areas and to iterate the bore profile accordingly to find the optimum solution for geological stability, profile alignment, depth of cover, radius of curvature and frac resistance. To ensure that pilot hole construction is conducted in a safe manner, downhole pressures are monitored using a downhole annular

pressure probe which feeds real time data directly to the driller’s cab and can be compared to the frac prediction pressure calculations in real time. Because it is capable of giving a rapid indication of an increase in downhole pressure, the measurement of pressure while drilling is an effective technique to reduce the risk drill mud breakout during the drilling process. It can also help ensure that a drilled hole is kept clean and free of blockages, thus reducing operational risks.

Maxibor is a knowledge sharing organisation. David Turner, Maxibor’s National Business Development Manager, can be contacted on 0499 375 511 or email david.turner@maxibor. com.au if you would like to learn more about Maxibor’s HDD Construction Methodology and its other good practice HDD design and delivery processes. For more information visit www.maxibor.com.au

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

Primus Line rehabs historic Brisbane pipe One of Brisbane's oldest and most important drinking water pipes runs under Ann Street in the bustling business and nightlife district of Newstead and Fortitude Valley. Earlier this year, Urban Utilities completed a multi-million-dollar rehabilitation project on this 130-year-old pipeline. detailed condition assessment of the host pipe and economic evaluation in order to ensure the existing pipeline could withstand external loads in the future. The results showed that the pipeline had sufficient load bearing capacity to allow the use of a semi-structural lining system such as Primus Line for the desired service life of at least 50 years.

Rehabilitation work almost entirely without disruptions for traffic and residents.

The perfect choice

ith the use of the trenchless technology Primus Line®, the project is expected to extend the life of the pipeline by at least 50 years, providing an economical solution with minimal impacts to traffic and nearby businesses and residents. The Ann Street pipeline is a cement-lined, cast iron pipe, and helps to supply water to the city centre and the inner-city suburbs. During the morning and evening peak consumption periods, about 500 L of water per second flows through the pipe. Thousands of vehicles a day roll along the fourlane road, which is one of the busiest roads in Brisbane’s central business district, and restaurants, hotels, offices, other businesses, residential buildings and bus stops line the trafficroute. As with many water utilities, replacing water mains in heavily congested urban environments can be a costly and disruptive process, so in this case trenchless technology was the key to success. Trenchless technologies allow utilities to rehabilitate water pipes that are nearing the end of their service life and "turn back the clock". In this way, security of supply can be ensured for future generations while minimising disruption to existing residents, businesses and traffic – and with significantly less investment than conventional methods.

Given the location of the pipe, flexible lining solution Primus Line was chosen as it could pass through several bends in the pipe and be installed using a few small pits, to minimise the impact on traffic.

Planning As Primus Line is a flexible stand-alone pipeline, which is installed with an annulus gap, it can withstand the operating pressures of the water main, but not the external loads from the traffic on the road above. The project at Ann Street was preceded by a

Due to its unique three-layer structure, the Primus Liner combines flexibility with extremely high material strength. As a self-supporting pressure pipe liner independent of the old pipe, it absorbs the entire operating pressure, while the old pipe merely functions as a conduit. In accordance with ISO 11295, Primus Line is an independent pressure pipe liner capable on its own of resisting without failure all internal loads throughout its design life. It has the ability to negotiate bends of up to 45 degrees, allows for seasonal movement of the pipeline and ensures the required operating pressure of up to 11.3 bar. Despite the reduction in cross-section of the DN 600 pipe, flow calculations showed the client that the installation of a Primus Line DN 500, with its low friction coefficient of only 0.028, would still provide the required flow. Before the start of the project, a large- scale trial with a length of 350 m was carried out with the Primus Line system – developed and produced in Germany. In a single day, the pre-folded liner was pulled into the 350 m field trial section of the Ann Street trunk main, formed into its circular

Small excavations are sufficient for the installation.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

shape with compressed air and successfully connected to the pipeline network, demonstrating the speed and versatility of the system.

Start of the major project

Special DN 500 connectors with DN 600 flange for the connection to the flange on the host pipe.

The successful completion of the trial allowed for the commencement of the Ann Street project, where detailed design and construction planning was performed in 2019 by Urban Utilities. The initial stages of the project also involved cleaning and prepping the existing pipe to make it suitable for installing the liner, while the installation phase began in mid-2020 and was completed in early 2021. Most of the work took place at night and the small construction pits were closed during the day with large steel plates, to allow traffic to continue to flow. The entire project was carried out by Urban Utilities’ own workforce, and the company had previously installed Primus Line on other rehabilitation projects in its service region. At the time, Urban Utilities engaged Primus Line to provide training to its capital delivery team, had kept the required necessary tools and spare parts in stock to perform Primus Line installations and to be able to do possible repairs and maintenance in-house. The Primus Line team provided engineering

support and accompanied the beginning of the measure with a supervisor. Four installation sections were necessary to rehabilitate the 2.2 km long pipeline section, with the Primus Line system DN 500 PN 16 used to rehabilitate the DN 600 water pipeline. Primus Line delivered the four liner sections prefolded in a U-shape and wound onto drums. The liner insertion into the old pipe was done with a winch and in the process passed through some additional smaller intermedia pits to reinstate valves and offtakes. The liner was pulled through these pits and cut afterwards to install the Primus Line connectors and the necessary valves and t-pieces Special DN 500 connectors with a DN 600 flange were used to ensure the connection to the flange on the host pipe while keeping the pits as small as possible. After commissioning, the pipeline can be operated with an operating pressure of up to 11.3 bar. A pressure test concluded the successful installation before the main was disinfected and returned to operation.

For more information visit www.primusline.com

02 4966 5583 www.maxibor.com.au admin@maxibor.com.au Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter

» Quality and collaborative HDD design and construct services » Expertise to advise at the right time in the project delivery cycle » Gas, water and sewer, rail, road, power, telecommunications, mining, residential development and renewables » Maxi-rigs capable of long and wide diameter bores in hard rock and difficult conditions » Build a future we all look forward to.

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING HDD SPECIALIST Maxibor is using its network of experience to deliver better project outcomes to asset owners and principal contractors alike

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

UEA onsite on the entry side of the HDD crossing.

UEA goes to a new level on river crossing UEA is one of Australia’s leading trenchless technology contractors, combining state-of-the-art equipment with unmatched expertise and capability. The company was recently engaged to construct a new pipeline which included the delivery of an HDD crossing of the Shoalhaven River in New South Wales.

ocal utility Shoalhaven Water maintains the clean, regular and efficient water supply of 96,000 people and is implementing its Reclaimed Water Management Scheme (REMS) to collect and store reclaimed water and apply it to agricultural land and sports grounds in the region. First commissioned in 2002, the scheme now includes 14 dairy farms, 2 golf courses and several sporting grounds with reclaimed water for irrigation to well more than 6 km2 of land. The second stage of REMS involved major upgrades to the Bomaderry and Nowra wastewater treatment plants to increase both the capacity and level of treatment at each site, and achieve a high quality of reclaimed water for use. Contracted by UGL for Shoalhaven Water, UEA’s works were to include a 2.9 km transfer main to allow reclaimed water to be conveyed between the two treatment plants for final disinfection and be transported into the existing REMS distribution systems.

Planning stages UEA’s engagement on the project included the construction and commissioning of the proposed pipeline connecting the Bomaderry and Nowra facilities. The Bomaderry to Nowra transfer pipeline had several significant hurdles to overcome before being

approved for construction. UEA’s scope of work included the development of the overall pipeline, taking the plans through to design based on further geotechnical data, consultation with stakeholders, review of suitable pipeline materials, performance criteria and construction methods. This collaborative process was undertaken over an extended period of time, allowing input from the client, contractors, operators and impacted stakeholders. Responsible for the end-to-end construction of the nearly 3 km pipeline, UEA set to establish site compounds, one with an engineered sound wall, and commence construction on numerous fronts to condense the already ambitious works program. The critical path of the project had always been the major horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crossing of the Shoalhaven River being 1,410 m in length and the expectation a mixed bag of ground conditions including sand, silt, clay, gravel, cobble and hard metamorphic rock. To help manage the unstable and problematic overlying ground conditions, steel conductor casing was required to be seated fully into rock from the entry side to not only prevent intrusion of overlying soils but escape of drilling fluids to the sensitive marine environment. Shoalhaven Water Executive Manager Robert Horner says UEA’s part in the project The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

was integral to its success. “Being a river crossing, the pipeline traversed to approximately 30 m below the bed of the Shoalhaven River at its deepest point, so getting accurate geotechnical information was a real challenge,” he says. “UEA’s component of the project was design and construct. We gave them some basic geotechnical information, but it was basically up to them to complete the detailed design. Nobody was 100 per cent sure that the crossing and the drilling could be achieved until we had the detailed design information. We worked very cooperatively with UEA.”

Boots on the ground Additional geotechnical boreholes undertaken during the design phase had shown loose soils, gravel and cobble present and had informed a casing length of up to 130 m – a length never undertaken by UEA previously. Casing installation was successfully completed to 129 m from the rig using a variety of methods and casing sizes. Commencement of the pilot bore, the guided portion of the HDD works, started as planned and proceeded well until approximately 550 m out from the drill rig. Historical geotechnical borehole logs and seismic data had inferred that the rock profile was

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

horizontally planed, but during the pilot hole construction an ancient paleo channel was encountered resulting in potential fluid loss given the extended length of the bore. Works onsite ceased while calculations to allow the pipeline to be installed deeper were confirmed. Upon design confirmation the pilot bore was recommenced at a level 10 m lower than the previous design and successfully completed in rock across the Shoalhaven River, under the Manildra Group Ethanol distillery plant to the designated exit point without fluid loss to the formation. A second Maxi rig was mobilised to the northern side of the river to undertake the 24 inch (610 mm) back ream for the 400 mm PN32 HDPE pipe. Back reaming commenced shortly after mobilisation of the second rig with the aid of a tailstring to help secure the borehole at all times. Punishing conditions caused significant wear on the HDD tooling and resulted in slower than expected progression, although the overall works program was still able to be maintained. Correlation between later geotechnical boreholes, progression rates and tooling wear confirmed rock strengths more than 250 mPa for the deeper sections of the bore – some of the hardest rock UEA has ever had to drill. With the completion of the pilot bore and reaming underway, attention turned to the other required works – three minor HDDs from 36 to 200 m in length, more than 1 km of trenching in potential and actual acid sulphate soils and the installation of associated valves, pits and fittings. The open cut trenching progressed well on three fronts and allowed all minor HDDs to be tied into the overall pipeline works. Also undertaken during for major HDD reaming operation was the welding, stringing and testing of the unique and Australian first 400 mm PN32 HDPE pipe. Manufactured by Vinidex under strict quality control standards witnessed by UEA as part of the project QA system, the 400 mm PN32 pipe made to European Standards out of H112PC resin otherwise known as PE112, allowed for a lower slump, more uniform wall thickness and stiffer pipeline. For added security and lower risk, an above ground pressure test was undertaken to ensure compliance with the specification as well as a rigorous 1:10 destructive weld test frequency passing all required NATA tests. Although slower than anticipated, the back reaming was completed in one pass using multiple reamers to achieve the final reamed borehole. At the completion of the reaming pass, a suitable sized

barrel reamer was utilised to pig and prove the borehole ready for pipe installation. Although reamed by the drill rig on the northern side of the bore, given the available pipe welding and stringing room the pipe was installed by a rig based on the southern side of the river. Shoalhaven Water Executive Manager Robert Horner says being able to deliver this HDD crossing was vital to the efficiency, time and cost parameters of the project. “If we couldn’t achieve the pipeline crossing, then we would have to have diverted or constructed a pipeline through basically the town centre of Bomaderry and then to the Shoalhaven River bridge, traversing through rock, and crossing across the bridge and then to the Nowra treatment plant,” he says. “We would probably still be designing that now if the drilling had failed. It was an extremely important part of this or the we’d be still working on the project.” Following the successful installation of the Shoalhaven River crossing, a NATA-certified pressure test was undertaken to ensure that no

defects were evident in the installed pipe and that all outstanding sections of the pipeline could be tied together and readied for commissioning. Given the very high water quality required to be delivered by the pipeline, a rigorous flushing and swabbing process was followed to ensure a clean and defect free pipeline was able to be handed over to Shoalhaven Water. Prior to handover a further pressure test was undertaken of the entire pipeline to test all sections for conformance and ensure that it was compliant to the specifications. Mr Horner says UEA’s work throughout the project had been to the highest standard. “They were fantastic,” he says. “They led us through the design process. We [Shoalhaven Water] are not experts on drilling, but they certainly indicated to us that they are. “We’ve used them before on previous projects, so we had some knowledge of them, but certainly they demonstrated their expertise in the drilling area, without a doubt, on a very, very complex project. We would definitely work with them again.”

Casing installation was successfully completed to 129 m from the rig using a variety of methods and casing sizes.

For any enquiries relating to HDD projects feel free to get in touch or for more information visit www.uea.com.au The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

Making sliplining kwik and easy The only Australian-owned product of its kind on the market, kwik-ZIP spacers can provide the flexibility to deal with all kinds of project requirements through a large product range suitable for various carrier and casing pipe size combinations.

wik-ZIP spacers and centralizers cater for a wide variety of inner diameter and outer diameter combinations, and a wide range of models which can be used when dealing with last minute project alterations. The company’s products have been developed to solve support, grading and centralisation challenges in numerous industries, seeing consistent use in many industry sectors such as trenchless pipeline, civil construction and ground engineering. The spacers contain no metal parts and are made from the company’s own engineered thermoplastic blend that is flexible, tough and has a low coefficient of friction – and the products are used and recommended by pipeline and civil contractors, water and gas utilities, drilling companies and international engineering firms.

The easy choice Last year, kwik-ZIP’s HDX-90 spacers were installed by Pezzimenti Trenchless to facilitate the sliplining of a new water main for the Holden Reservoir Inlet Pipeline in Melbourne, Victoria. The spacers assisted the 813 mm cement lined steel water main into a steel encasing pipe, with the spacer’s unique load sharing design

maximising the load bearing capacity of each runner. Pezzimenti Trenchless Managing Director Joe Pezzimenti says the company has been using kwik-ZIP spacers for sliplining installations for many years. “Whether the carrier pipe is plastic, GRP or heavy weight steel kwik-ZIP has a spacer to do the job,” he says. “Their technical support and excellent customer service make using kwik-ZIP spacers an easy decision.” Similarly, kwik-ZIP HDX-90 spacers were also used as part of the Haughton Pipeline Duplication Project, which was completed in Queensland in 2020. The 36 km pipeline project involved a 54 m crossing of Woodstock Giru Road at Majors Creek and a 120 m crossing of the Flinders Highway and Great Northern Railway at Toonpan. kwik-ZIP says its spacers were selected to help facilitate the project due to their ability to protect and support the carrier pipe during the sliplining process. The project included a DN 1800 glass reinforced plastic carrier pipe and a DN 2100 reinforced concrete jacking pipe for the casing. kwik-ZIP says this project highlights its spacers’

“ability to support heavy carrier pipe installation on low friction wear pads that resist abrasion from the casing pipe surface”. As the pipes were not being grouted after installation, the spacers also need to support the weight of the pipe and water for the life of the installation. The carrier pipe weighed 400 kg/m during installation and more than 3,000 kg/m when full of water. Due to the weight of the pipe and water, the kwik-ZIP spacer rings were installed at 0.5 m intervals. The HDX’s unique load sharing design maximises the load bearing capacity of each runner and reduces point loading, creating a simple and efficient installation process that does not require any special tools. With a head office in Bunbury, Western Australia and warehouse facilities in Sydney, Texas and the UK, kwik-ZIP endeavours to support projects both nationally and internationally through the supply of its spacer systems and offering practical advice.

For more information visit www.kwikzip.com

kwik-ZIP HDX-90 spacers were used to support the sliplining process during the Haughton Pipeline Duplication Project.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

Remote Tecno Plug

Non-intrusive Inline Isolation ZERO-ENERGY ZONE

taper lock grips

DNV GL TYPE APPROVAL

isolated pipeline PIPELINE PRESSURE

DUAL Leak-Tight Seals double block & monitor isolation

The Remote Tecno Plug® provides fail-safe double block and monitored isolation of pressurised pipelines while the system remains live and at operating pressure.

PROJECTS

STATS goes subsea for vital Bass Strait tie-in STATS Group was contracted by a global engineering and construction company to provide a subsea mechanical clamp and hot tapping services in Bass Strait, offshore Victoria.

he 18 inch (457 mm) clamp incorporated a 12 inch (304 mm) offtake to provide a tie-in point to allow a new gas field to be brought online and fed into the existing 18 inch gas pipeline. STATS Group designed and manufactured a mechanical clamp based on the pipeline parameters and to the client's exact specification. The 18 inch clamp was designed to class 900 with a 1500 class 12 inch branch. Following manufacture, STATS conducted a full client witnessed Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) program on both the mechanical clamp and hot tap machine at its headquarters in Kintore, Aberdeenshire. The FAT was conducted using STATS live remote monitoring system, which offers a unique opportunity for clients to witness an FAT without the need to attend their facilities in person. The remote monitoring system is a collection of live feeds from cameras and other devices, all brought together in a centralised and secure web console. The FAT was carried out and captured using high-definition video, real-time voice communication and file sharing to allow two-way communications and interaction between client personnel and STATS onsite team throughout testing. This system was particularly beneficial to the client who was based in Australia, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions. Post pandemic, the remote monitoring system will provide significant savings for clients in travel and accommodation costs and time out of the office. In addition, this approach allows clients to reduce their carbon footprint, aligning with sustainability policies and therefore helping to protect the environment.

System integration test and diver familiarisation training in Victoria, Australia.

SureTap hot tap machine, valve and mechanical clamp assembly.

Delivery in Australia Upon successful completion of all FAT operations and procedures, the equipment was mobilised to Victoria, where diver familiarisation training was carried out prior to mobilisation. With the vessel and equipment at location in the Bass Strait, divers began preparation works at the tie-in point to dredge the pipeline and remove marine growth. A hot tap skid was then overboarded and positioned in the trench next to the pipeline. The hot tap assembly including STATS SureTap hot tap machine, 12 inch (304 mm) valve and mechanical clamp, which was pre-assembled and rigged onto the frame, was overboarded and lowered onto guideposts on the hot tap skid. Once positioned next to the pipeline, the hot tap machine was angled by 2 degrees and rigged onto the pipeline. The clamp was then hydraulically activated, closing the two halves of the clamp around the pipeline and bolted together. STATS mechanical clamp design incorporates dual seals and locks, the locks are mounted outside the pressure boundary which positions them away from the pipeline contents and provides optimal loading to the pipeline. Clamp seal compression flanges were then actuated to set the seals which are energised against the pipewall without setting the clamp locks. This allows a pressure test of the seal annulus cavity to be carried out, confirming that the seals are leak-tight and the pressure boundary sound. Once the seal test is confirmed the locks are then set, each lock segment is The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

independently activated to ensure each lock fully engages onto the pipewall. This feature is particularly beneficial on pipelines that are oval, ensuring full lock engagement. A final seal test ensured the clamp integrity prior to hot tapping into the pipeline. A leak-test of the clamp against the closed valve was successfully conducted, this allowed the pressure to be equalised from the hot tap machine and the valve was opened. The hot tap cutter was manually fed by diver up to the pipewall before the divers returned to the dive bell. The hot tapping operation was then conducted while the 18 inch pipeline remained at 72.5 bar, the cut pipe coupon was retracted with the hot tap cutter and the 12 inch valve was closed. With hot tapping completed, the hot machine was unbolted from the valve and removed from the water with the deployment frame. A short pipe spool was lowered and positioned onto the subsea skid before being rigged and bolded onto the 12 inch valve providing the new tie-in point for the 6 km flowline. “The subsea tie-in was safely completed without incident and the successful project is testament to the teamwork and good communication between all parties,” says STATS Regional Manager for Asia Pacific Gareth Campbell.

For more information visit www.statsgroup.com

MAKE THE CONNECTION

WITH THE ORIGINAL DRESSER PIPE COUPLING SINCE 1891

No pipe end Preparation Absorbs vibration Replacement parts Allows angular deflection Provides flexibility Absorbs expansion and contraction Long body, reducing and insulated options available BOLT

FOLLOWER

Replacement Gaskets Available NUT

Pipeline Repair Clamps and Sleeves Service Saddles and Fittings

GASKET

MIDDLE RING

Tapping Sleeves and Line top Fittings Expansion Joints and Dismantling Joints Pipe restraint options for most applications

System Design, Installation, Maintenance and Corrosion Surveys. RPEQ Engineer and NACE Qualified Field Engineers. ISO Accredited for Quality, Safety and the Environment. Materials, Product Support and Supply- we use the products that we sell! CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS ANY OF YOUR REQUIREMENTS

NEW ZEALAND? www.lordco.co.nz | 04 939 3944

PROJECTS

Another string to the Pipe Tek bow Pipe Tek is a dedicated pipeline testing firm that presents a direct approach to service and safety, offering its clients the full package. Recently, the company added pipeline abandonment to its extensive list of capabilities, solidifying its status as one of the industry’s top testing agencies.

n 2020, Pipe Tek completed the Heytesbury Abandonment project in Victoria’s Otway Basin on behalf of Beach Energy and Lochard Energy. The region has historically been home to a plethora of oil and gas assets; however, with some of this infrastructure now ageing, abandonment works, like on the Heytesbury gathering and flowlines, has become extremely important. Pipe Tek undertook and completed dewatering works of 6.34 km of DN150 steel pipelines, including the McIntee Well to Western Manifold, Tregony Well to Tregony Tie-in and Fenton Creek Well to Eastern Manifold. Company personnel also completed the dewatering of 9.39 km of mono ethylene glycol (MEG) across the McIntee, Tregony, Mylor and Heytesbury MEG lines, as well as degassing 3.05 km of DN200 pipeline from the Eastern Manifold to the Heytesbury Gas Facility. Water samples acquired during the works were analysed by a NATA-certified laboratory, before being tracked and disposed of in a

completely environmentally compliant manner. Similarly, pipes from the job were excavated at all risers, cut and capped and then disposed of in accordance with environmental compliance guidelines. Throughout the project, Pipe Tek prioritised the safety of its workers and the surrounding area, with some of the project works conducted beside other live pipelines, while two concrete pits also required removal in order to complete the task. All land impacted was fully rehabilitated to its original form, leaving no negative footprint on the environment and allowing farming activities to resume in the surrounding area.

Pipeline experts Pipe Tek is the exclusive provider of Enduro Pipeline Services’ extensive range of pipeline inspection technologies in Australasia, supplying these tools along with expert services to the region’s oil and gas industry. All inline inspection tools will be operated and calibrated by Pipe Tek’s fully certified

Pipe Tek completed the Heytesbury Abandonment project in Victoria’s Otway Basin on behalf of Beach Energy and Lochard Energy.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

Australian personnel, guaranteeing only the best in service and industry knowledge, with all tools serviced and calibrated in Brisbane. Pipe Tek continues to offer cost-effective pigging solutions to ensure pipeline operators can maintain an efficient, safe and debris-free pipeline that runs online at its intended maximum efficiency. The company prides itself on its efficiency and dedication to safety, with the ability to acquire field reports for clients within 24 hours of conducting inspection and deliver final reports within 30 days. Pipe Tek has pigged, cleaned, dried, tested and certified pipelines up to 70 inches (1,778 mm) in diameter, completed works all around Australia and is expanding its reputation as one of the most trusted names in pipeline inspection.

For more information visit www.pipetek.com.au

Analytics-Driven Network Assessments

Traditional gas network assessments are based on incomplete or stale historical data.

Advanced Leak Detection

Assess the true, current condition of your pipeline network with Picarro’s broad portfolio of analyticsdriven solutions for: Informed pipeline replacement choices

Super Emitter Surveying & Emissions Management

Improved network safety Reduced greenhouse gas methane emissions

Pipe Replacement Prioritization

Hardware-Enabled Software Solutions for the Energy Industry energy.picarro.com

APACEnergy@picarro.com

REHABILITATION & REPAIR

Enabling major infrastructure projects With the Australian Government set to spend $110 billion over the next 10 years on infrastructure programs as part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, a critical path for these large projects is enabling works. As the nature of relocating utilities within these congested urban environments is complex in nature, early contractor engagement can prevent delays, lower risk and minimise impact on the community.

pecialising in complex water, wastewater, gas and electrical utilities works, Diona has delivered essential community infrastructure in Australia for more than 40 years. During that time, the company has seen a shift in ways of working with an increasing focus on involving contactors earlier in design and construction projects with a focus on proactive risk mitigation. This approach has made project delivery more efficient, reducing overall project costs by around 26 per cent. Diona’s work on the $30 million Ausgrid Eastern CBD project in Sydney was a great example of how early contractor involvement improved constructability with considerable savings to the client across the delivery phase with value engineered out problems and route selection.

Other major utilities relocations and installations nationally have included projects such as: • Eastern Distributor, Cross City Tunnel and M5 in the early 2000’s – water diversion, sewer and drainage works. • Sydney and Parramatta Light Rail projects

enabling utilities relocations. • Ausgrid Eastern CBD. • Gawler East Link. • Albion Park Rail Bypass Project. • Sydney Metro North West. • Most recently Brisbane Metro early works.

Making way for Brisbane Metro More recently, Diona was successfully engaged through a tender process on the complex sewer infrastructure relocation in South Brisbane as part of the Brisbane Metro early works. These works required diversion of the sewer infrastructure in order to maintain the network’s functionality. The current sewerage pump station (SPS) needed to be relocated to 63 Grey Street in South Brisbane. The scope also required construction of a trunk gravity sewer system from the existing SPS to the newly constructed SPS 266 and a new sewer rising main (SRM) from SPS 266 to the Victoria Bridge abutment (Stanley Street loop road). Through separate tender processes, Diona was

The launch pit at Diona’s Grey Street works.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

engaged to deliver both packages of work simultaneously which provided Brisbane City Council and Urban Utilities with a single interface and created efficiencies across the project. “The project has been a milestone for the Queensland team, and it was incredible to work on a project that had such a challenging scope,” says Diona Queensland State Manager Richard Willis. “We had to build a 17 m deep structure beside a high-rise building, on a very congested site. There were numerous constraints around working in the vicinity of high-rise buildings, protected trees, customer impacts, deep excavations, confined spaces, temporary works design, traffic management and trenchless works. Early engagement with our in-house crews during the planning phase was critical to the success of the project and much of the innovation in our approach came from our teams on the ground. “Through our early engagement with the client, we engineered a solution that involved two circular piled shafts for the wet well and grit chamber, significantly reducing the footprint required to construct the 17 m deep pump station. This solution also had great benefits during construction such as reducing noise and vibration impact to nearby buildings, making the excavation watertight, and the piling rig was utilised to pre-drill the rock prior to excavation.” The project also included significant microtunnelling works involving a 250 m x 1.2 m diameter microtunnel at 12 m depth under Grey Street and a 36 m tunnel into the pump station through varied ground conditions. The team used a combination of slide rail boxes and shotcreting to access the required depth for the tunnel boring machine to minimise vibration and noise impact to the surrounding area. Diona engaged specialists Rob Carr at pre-tender stage and, through its extensive experience and invaluable technical expertise, the tunnelling works were completed ahead of the Christmas period reducing impacts to the heritage listed Queensland Museum and Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and local community during a busy period. Diona also completed dual trench installation of the rising main and Energex conduit through the Queensland Cultural Centre precinct, which was heavily congested with multiple utilities. The sewer rising main also consisted of 50 m of sewer pipe with an outside diameter of 324 mm suspended

REHABILITATION & REPAIR

from the Victoria Bridge abutment (Stanley Street Bridge underpass) before tying into the existing SRM on the Victoria Bridge abutment. Keeping its crews and the community safe during the works was the top priority for Diona. During the project, Diona launched its CareFactor Program, aimed at taking safety beyond compliance and building a safety culture around trust, care and mateship. “We engaged Clive Lloyd from GYST Consulting who delivered the program to our operational leaders. We’ve seen a significant mindset shift amongst our crews and higher levels of engagement around risk management,” says Mr Willis. “Thanks to the great leadership from our site supervision and engagement with our crews at every stage, this project has been completed with zero lost time injuries.” Despite all the challenges of working within the CBD location, managing major traffic switches, maintaining access for buses and pedestrians, and managing multiple stakeholders, the works are scheduled to be completed on time. “This project is a great example of the power of engaging early with the local market and specialist engineering companies such as Diona who self-perform this work.”

New SPS 266 under construction and launch pit for microtunnel adjacent on Grey Street.

The complete package Already one of Australia’s most trusted engineering companies, Diona continues to grow within the utility and facilities infrastructure sector. With three major framework agreements in the water space and continued success within the power sector, the company is showing no signs of slowing down and is evolving and expanding their service offering. “We’re on a growth projection over the next five years,” says Diona Executive General Manager Construction & Maintenance Rhonda McSweeney. “The business will be moving into an increased focus on sustainability and renewables. We’ve recently acquired some geothermal rigs which are

working across the company and emerging into the solar and hydrogen markets. We have also increased our specialised power equipment over the year and now have one of the largest cable plant set-ups. “We’re providing essential services to communities. We take a lot of pride in doing that work and making sure that we’re providing a safe pair of hands for our clients and helping the communities we work in thrive.”

For more information visit www.diona.com.au

H[COHO.OOCUM[Nl.O[llV[H.ANAlYZ[. THE NEW DATALOGGElf7 .(rJ.';'

The new Data logger® l's long-life battery and hot-swappable battery option allow your fusion jobsite to keep wor�ng no matter how long the workday. Capture a comprehensive record of your entire job on one rugged tablet - from machine/operator information to pipe specifications and GPS locations. Analyze reports to ensure that industry standards have been met.

REHABILITATION & REPAIR

Serving up the highest quality pipeline services PipeServ specialises in providing quality products and services to all sectors of the pipeline industry, including owners and operators, refineries, plants, and offshore facilities and projects. The epoxy filler is multi-purpose – providing for corrosion protection, leak sealing and for load transfer of pipeline to sleeve. Once installed, the RAMFILL repair sleeve restores safety of operation to the pipeline in the area where the welding is reinforced by restoring the stress resistance to equal or higher values of the original conditions of the pipeline.

Ovolift equipment achieves pipe lifts without the need of cranes.

Repair clamps

ith more than 30 years of industry experience and an infallible commitment to delivering innovative and tailored solutions for any client’s specific needs and requirements, PipeServ continues to work alongside leading industry manufacturers to provide leading repair and maintenance solutions. The company has been involved in many repair and rehabilitation projects in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia, providing solutions to look after pipe spools, pipelines and heat exchangers. PipeServ is always looking to enhance and modify its product and service offerings, and its current inventory of equipment is both comprehensive and advanced.

Ovolifts Brand new to the Australian market, PipeServ is now offering Ovolifts to pipeline professionals around Australia. This equipment is a proven global solution for on-stream pipe inspections and remediation programs thanks to a unique and patented technology, developed in conjunction with the petrochemical industry, for providing safe access to multiple pipe touchpoints in a live environment. Ovolift systems achieve lifting heights of up to 6 inches (152 mm), ideal for performing nondestructive testing, maintenance or improvements, and lifting is done remotely using hydraulic rams to avoid personnel exposure and risks. The lift is then vertically secured, declared a static structure (rather than a suspended load) and therefore safe to

conduct work underneath. These pipe lifts are achieved without the need of cranes, saving them for larger and heavier scopes.

Composite repair wraps ClockSpring|NRI is the world’s leading manufacturer of permanent and temporary composite pipeline repair solutions, and PipeServ has access to the full suite of highly engineered composite repair, rehabilitation, and construction solutions for critical infrastructure. ClockSpring|NRI’s products are designed to provide structural reinforcement, leak repair, and corrosion prevention for pipeline and process piping applications. These proven solutions are quick to install, costeffective, and can be installed without service interruption. Once cured, these repairs make the repaired pipe stronger than the original, allowing personnel to continue operating at the maximum allowable operating pressure. The “ATLAS” carbon fibre wrap has been tested and used on pipeline crack repairs.

Pipeline repair sleeves PipeServ supplies RAMFILL steel reinforcement sleeves, which are designed per AS2885/API/ANSI/ ASME standards and are easy and quick to install on pipelines in operation. The sleeves provide full encapsulation repair and are rated to the pipeline design pressures and temperatures as specified by the client. RAMFILL sleeves are available in any size or shape needed for pipeline repair or encapsulation of valves, flanges or fittings. The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

Romacon Petro is a leading manufacturer of highpressure pipeline repair products for offshore and onshore transmission pipelines for the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. These various pipeline repair solutions are designed and manufactured in various pressure classes (up to ANSI 1500#) with the knowledge that Romacon Petro is ISO 9001 certified. PipeServ offers Romacon Petro boltable and weldable split sleeves and repair clamps used for making permanent repairs to onshore and offshore pipelines, and these clamps are supplied with radiographic, hydrostatic and mill certificates.

Grouted tee DNV’s grouted tee is an alternative to welded hot tap and plug fittings for high- and low-pressure pipelines that does not require the expense of major welding operations. This fitting involves placing two half shells, one containing the new branch, around the pipe and bolting them together. The shell is sized to allow an annular gap between the bore of the shells and the outside diameter of the parent pipe. In this annular gap a “saddle” seal, positioned around the neck of the branch pipe, is compressed by a controlled amount, and the area outside the seal is then filled with grout which, when set, bonds the pipe to the outer shell. The seal is designed to provide the full pressure containment, while the grout provides a mechanical connection between the pipe and the grouted tee. This fitting has been designed, tested and qualified for a 50yr service life. The DNV grouted tee is suitable for standard and heavy wall pipelines but, greater still, suitable for thin-wall pipelines.

For more information visit www.pipeserv.com

Safety with Productivity Pipeline Plant Hire provides innovative solutions increasing Safety and Productivity

PIPE HANDLING? Australian Designed and Built industry leading VacLifts and Pipe Handling systems deliver more features and benefits than any other machine available. Made by Pipeliners’ for Pipeliners’. Your machine or ours, our extensive range of VacLift equipment covers from poly pipe to large diameter steel pipe weighing 15Tonne.

We can engineer a solution to suit your project needs Not just a hire company, our extensive industry experience will match the best equipment to your project needs. We are continually adding new machines to our fleet broadening the type, range and quantity.

Fully Equipped Heavy Plant Hire ONE CALL - PROBLEM SOLVED 1300 367 046 www.pipelineplanthire.com.au

REHABILITATION & REPAIR

Baker Hughes has the recipe for composite pipe success Baker Hughes is helping the energy industry transition into a low carbon future through its advanced composite pipe solutions. The company’s in-depth expertise and innovative designs are suitable for a broad range of applications and are increasing both asset production and integrity throughout the sector.

aker Hughes is a global energy technology company with a diverse and extensive portfolio of equipment and service capabilities that see it participate in every aspect of the industry value chain. This broad portfolio allows the company to tackle complex projects and help solve some of the industry’s greatest challenges, particularly during periods of significant transition like are currently being experienced across the energy landscape.

A modern pipeline choice Baker Hughes’ composite pipe technology was bred from the company’s vast experience across the international pipeline industry and the new demands created by the energy transition. As such, its composite pipes are designed to serve applications in high pressures, high temperatures, and corrosive environments at a lower cost of ownership. Although spoolable pipeline products were originally introduced to develop hydrocarbon reservoirs in the ocean connecting floating production storage and offloading units, Baker Hughes has leveraged the knowledge of this technology spectrum to drive onshore progress, and

Baker Hughes produces the composite pipe at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.

today these flexible composite pipe solutions serve as the natural transition from steel pipe to nonmetallic pipe. The spoolable, lightweight design of reinforced composite pipe allows for fewer trucks to transport materials to the installation site, with one truck able to transport 3.5 km of composite pipe compared with only 1.5 km of traditional steel pipe. Installation is simpler, faster and more cost effective than rigid steel or poly HDPE pipes with less connections and no need for welding or nondestructive testing.

Baker Hughes’ flexible composite pipe solutions serve as the natural transition from steel pipe to non-metallic pipe.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

From an environmental perspective, the ultralow permeation and corrosion resistance ultimately lowers fugitive emissions, decreasing the potentially risky exposure for front line workers and the overall emission of greenhouse gasses like CO2. Additionally, the low-corrosion design limits the demand for metallic raw materials that carry a significant environmental cost and means less carbon intensity. The design of the composite pipe is also more durable than steel, which corrodes over a significantly shorter period than the

REHABILITATION & REPAIR

corrosion-resistant composite pipe and enables the maintenance of original flow rates for the life of the pipeline. This heavily reduces the activities, costs and environmental impacts that comes with replacing steel pipelines, and, when steel pipes do require rehabilitation, a flexible thermoplastic pipe can be pulled through the existing line, saving material and labour expenses.

Ready for anything Baker Hughes’ reinforced composite pipes have the strength of steel pipe, with increased durability, making them ideal for hydrocarbon fluid transport across a wide range of environments. The company also offers different lining options to suit the specific needs of different service requirements. When lined with HDPE, the pipes are corrosion free and possess good erosion resistance, making them suitable for produced and potable water pipelines, mining and crude oil. PA6 or PA12 Nylon lining leads to better erosion resistance, better chemical resistance and a low permeation to gases, which is suitable for flowlines, gathering systems and injection lines for gas,

Baker Hughes is now producing flexible, spoolable composite pipe.

oil, brine, slurries and chemicals. For the best corrosion resistance, lowest permeation to gases and a superior chemical and acid resistance, Baker Hughes offers composite pipes with a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) lining. These PPS-lined pipes can be used for crude oil, gas, brine, slurries and harsh chemicals in flowlines, gathering systems and injection lines.

In particular, PPS is suited to H2S, hydrogen and CO2 applications. To produce these piping solutions, Baker Hughes operates two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, while its field services and engineering teams are able to collaborate with clients in real time to provide solutions on new installations, rehabilitations, and more.

For more information visit www.bakerhughescompositepipe.com

Proven hydrogen experience We are proud of our involvement in one of Australia’s first pilot hydrogen projects. Our experienced technical team designed, manufactured & commissioned hydrogen control panels to aid in the supply & regulation of hydrogen to the gas network and other on-site applications. At PAC, we are playing our part in the decarbonisation of Australia’s energy systems by supplying equipment and systems for the generation, transport and storage of hydrogen. We know Hydrogen.

PIPELINE ACTUATION CONTROL

pipact.com.au

REHABILITATION & REPAIR

The pro choice Pro Pipe Services offers smart solutions for pipeline issues through its highly skilled technicians and world-class knowledge. The company has the equipment and capabilities to handle a full range of pipeline projects on all types of pipe and product, delivering top quality service each and every time.

ro Pipe Services provides safe and reliable services for the gas distribution, gas transmission, industrial, offshore, pipeline and refining industries throughout the Asia Pacific region. With more than 40 years of experience to draw on, the company can work with any material, including steel, polyethylene, cast iron, PVC and more, and is available for 24/7 emergency services. The company’s line isolation works enable it to perform repairs and routine maintenance, alterations, adjustments and emergency repairs on pipelines with minimal disruption to flow. It also has the equipment necessary to hot tap a range of pipelines in different sizes and across various materials to repair and maintain live, pressurised pipelines. Additionally, Pro Pipe Services’ can safely and quickly cut pipes for alterations, installation and maintenance work, as well as provide regular and scheduled services to keep pipelines flowing smoothly and with maximum efficiency.

In the field Pro Pipe Services’ skills are regularly on display across Australia thanks to its ability to work

anywhere at any time. On a recent Melbourne project, the team’s professional technicians delivered a double 12 inch (300 mm) high pressure distribution alteration with a 110 mm PE main re-routed for a major development in the heart of the city. All works were completed after hours, on time and without any safety incidents, minimising any disruptions to the surrounding homes and businesses. Pro Pipe Services is also regularly called on to remove redundant pipe on major infrastructure projects, including earlier in 2021 in West Melbourne for a future development on the banks of the Yarra River. The team cut up and removed an old 750 mm pipeline for the project and, in a nod to the experience level of the company, some of its personnel had worked on this same line in the 1990s, hot tapping and isolating the pipe for the Crown Casino relocation. Proving that working anytime and anywhere as required isn’t just something to be said, recently the company undertook a number of projects across three different states, working day and night. The works included steel, PE and cast-iron line isolation, along with the

8 inch (DN200) 600# hot tap tie-in into 12 inch (DN300) transmission pipeline and installation of pig guide bars, Waurn Ponds.

completion of 28 hot taps in 6 days for one of the company’s solution partners. This work was all completed on time and as requested, but most importantly was accomplished in a safe environment with no issues reported. Pro Pipe Services always places the safety of its workers, customers and the public above all else and is committed to overcoming any challenge and completing all required works with the utmost professionalism and efficiency.

For more information visit www.propipeservices.com

Completing a 6 inch (DN150) 600# hot tap into 18 inch (DN450) transmission pipeline.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

DRIVING PROGRESS

Engineer

Procure

Construct

Maintain

We offer the complete solution throughout the full project life cycle. This integrated approach means you can engage us at one or all the stages of the project, leveraging our experience and expertise.

mcconnelldowell.com

REHABILITATION & REPAIR

Picarro Director of Gas Sales and Marketing Doug Ward.

The optimum choice in pipeline analytics Picarro is a leading provider of hardware-enabled software solutions for the energy industry and has now introduced its gas network assessment and pipeline replacement optimisation applications to the Australian market.

icarro has worked with a number of natural gas operators worldwide to establish itself as a pioneer in analyticsdriven leak detection. Now, the company has introduced its pipeline replacement optimisation system to Australia, helping asset operators and owners mitigate on average 1.5x more leaks than traditional methods, saving costs and improving safety exponentially.

Superior analytics For the gas network assessment and pipeline replacement optimisation applications, rather than identify individual leaks, Picarro’s analytics estimate leak density (leaks per km) and measure the actual, aggregated methane emissions along the pipe segments or areas in question. This solution combines data analytics with a vehicle-based methane emissions data collection platform to assist with capital replacement decisions. Additional applications of these analytics enable

better-informed risk reduction programs and targeted emissions reduction programs. In one example, the Picarro system was employed by a major US utility in 2018 to assist in prioritising the replacement of low-pressure cast iron pipes during a phase of its system redevelopment and modernisation. In this program, the utility calculated a hazard index from its traditional risk distribution integrity management program (DIMP) model to determine which 1 mile² (2.58 km²) grids would be prioritised for replacement. Picarro then collected methane emissions data on 44 of these grids, totalling 280 miles (450.6 km) of main, and the grids were further prioritised. Grids having emissions of 4.5 L per minute per mile or more were accelerated in priority for replacement in 2019 – in this case, six grids were accelerated based on Picarro’s methane data. To further understand the effectiveness of this The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

method, a comparison was made between the utility’s DIMP model and a combined model that incorporated Picarro methane data on top of the DIMP model. The model combining both DIMP and Picarro system was found to do a superior job of predicting where leaks will be located, and more granular models enhanced with methane data offered a significant opportunity for improving capital efficiency of pipe replacement projects. This comparison also demonstrated that a model using only Picarro’s methane data analytics outperforms the DIMP model but is not as good as a model that combines the two. Picarro Director of Gas Sales and Marketing Doug Ward says Picarro’s information is another layer for asset owners and operators to add onto their integrity management programs. “Utilities also use their leak history, and other sets of data, combined with Picarro data, to improve the risk and forecast models of pipelines. The Picarro analytics consultancy capability assists

REHABILITATION & REPAIR

in integration of our data into the utility’s current sets of data,” he says. “Emissions are a better predicter of likelihood of failure than pipe age. For the mentioned US utility case study, with no emissions data, the company

only reduced about 60 leaks for the km of pipeline they were replacing; however, by adding Picarro data they bumped that up from 60 to 165, so you can see the improvement.” “We’re talking about on average 1.5x and

The combination of the Picarro System with DIMP enables more efficient location and remediation of high-emitting methane leaks, improving capital efficiency of pipe replacement projects.

occasionally sometimes as much as 2x to 3x improvement on the amount of leaks a utility can take out of its system using Picarro’s analytics.” Mr. Ward says this approach is relatively new for the Australian market, with Picarro now beginning to work with domestic companies to optimise their pipeline assets. “What we’re providing is a current state of the condition of the pipes,” he says. “In a lot of cases in Australia, companies may not have had a recent survey of their entire system, so the data may be stale – it may have been done three or four years ago. We’re finding about 90 per cent or more of leaks in a pipeline with our technology. So, if you’re only finding a smaller percentage using traditional leak detection methods, you really don’t have sufficient actual leakage information about your network to be able to effectively assess it. “Picarro’s combination of powerful analytics, advanced methane data collection technology, and expert consultancy is unique to the industry. That’s why we’re the world leader with this approach.”

For more information visit energy.picarro.com

www.peternorman.com.au

1300 THE KEY (1300 843 539)

pipework@peternorman.com.au Labour Hire Licensed – Qld: LHL-01399-Q3Q9L | SA: LHS297644 | Vic: VICLHL01012

The Key to Personnel - placements & payroll for 25+ years

Vacuworx and Qube give the NGI a lift Vacuworx and Qube are once again proving vacuum lifting technology is the superior choice for handling large-scale pipeline projects, this time for APA Group’s Northern Goldfields Interconnect.

n November 2020, APA Group announced it would invest up to $460 million in the new Northern Goldfields Interconnect (NGI) – a 580 km, 12-inch (304 mm) pipeline that will connect emerging gas fields in the Perth Basin in Western Australia to the Goldfields region. The new pipeline will connect to APA’s existing Goldfields Gas Pipeline (GGP), which in turn connects to APA’s Eastern Goldfields network, creating an interconnected gas pipeline system covering 2,690 km which is expected to be operational by mid-2022. The construction of the new NGI will benefit from the safety and efficiency of Vacuworx’s vacuum lifting technology. To ensure maximum efficiency and safety during this process, APA and Qube (contracted to handle pipe logistics) will be using Vacuworx lifters to unload incoming ships at Port Geraldton and then unloading the trucks transporting the pipes from the holding yard to the five different lay down yards along the right of way.

• D esigned to lift up to nine pipes at a time. • C onsists of 18 vacuum pads with individual controls. • C omputer controlled with touch screen display and control commands. MC 5 The MC vacuum lifting system is lightweight and designed for use with compact host vehicles. They are ideal for handling pipeline projects such as this and have lift capacities ranging from 3-5 t. The MC 5 operates using a high-capacity

diesel engine and uses wireless remote operation meaning there is no need for dangerous hooks, slings or chains. Its 360o rotation provides precise placement of materials without damaging bonded coatings. Vacuworx Australia General Manager Lou Guevara says as the first-long distance gas pipeline being built in Australia for some time, the NGI was an exciting project to be a part of. “We love working with the Qube team as they are prepared to look at ways to improve their service to their customers. Vacuworx lifters have

Project Lifters CC- MP The CC-MP system is engineered to work or coincide with standard industry equipment such as shipping container dimensions, crane attachments and trailer sizes.

Geraldton Pipe Yard where the first ship load of pipes are being unloaded awaiting transfer to the laydown yards.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

Qube’s Vacuworx CC-MP lifter showing its versatility unloading layers of six and seven rows of pipe with automatic pipe sensing. Eliminating the need to have people in the lifting process speeds up the process while maximising safety.

proven they can help Qube exceed their customers’ expectations in terms of safety and zero pipe damage targets,” he says. No stranger to the Vacuworx lifters, Qube Project Manager Anthony Wells says the company knows and trusts the lifters. “The CC-MP minimises the risks associated with handling pipes from the boat during unloading and in the storage yards. Using vacuum technology protects not only the pipes but also our people; removing the requirement for hands-on loads.” As an industry leader in pipe handling, Vacuworx is committed to continuous innovation and this project benefits from new improvements to the CC-MP. “Our new guidance system, being trialled on the Qube Multi Lifters (CC-MP), has improved

efficiencies and further reduced the need to have people inside the exclusion zones while lifting seven pipes at a time,” says Mr Guevara. On a project on this scale, every efficiency helps. These lifters are projected to perform more than 100,000 lifts throughout the project, handing 33,000 pipes over the nine-month project, and Vacuworx vacuum lifting technology enables fast lift cycles and minimal downtime. Qube is also using an MC 5 to unload the truck in the five laydown yards. “The MC 5 enables us to unload and stockpile the pipe efficiently. It’s a great machine that is reliable and makes our job safer and easier. We can meet the requirements of our customer quickly”, says Mr Wells. “Our job is to continue to offer the most efficient pipe handling methods for our customers, and Vacuworx systems provide that. They [Vacuworx] go over and above to see the project succeed, and the support throughout

the entire project is outstanding!” “We enjoy working with the Qube team!” says Mr Guevara. “They set big challenges, and so far, we have been able to deliver. We continue to look for ways to improve our lifters, and more upgrades are planned for the future that will continue to raise the bar on how pipes are handled during ship offloads.” Vacuworx Australia manufactures, sells, leases, rents and services vacuum lifting systems for the energy, construction, infrastructure and utility industries. Its vacuum lifting systems handle all forms of pipe, plate and slabs, including steel, plastic, concrete and cast-iron pipe, steel plate, steel piling, pre-cast slabs and concrete road barriers. Lifters can be attached to excavators, wheel or track loaders, cranes, pipelayers and forklifts, and can be customised to accommodate various applications and lifting needs.

For information, email sales@vacuworx.com.au or visit www.vacuworx.com

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

Sydney

T: 02 9807 4542 E: sydney@savcor.com.au

Brisbane

T: 07 5549 2248 E: brisbane@savcor.com.au

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

Perth

T: 08 6240 3900 E: perth@savcor.com.au

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

Sadleirs always knows which way to go Sadleirs operates throughout Australia, offering its trusted logistics services to pipeline operators and contractors and taking pride in its reputation and impressive history within the transport industry. The company is continuing to expand its fleet and suite of services, backed by its strong dedication to its brand values.

Sadleirs’ new trucks all come with the latest driver assists, along with added storage and comforts for the driver on their trips.

adleirs is the oldest family-owned company in Western Australia and the second oldest in Australia, providing the full end-to-end solution for its customers’ logistical needs. Already possessing a fleet of vehicles to rival any in the country, Sadleirs has recently commenced the rejuvenation of its linehaul fleet. Its new trucks all come with the latest driver assists, along with added storage and comforts for the driver on their trips. Sadleirs has also added safety features to all its Resources division fleet, which has now been in operation for the past six years. All vehicles have internal and external cameras for monitoring driver behavior and viewing events on the road. Alcolocks have also been equipped in order prevent anyone using a vehicle that has a blood alcohol concentration above 0. For night-time driving, vehicles have been outfitted with Guardian seeing eye machines to monitor driver fatigue. A new installation of G-force sensors are also now being installed to ensure Sadleirs’ operations team is the first to know of any serious incidents. In addition, the company’s trailing fleet is now

expanding with a review of specialised equipment on ramp trailer san deck wideners. Sadleirs’ current flat top and extendable fleet is extremely versatile being setup to support general freight, tubulars with bolsters, generator setups for fridge/freezer setups.

New systems, same strong values Along with an expanding and improving fleet, Sadleirs has also been working on a system rollout of Bustle with its current northwest oil and gas major to give current job status, sign on glass, track and trace on jobs, and online proof of deliveries. It is Sadleirs’ intention to roll this out to other existing and prospective customers to give greater ease of service and transparency in its supply chain. This results in a link to outside services like hotshots, local couriers, and other northwest carriers, and provides visibility of jobs completed by the Sadleirs fleet. Joyce Krane Operations Supervisor Adrian Hardingham says, from a customer’s perspective, Sadleirs always acts with the utmost professionalism. The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

“Sadleirs has a dedicated team of logistics specialists to assist in project work and also day to day requirements. With great ability to flex up and down its resources to meet customer needs and offer a personalised service and a high level of safety and compliance,” he says. “Sadleirs has assisted its newest client Joyce Krane in a number of mobilisations to wharf and sites with oversize loads and counterweights.” The company’s quality fleet is only matched by the commitment of its staff. Sadleirs prides itself on its history within the transport industry and many of its employees have spent decades with the business. Its dedication to the core values of safety, customer commitment, communication, empowerment and respect are unmatched and continue to visible in any project the company undertakes.

For more information visit www.sadleirs.com.au or contact rdsprojects@sadleirs.com.au

PROTAL 7700

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PIPELINE COATING

Fast cure, high build pipeline coating with superior adhesion, gouge, impact and abrasion properties.

DENSO® are leaders in corrosion prevention and sealing technology. With over 135 years’ service to industry, our mainline field joint coating solutions offer reliable and cost effective protection for buried pipelines worldwide.

United Kingdom, UAE & India USA & Canada Australia & New Zealand Republic of South Africa

www.denso.net www.densona.com www.densoaustralia.com.au www.denso.co.za

FOR CORROSION PREVENTION

A MEMBER OF WINN & COALES INTERNATIONAL

HYDROGEN

Integrity of existing pipelines in the transition to hydrogen by Neil Gallon and Mario Humbert, ROSEN Group

ROSEN has developed a holistic hydrogen integrity framework – a roadmap for the safe and efficient conversion of existing gas grids to hydrogen and for the reliable operation of hydrogen pipelines.

limate change is one of the biggest challenges humanity faces in the 21st century. The Paris Agreement goal to limit the global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees requires deep decarbonisation. Ensuring a sustainable, reliable and affordable energy supply during the energy transition introduces new challenges, requiring long-term energy system planning and a shared determination from all involved in the energy system. Electricity and gas will continue to fulfill complementary roles in the future integrated energy system. The major primary sources of renewable energy are wind and solar power; these can be used either directly to generate electricity or indirectly to generate renewable gases. Renewable gases such as hydrogen that enable decarbonization can be transported in existing infrastructures. As the energy transition advances, the gas infrastructure will provide efficient transportation and storage capacity for renewable energy in the form of gaseous energy carriers and will make the overall energy system more flexible and more resilient. The potential of hydrogen has been recognised globally, with initiatives such as the European Hydrogen Backbone consisting of a growing group of now 23 European gas infrastructure companies working together to plan a dedicated hydrogen transport infrastructure. The group has proposed a hydrogen network of 39,700 km by 2040, with further growth expected after 2040. For practical and economic reasons, the future renewable gas infrastructure will mainly be based on the conversion of existing natural-gas transmission pipelines, either to 100 per cent hydrogen or to a blend of hydrogen and natural gas. While the concept of hydrogen pipelines is not new or inherently impossible – there are already thousands of kilometers of hydrogen pipelines in service – the introduction of hydrogen into existing natural-gas transmission and distribution networks creates unique challenges. The challenges associated with converting an existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure can be summarised in two simple questions for pipeline operators.

The ROSEN Group is currently engaged in EPRG and PRCI activities and has joined various partners in the HYREADY joint industry project, which aims to provide guidelines for the transition to hydrogen.

These restrictions can be difficult to follow if converting an existing pipeline. In this case, the construction materials are already present, and the existing operating pressure can be higher than allowable under hydrogen-specific codes. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the challenges and damage mechanisms – and the rationale behind hydrogen-specific restrictions – to identify how to convert pipelines. The management, control and mitigation of these threats can be challenging.

Challenges

Hydrogen integrity framework

The integrity challenges and damage mechanisms involved in hydrogen transport can be split into two main areas. Hydrogen can directly cause defects such as cracking or can act in a more insidious manner by affecting the mechanical properties of the material. Both damage mechanisms result from the dissociation of gaseous hydrogen at the internal surface of the pipeline, leading to the absorption of hydrogen into the pipe wall. The amount of dissociation and adsorption will largely depend on hydrogen’s partial pressure and temperature, while the susceptibility to damage will depend on the amount of absorbed hydrogen, the material microstructure and the stress present. It is generally understood that direct hydrogen cracking is unlikely, as there is simply not enough hydrogen present. That said, the effects on mechanical properties can be significant. The most important mechanical properties of line pipe steel are the strength (yield strength and ultimate tensile strength), ductility, fracture toughness and resistance to fatigue cracking. Some of these factors will be operational and some will be microstructure dependent. When converting existing pipelines, which can often be 40 or 50 years old, understanding the microstructures involved (both parent and weld) is both challenging and critically important. The vast majority of existing hydrogen pipelines have been purpose built and designed to hydrogenspecific codes and standards, which tend to be significantly more restrictive than their natural-gas equivalents in terms of allowable pipeline materials (often restricting to grade X52 or below) and operate at lower pressures to reduce the stresses present.

To support pipeline operators in this process, ROSEN has developed a holistic hydrogen integrity framework, a roadmap for the safe and efficient conversion of existing gas grids to hydrogen and for the reliable operation of hydrogen pipelines aimed at going beyond the decarbonization of the energy system by extending the lifetime of valuable assets. This comprehensive framework is based on the integrated asset management approach. Every transmission and distribution pipeline is unique and will have its own specific set of circumstances. However, this structured approach is generic enough to be widely applicable while allowing sufficient flexibility so that tailored integrity management plans can be developed for each pipeline. This integrity approach is founded on extensive, already completed research on issues such as material susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement and accelerated fatigue cracking, as well as diagnostic technologies that are already available to map material properties, geometry and deformation features where stress levels are elevated, and features that may be starting points for fatigue cracks. The first stage of the integrity framework consists of understanding the potential threats. This aspect is fundamental and requires careful judgment. In essence, the potential threats can be divided into three main categories: First, threats that exist regardless of the medium being transported, such as external corrosion or third-party mechanical damage. Second, direct threats caused by hydrogen, such as cracking. And finally, hydrogen-induced changes to the pipeline material properties, such as embrittlement and increased fatigue susceptibility. These threats should then be assessed against the existing knowledge of the pipeline material

1. Can my existing natural gas pipeline be converted to transport hydrogen instead? 2. How can I manage the integrity of a hydrogen pipeline?

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

HYDROGEN

properties and welding procedures used during the construction, current pipeline conditions, any known features, and the historical and planned operating envelope. A major outcome of this assessment will be the identification of any knowledge gaps regarding current pipeline conditions. These identified knowledge gaps can then be filled using a combination of existing in-line inspection tools and destructive-testing techniques. Of particular relevance for in-line inspection services in the conversion process of existing natural-gas pipelines to hydrogen are crack detection and material property determination. Material property determination is particularly important since in “traditional” natural-gas pipelines, a stronger material was almost always better, leading to pipe mills and operators historically producing and using pipes of significantly higher strength or grade than absolutely required. In hydrogen service, this “advantage of excess strength” is not always the case, with existing construction codes tending to limit the maximum permissible strength. ROSEN’s material property inspection tools include a unique in-line technology that can non-destructively measure the strength of each joint along the length of the pipeline as well as

a technology to identify martensitic hard spots. These services can identify areas of particularly high strength or martensitic hard spots, which may act as focal points for hydrogen-related degradation. Existing features or defects arising either from construction or from in-service damage can be identified and characterized using ROSEN’s variety of crack detection and metal loss tools; this data can then be correlated with material property data to allow for a more accurate assessment of the true threats to the pipeline. In this context, it is also important to note that synergistic benefits can be gained from running multiple inspection technologies, since the information can be overlaid and analysed to assist with improvements of the probability of identification as well as feature classification. Depending on existing knowledge and the current conditions of the pipeline, it may be prudent to run this appropriate combination of diagnostic tools as a baseline inspection in order to facilitate efficient comparison and monitoring of any signs of damage or material degradation in the future. For pipeline systems that already contain hydrogen, ROSEN has tools tested and approved up to 100 per cent hydrogen and 100 bar at ambient temperature, using a specific tool setup

regarding sealing, material of discs and cups, and hydrogen-proofed electronic components, alloys and magnets. These tools have been proven in service, with successful inspections of hydrogen pipelines already having been performed. Once the appropriate pipeline inspection runs have been identified and successfully performed, the gathered information can then be analysed and assessed. These integrity assessments should both identify immediate threats, which will require targeted verification and rehabilitation activities, and provide data for input into fitness-for-hydrogen service activities. Finally, these results will need to be reflected in an updated risk assessment that serves as input for robust future integrity management plans and processes. A holistic approach like the presented hydrogen integrity framework developed and provided by the ROSEN Group enables the safe, economic and successful introduction of hydrogen into the existing natural gas network and continued efficient operation of the pipeline for transporting large amounts of hydrogen.

START PIT

For more information visit www.rosen-group.com

DESTINATION PIT HOST PIPE

HOST PIPE

Trenchless rehabilitation of water mains and sewer rising mains • • • •

Designed developed and made in Germany

Savings of up to 40% compared to open trench Renewal of up to 500 m per day Bends of up to 45° Small pits, minor installation footprint

Raedlinger Primus Line Pty Ltd. Sydney, NSW 2000 | Australia info@primusline.com

www.primusline.com

HYDROGEN

PAC gets on board landmark renewable hydrogen project Pipeline Actuation & Control specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of specialist pneumatic and hydraulic systems, high integrity valves, valve automation and valve control system solutions. The company was recently selected to supply the hydrogen control panels for one of Australia’s first pilot projects to inject renewable hydrogen into a metropolitan gas network. PAC was contracted for the gas distribution panel.

ipeline Actuation & Control’s (PAC) primary expertise has been in the supply of actuated valve packages for offshore oil and gas production facilities; and as part of the HIFraser Group, the company’s capabilities extend into other niche products and services for oil, gas, mining, transport and petrochemical industries. With more than 60 years of industry experience, PAC has extensive familiarity with both onshore pipelines and processing plants and its teams have a broad knowledge of the valve industry, the comprehensive PAC product portfolio, relevant Australian and international standards, and how they are applied to specific systems and project requirements.

Stepping up on hydrogen PAC is currently working on one of Australia’s first pilot projects that will see the injection of renewable hydrogen into one of the country’s metropolitan gas networks. The company has called this project a key step towards decarbonising Australia’s gas networks, which are responsible for delivering as much energy each day as the electricity networks. Unlike combustion of natural gas which releases energy, water and carbon dioxide (CO2), when hydrogen gas is burned only energy and water are released, not CO2. This project enables carbon-free energy to be delivered to homes through not only existing electricity wires, but also existing gas pipes. The project includes the production of hydrogen through electrolysis of water, using a 1 MW electrolyser powered by renewably sourced The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

electricity. Once produced, the facility includes the capacity to store approximately 100 kg of hydrogen onsite, meaning green hydrogen can be dispatched into the grid during times that are decoupled from times of renewable electricity production, like when no wind is blowing and no sun is shining. The storage component of the project will also provide real life project costs which may demonstrate the enormous potential of hydrogen as a buffer storage medium for renewable energy, particularly when scaled up as compared to electric battery storage. PAC has been contracted by the project proponent to supply the hydrogen injection panel, which meters and controls the flow of hydrogen into the existing gas network main. Along with the injection panel, PAC was also awarded a contract

HYDROGEN

for the hydrogen pressure reduction and distribution panel which supplies hydrogen to other hydrogen applications onsite. The panels are designed, manufactured and tested in PAC’s facilities in Perth, Australia. “It’s been great to work with the end user and engineering consultants from concept stages into detailed design and contract award through building and delivering this package,” says PAC’s Mitch Blyth when onsite for final commissioning. “And to be here today commissioning, it I’m feeling really proud of everyone involved. It’s so good for PAC to be playing our part in taking an important step towards Australia’s zero carbon energy future.”

The hydrogen injection panel.

Extensive capabilities PAC continues to be one of the most knowledgeable and specialised equipment manufacturers in the country. The company provides valve actuation solutions either from its facilities in Australia where it designs, builds and tests to customer specifications, or out of its original equipment manufacturer suppliers’ facilities for direct delivery where required. PAC’s actuation capabilities cover linear and rotary valve configurations as well as all control types for on/off control, process control, safety

system shut down applications and intermediate positioning for process control. The company also maintains a large inventory of instrumentation, including flow and pressure switches, compression and threaded tube fittings, flow control valves, double block and bleed vales, filter regulators and monoflanges. Through its close relationships with suppliers, PAC can manufacture custom equipment to suit any customer’s unique requirements.

PAC is the Australian representative for a wide range of international brands, including ARCA Valves, BWB Controls, Sprague, PetrolValves, Za.Ve.Ro, DK-LOK, Plast-o-Matic, Broady Valves, VSI Controls and Versa Valves.

For more information visit www.pipact.com.au

The whole world of HDD Technology PD 80/45 CU

PD 30/12 CU

MDD-Rigs

PD 150/70 CU+

We are distributed in Australia by: TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia Pty Ltd 10 Aliciajay Circuit, Yatala QLD 4207 Tel. +61 7 3420 5455 www.TRACTO-TECHNIK.com.au

Mud pumps X-series

PD 600/180 RP Prime Pipe Pusher

PD-Anz185x125_TT-Asia_7Feb20.indd 1

07.02.20 08:56

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

PIPELINE EQUIPMENT

Partnering with clients and providing peace of mind With more than 80 years of combined industry experience providing Australia’s largest infrastructure projects with machinery, there’s no challenge the team at Austrack Equipment hasn’t been able to overcome.

Austrack has provided machinery for some of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects.

hether transporting equipment to Australia’s most remote locations, or providing tailored, purpose-built fleets to tackle any type of terrain challenge, Austrack’s motto is “We Make It Happen” and it’s a motto that continues to serve it well. Throughout its existence, Austrack has significantly broadened its machinery fleet offering to the industry, while at the same time growing its portfolio of clients to include an abundance of the country’s largest contractors working in the mining, water, gas and renewable energy sectors. Key to Austrack’s success has been its focus on building client relationships and collaborating with them to develop `best for project’ fleet solutions – not just dropping gear at the gate and leaving it at that. According to Austrack Owner Michael Benson, it’s a formula that has delivered mutual success to Austrack and all its clients. “Our aim is to provide clients with the very best end-to-end fleet solutions to ensure their projects are delivered on time and to budget, because their success, is our success,” says Mr Benson. “Our team has spent many years in the industry, so it understands no two projects are the same and each presents different challenges. Which is why we prefer to partner with our clients and work with them to develop the right

fleet mix to ensure their project is delivered as efficiently and safely as possible. “I’ve worked on both sides of the fence in my 27 years in the industry and my experience is a partnership built on genuine collaboration and shared goals always delivers the right project results.” With a fleet of the most modern machinery in the country, Austrack certainly puts its money where its mouth is. Now having more than 250 pieces of the latest kit ready to roll, Austrack can provide clients with an end-to-end project fleet

and back it up with its highly qualified fleet service team. “Austrack understands the importance of project schedule and the critical impact and cost of unreliable machinery or a fleet mix that’s simply not up to the task,” says Mr Benson. “Which is why we don’t cut corners. We provide our clients with the latest machinery on the market, either new, or with low hours, so that our clients have peace of mind their project productivity is at optimum capacity and not at risk of an underperforming or unsafe fleet.”

Left to right: Matt Jones, Donna Owens and Michael Benson from Austrack.

For more information visit www.austrackequipment.com.au

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

Is your pipe spacer compliant?

KWIK-ZIP’S HDX SERIES CASING SPACERS COMPLY WITH WSAA PRODUCT SPEC #324 – CASING SPACERS; REFER WSAA PRODUCT APPRAISAL REPORT #1523

www.kwikzip.com

PIPELINE EQUIPMENT

Reliability is key for Australia’s largest Vermeer track trencher owner XCAV8 Plant Services has been in operation for nearly 10 years, started by business partners Barry Murphy and Brian O’Neill. The pair had worked together with Vermeer Australia prior to starting XCAV8, and knew they wanted to continue to work with the machines and the Vermeer Australia team as they could trust the products to be reliable and productive.

CAV8’s fleet includes four PD10 solar pile drivers, two T955 track trenchers, three T1255 track trenchers, eight T1055 track trenchers, plus a T558 sliding offset track trencher. Its large range of track trenchers makes the company Australia’s largest Vermeer track trencher owner. Mr O’Neill says XCAV8 Plant Services provides plant hire and maintenance services to a wide range of industries including water, oil and gas, tunnelling, renewable energy and mining. “We work on projects large and small, from subdivisions to pipeline projects, and solar and wind farms right across the country. We supply contractors with a range of Vermeer machines depending on the type of job, sometimes hiring out more than one at a time,” he says. “We’ve always loved working with the Vermeer machines, they’re durable, reliable and can just get

the job done. And we’ve always had great support from the guys at Vermeer Australia. Through ups and downs we know they always have our back.” Mr O’Neill says XCAV8 is always working with the Vermeer Australia team to see what other machines it may need to add to its fleet, depending on the types of projects in the pipeline. “The last 12 months we had a bit of a drop-off with some projects because of COVID-19, but we were still in contact with Vermeer Australia to see what new tech or products they had on offer. We were lucky enough to test drive some machines in that downtime to keep up-to-date on what’s available,” he says.

Vermeer T1055 track trencher Vermeer’s T1055 track trencher makes up a large part of XCAV8’s plant hire fleet. The T1055 track trencher is perfect for pipeline projects requiring

high horsepower and deep digging depths. The rotary power trencher drive motor and splined headshaft is low-speed and high torque, which performs rock excavation effectively with minimal chain wear and superior ground penetration for better production results. Operators can also adjust their trench depths using an optional sectionalised trencher boom. The elevated rollover protective module (ROPM) cab comes with filtered and pressurised air, heating and air-conditioning. The elevation of the cab gives it a great vantage point, and allows a virtually unrestricted view of the boom, trench and conveyor. The machine as a whole is rugged, robust and is built and proven for 30 years in Australia’s toughest trenching conditions. The T1055 is also available with a wireless remote control that can provide full operator function remotely, putting operator safety first.

To find out more about Vermeer’s T1055 track trencher, visit https://vermeeraustralia.com.au/equipment/track-trenchers/t1055-track-trencher/ The T1055 track trencher is perfect for pipeline projects requiring high horsepower and deep digging depths.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

Piping Specialty Supply Service Proudly Presents.....

SRJ Technologies Asset Protection Range

PSSS also offers.....

HDPE Tooling & Machinery

Pipeline Pigs & Pigging Equipment

Pipe Cutting & Bevelling

HDPE Butt Fusion

Construct ; Maintain ; Preserve Your Pipeline Assets www.psssa.com.au

1300 794 096

sales@psssa.com.au

CORROSION & CATHODIC PROTECTION

The original and the best Anode Engineering provides world-class products and engineering services to oil and gas, water, petrochemical, mining and marine engineers and contractors. Among this vast array of offerings are Dresser couplings – the original and best compression type pipe joining device. fluids, ketones and alkaline. • High temp- Max 650˚ Celsius- asbestos replacement for high temp and abrasive atmospheres. The team at Anode Engineering can specify the correct coupling for your application and hold stock of many common spare parts such as replacement gaskets in our warehouse. Contact Anode’s friendly sales team for the right advice on Dresser couplings and our range of corrosion focused products and engineering services on 1800 446 400 or at sales@anodeengineering.com

Dresser couplings offer a durable, tight, flexible and long-lasting connection between two pipes.

A 120 inch (300 cm) coupling.

ack in 1880, Solomon Robert Dresser patented a flexible pipe coupling using a compressed rubber gasket on either end of a central ring. More than 140 years later this same principal is still in use offering a durable, tight, flexible and long-lasting connection between two pipes. They allow a small amount of misalignment, tolerate vibration, expansion and contraction with a very rapid assembly time. No end preparation is required so time consuming and costly threading, beveling and exact alignment are eliminated. There have also been improvements to the product over the years with the addition of epoxy coating contributing to greater corrosion resistance with construction from a variety of materials including stainless steel, titanium, monel and other special alloys available as required. The gaskets used in a Dresser coupling provide the flexibility and unique sealing abilities of the coupling. They are available in a number of materials to suit most pipeline mediums including fresh or salt water, natural gas, hydrocarbons, acids or alkaline and sugar solutions. There also high

temperature gasket variants available for up to 650˚ Celsius. The gaskets also come armoured or non-armoured, the difference being that the armoured gasket features a metallic spring which conducts electricity to allow cathodic protection current to flow between the pipes. The non-armoured gaskets will allow pipes of dissimilar metals to be joined or prevent CP current flow. The following is a list of gasket materials and their common uses: • Buna N Grade 42- Nitrile- Max 100˚ Celsius. Mainly used for oil, hydrocarbons, condensates and gasolines. • Buna S Grade 27- Max 100˚ Celsius. The most widely used gasket material for fresh and salt water, natural gas, air, alkaline solutions and some refrigerants. • Viton/ Fluorocarbon Max 176˚ Celsius. Good for alcohols, organic acids, nitrogen compounds, vegetable oils and greases. • Butyl- Max 250˚ Celsius resistant to hot air, steam, hot water, aqueous solutions. • EPDM- Max 150˚ Celsius- resistant to ozone,oxygen, hot water, glycols, hydraulic The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

About Anode Engineering Anode Engineering is the expert when it comes to corrosion control engineering design that is complimented by its own range of corrosion-related products and materials for the cathodic protection industry, with offices in Australia, its subsidiary Lordco in New Zealand and a number of regional partners in SouthEast Asia. Anode's product range features the finest international corrosion related brands and its engineers use these products in their day-to-day operations giving them intimate knowledge of each item the company represents. For more information visit www.anodeengineering.com

QUBE Multi-Pad Vacuum lifter

•

Range of diameter sizes from 200MM diameter to unlimited outer diameter

•

Safe Working Load of 25,000KG

•

Certified under AS4991-2004 & ASME BTH-1-2011

•

Will not damage delicate materials and bonded coatings

•

Wireless remote operation and rotation to position materials without the need for tag line operators on the ground or in the hold of vessels.

•

Faster lift cycles and less downtime than conventional methods

•

Air sensing technology is used to determine whether a pipe is underneath the pad or not, this allows for the system to lift pipe without requiring a full load.

•

Personnel in operations are kept out of harm’s way

CORROSION & CATHODIC PROTECTION

Mothballing: Protection for the future Savcor Products Australia is a leading provider of quality corrosion products in Australia. Among the company’s wide array of offerings are Cortec's range of vapour phase corrosion inhibitors – a cost-effective way of providing corrosion protection and reducing long term maintenance costs.

he practice of mothballing plant and equipment is regularly performed by companies who have the intention to re-commence operations at some point in the future. During this time, it is vital that plant and equipment are protected from degradation, particularly from corrosion. With adequate protection, assets can be efficiently reinstated to working order when they are needed and their value will be protected during idle time. Savcor Products Australia, together with the expertise Cortec Products in the US, can provide cost-effective solutions for the protection of plant and equipment. Vapour phase corrosion inhibitors (VpCIs) are not widely known; however, they provide excellent results for plant and equipment during idle time. Savcor Products Australia are the Australia and New Zealand importers and distributors of VpCIs. These products are sourced from Cortec Corporation which is a US-based technology company. VpCIs emit an environmentally friendly vapour that condenses on the metal surface to form a thin, uniform, economical and extremely effective corrosion inhibiting layer. VpCIs come in many different forms such as plastic films and wraps, coatings, powders and emitters, and the use for this technology is wide ranging. Some of the ways in which Savcor Products Australia has helped clients in mothballing include:

Milcorr which has been used by major mining companies to store and protect critical components for future use.

• V pCI impregnated coatings, powders and liquids for protecting all surfaces including engine and gearbox internals of vintage vehicles as

A VpCI emitter is an effective way to stop corrosion in electrical boxes.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

displayed and stored in museums. • Milcorr - A heavy duty VpCI shrink wrapping film for protecting vital equipment from corrosion and weathering. • Concentrated oil and fuel additives for heavy mining equipment such as gearboxes. • Powders added to many enclosed spaces such as dredge chambers, piles and lighting poles etc. for long term protection. • Emitters used to protect electrical switchboard cabinets. VpCIs are a very cost-effective way of providing corrosion protection and reducing long-term maintenance costs. This product is available through Savcor Products Australia in Australia and New Zealand.

For more information please contact your local Savcor Products Australia representative on 1800SAVCOR or visit www.savcorproducts.com.au

VERSATILE. Always a leading innovator, we supply customers with cutting-edge diagnostic and system integrity solutions. This, bound with our focus on flexibility, reliability, cost and quality, leads to offerings beyond your expectations.

www.rosen-group.com

COMPANY NEWS

Flow meter delivers accurate landfill biogas measurement AMS Instrumentation & Calibration provides thermal mass flow meters from the world’s leading manufacturers, including the rugged ST80 Series from FCI with its Wet Gas MASSter™ technology. This product delivers higher installed accuracy with more reliable measurement in a moist, dirty, demanding environment.

FCI’s ST80 delivers higher installed accuracy with more reliable measurements.

he efficiency of this new wet gas thermal sensor technology was recently demonstrated successfully in a Canadian landfill biogas recovery application. The wet biogas at this site included relatively high levels of entrained moisture levels at 2.5 to 3 per cent, which had caused persistent measurement accuracy problems at one of its meter installation locations. This level of entrained moisture in the landfill’s biogas and its condensation created droplets that frequently caused inaccurate or unstable variable gas flow measurements. When the existing problematic flow meter was replaced with a new FCI ST80 Flow Meter with its exclusive wet gas flow element, the accuracy, stability, and repeatability of the biogas measurement greatly improved over the site’s six-month test period. The heavy-duty ST80 Series Flow Meters are

designed for applications in industrial and plant process gas flow measurement in pipe diameters from 25 to 2,500 mm and in temperatures up to 454°C. They feature accuracy of ±1 per cent of reading, ±0.5 per cent of full scale and repeatability of ±0.5 per cent of reading. Additionally, a flow meter with low flow sensitivity and wide turndowns is required in landfill gas applications because flow rates of biogas can vary widely based on the process’ maturity and fluctuating plant process demands, as well as seasonal variations in temperature and humidity. The ST80 can measure flow rates as low as 0.07 NMPS and provide 100:1 turndown, resulting in an optimum solution for biogas applications. The measurement principle of thermal mass flow meters involves heat transfer caused by gas flow. The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

However, any moisture or condensate in the gas stream that intermittently contacts the sensors can cause a sudden, momentary change in the heat transfer rate and result in spiking or fluctuating readings. The ST80 meter outfitted with FCI’s unique wet gas sensor provides a patent-pending mechanical configuration that shunts entrained moisture in biogas away from the sensor that prevents condensate from reaching the sensors thereby resulting in a stable, repeatable biogas flow meter. In addition to moisture and condensation, landfill gas and other biogases are a mixed composition of potentially explosive gases comprised primarily of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and traces of other gases. The instrumentation installed in these applications requires independent agency approvals to protect

COMPANY NEWS

people, equipment and plants. FCI’s ST80 Series has Div.1/Zone 1 level approvals on the complete instrument (electronics, enclosures, and flow sensor elements) for global agencies, including FM, FMc, ATEX, IECEx, and more to ensure their safe application in hazardous installations. Furthermore, the residuals and particulates in the biogas, along with the H2S component, is a corrosive condensate that deposits itself on the pipe wall and instruments in the pipe. These particulates and residual liquids can clog or foul orifice, vortex shedding, PD, turbine and most other flow meter technology sensors. In comparison, thermal mass flow meters such as the FCI ST80 have no moving parts or orifices to clog, and their insertion-style design is easily installed in the pipe through a ball valve for simple retraction of the flow element from the pipe for periodic cleaning if needed. The ST80 flow meter’s outputs and user interface choices are extensive for interface with virtually any control system and/or set-up or configuration devices. Standard outputs include dual, NAMUR NE43 compliant 4-20 mA analogue outputs, HART (version 7), Modbus 485 and a USB port. Foundation Fieldbus or PROFIBUS PA or DP can be optionally added.

The ST80 meter’s optional backlit LCD display provides digital and bar graph readouts of the flow rate and temperature, totalized flow, alarms, diagnostics feedback and even a user defined label/tag field. Also optional are a four-button keypad for instrument set-up and diagnostics interrogation. These buttons are activated through the glass so there is never a need to open the ST80 enclosure

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

at the process or to remove it from the process to a safe location. The ST80 is also supplied with free FCI software for performing all set-up and diagnostics from a PC or laptop.

For more information visit www.ams-ic.com.au

APGA NEWS & EVENTS

APGA celebrates departing legend in style A packed room at the Pullman in Brisbane saw APGA host one of its most anticipated events for the year.

n May, APGA finally got the chance to give its long-time Business Manager Steve Dobbie the farewell he deserves. Members from all around the country made their way to the Pullman Brisbane King George Square to toast one of APGA’s favourite figures, in a night generously sponsored by Fyfe and Nacap.

Many great memories of Steve were shared on the night from friends, including Kevin Lester, Tony O’Sullivan and Donna McDowall, much to the joy, and often amusement, of the large crowd of attendees. To cap off the night, Steve himself made his way one more time to the dais to share some words as he has done so often Steve Dobbie.

Pipeliners from around the country made sure to attend the event.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

over his many years of service to the association. Fittingly, his final address to members garnered a standing ovation, and the drinks continued to flow long into the night. APGA, all its members, and The Australian Pipeliner wish Steve nothing but the best for whatever his future may hold.

John Fleming and Belinda Haddon.

APGA NEWS & EVENTS

Left to right: Cameron Dinnis, Mark Grubanovich and Lou Guevara.

Steve Dobbie receives a standing ovation.

Left to right: Andrew Freeman, Anne Dobbie, Susan Jaques, Stacey Freeman, Steve Dobbie, Jeff Lawson.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

The NT YPF on a site visit to the Channel Island Replacement project.

YPF in full swing around Australia The Young Pipeliners Forum (YPF) continues to offer a broad mix of fun and educational events around the country, encouraging new generations of professionals to become active participants in the industry. NT YPF visits landmark project

A few drinks in Adelaide

The Northern Territory YPF took a trip to APA Group’s Channel Island Replacement project on the Amadeus Gas Pipeline in June. NT YPF Chair Brian McDonough says the event proved to be beneficial experience for all in attendance. “On behalf of the YPF in the NT I’d like to thank Grant Armstrong, APA Group, and the Spiecapag (Australia) team for allowing our young pipeliners and engineers here in the NT on site to see the Channel Island Bridge Pipeline Replacement project. “It was a fantastic opportunity to see the great work being done installing new energy infrastructure safely to keep our major power station online on the Darwin Katherine grid,” he says. “From the technical achievement of seeing the horizontal directional drill being remotely piloted under the Channel, to the walkthrough of the hot tap location all in the space of a cricket pitch, it’s an amazing project. “Thanks to the APGA and our sponsor APA for putting on events such as these to allow our future technical leaders to understand our energy story here in the north.”

The South Australia YPF is continuing its steady stream of events, gathering multiple times in the last few months and making the most of a covid-free state. In March, the SA chapter held a networking drinks at Treasury 1860 before the wider APGA dinner, offering YPF members the chance to catch up with all their industry peers in a casual

and relaxed setting. In May, Stone and Chalk along Adelaide’s North Terrace played host to another YPF event, this time combining both the educational and social aspects of the organisation. Sponsored by SEAGas and Tremco Pipeline Equipment, the event offered attendees the opportunity to hear from SEAGas Head of Operations Eric Bardy, who discussed innovative approaches to managing the SEAGas Pipeline.

The SA YPF held drinks before the APGA’s Adelaide dinner in March.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

With more events on the agenda throughout 2021, the SA YPF invites all pipeliners in the state to come along and become a more active participant in their industry.

Want to get involved? The YPF provides a forum for all young people involved in the pipeline and gas industry working in APGA member companies to get together at events to exchange ideas, network, share information, discuss issues in the pipeline industry with each other and learn about other industry disciplines. The YPF has committees across Australia and in New Zealand. These committees organise events in their areas several times a year. Events are likely to include educational visits to member companies’ facilities, fun-focused networking events (such as bare-foot bowls, quiz nights, geo-tagging) and mentoring events where more experienced pipeliners can share their experiences. Any employee of an APGA member company

SEAGas Head of Operations Eric Bardy addresses the SA YPF.

can join under the age of 35. Although the YPF focuses on pipeliners aged up to 35, you don’t have to leave the forum. Both long-serving

‘young’ members who have turned 35 and the more experienced pipeliners can be involved in YPF activities.

Interested in joining the YPF? Visit www.apga.org.au/YPF to contact your state chair.

• • • •

Process Control Innovation Leading Technology Experience We apply induction technology to solve seemingly intractable problems. Bending, shaping, extruding and heating.

www.inductabend.com Melbourne Australia Telephone: +61 3 9315 1244

I N D U C TA B E N D

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

APGA NEWS & EVENTS

Counting down to the convention After going virtual last year, the APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition is back to an in-person format in 2021, featuring unparalleled networking opportunities, a vital program of business sessions and a large trade exhibition displaying all the latest technology and innovation the industry has to offer.

he APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition is one of the most significant events for the gas, oil, water and slurry pipeline industry. Its value as an opportunity for information exchange, learning and networking is well-known and its convivial atmosphere is one of its many highlights. The event is a genuine reflection of the association’s commitment to the industry and its membership, as well as an opportunity for those members to shine. This year’s convention will be held from 25 to 28 September at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in Queensland. Attendees each year include the full suite of industry participants, including chief executives, asset managers, consultants; technical, commercial and legal personnel; engineers; health, safety and environmental managers; and government representatives from within Australia and overseas.

Business sessions The business sessions will include papers covering pipeline operations, project updates, training, research, environmental challenges and safety issues. Issues surrounding gas policy and gas markets are increasingly topical, generating much

interest and debate about the role of the transmission sector and the challenges of gas supply for the domestic market. The Keynote Speaker on Monday 27 September will be Kurt Fearnley AO. A Paralympian with victories in several of the world’s most prestigious marathons, Mr Fearnley is one of Australia’s most respected athletes. The Business Sessions will include a wealth of policy and technical information and details will be published once the papers have been selected. Additionally, this year the sessions will be livestreamed for the very first time. Those who are unable to attend the convention in person won't have to miss out on everything as they will be able to attend from their device at home or in the office.

Exhibition The exhibition provides the opportunity for participants to display their products and conference attendees to learn about new developments. Visitors to the trade exhibition have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the latest products and services directly with manufacturers, suppliers and service providers.

Social functions The APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition is renowned internationally for its warm and welcoming program of social functions, giving participants the opportunity to network and meet like-minded individuals from Australia and around the world. As has become tradition, the Vermeer Golf Classic will kick off the event on the morning of Saturday 25 September. The popular event will see groups embark on an 18-hole Ambrose competition after a light breakfast at the Pine Rivers Golf Club. On Saturday evening, the convention’s first formal dinner will take place with the Welcome Dinner at Brisbane Town Hall. The next morning, the Sunday Get-Together gives attendees the opportunity to visit South Bank, arguably the number one spot in Brisbane. The Exhibition Cocktail Party and Opening Dinner takes place on Sunday evening at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the dinner always one of the largest events of the week. Partners’ Day at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is on the agenda Monday, before the convention’s famous Fancy Dress Dinner gets underway on Monday night. This year’s theme is ‘All-out Street Party’ and will be held at Eat Street. There are two options to choose from for Tuesday’s Partners’ Day – a tour of the local XXXX Brewery or a High Tea at Customs House – before the convention concludes on Tuesday night with the prestigious APGA Annual Dinner at the Convention Centre. The convention would not be possible without the support of Host Sponsors: APA Group, Bao Steel, CNC Project Management, GPA Engineering, ITI International, OSD Pipelines, Tremco Pipeline Equipment and Vermeer.

APGA President Tony O’Sullivan at the 2019 Annual Convention and Exhibition.

This year, the exhibition will be made up of more than 80 stands and will once again officially open with a cocktail function within the hall, ahead of the Convention Opening Dinner on Sunday 26 September.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

Innovative, cost effective, and high quality wet and dry hire transport solutions 24/7 AUSTRALIA WIDE

AUSTRALIA WIDE 1300 800 421 info@tranz.com.au tranzlogistics.com.au

Tranz Logistics is a specialized transport solution provider offering project specific vehicles in both “Wet and Dry” hire. Operating from a model of ‘Think Safe. Act Safe. Be Safe’ we believe in optimum quality of service. Why use Tranz Logistics for your equipment hire: • • • • •

Extensive fleet of trucks and trailers available for hire No downtime Short to long term hire No capital outlay New and well maintained equipment

APGA MEMBERSHIP

Australian Pipelines and Gas Association Membership CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR Alltype Engineering Comdain Infrastructure Enscope Pty Ltd Global Engineering & Construction Pty Ltd HH Civil Pty Ltd Maxibor Australia McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd Michels Corporation Mitchell Water Australia Pty Ltd Moody Civil & Pipe Pty Ltd MPC Kinetic Nacap Pty Ltd National Australian Pipelines P and G Welding Pty Ltd Pipecraft Pipeline Plant Hire Pty Ltd Quanta Services Australia Pty Ltd Spiecapag The Newham Group Trushape Engineering Pty Ltd Valmec Limited CONSULTANT ACIL Allen Consulting CNC Project Management DNV GL Australia Pty Limited Energy Matrix Group Pty Ltd EnergyQuest Pty Ltd Future-Proof Solutions Jiva Consulting JLL Infrastructure Advisory Pty Ltd Kleinfelder Australia Pty Ltd Land Access & Management Services Pty Ltd Metcalfe Engineering Consultants MVC Services Pty Ltd OC Project Services Pty Ltd Pipeline Engineering Consultants Plant & Platform Consultants Ltd Sage Consulting Solutions Pty Ltd Stockton Drilling Services Sustech Engineering Pty Ltd Twycross and Partners Pty Ltd Veris ENERGY DISTRIBUTOR ATCO Gas Australia ENGINEERING/PROJECT MANAGER A J Stack Solutions Pty Ltd AFS Projects Pty Ltd Atteris Pty Ltd

WestSide Corporation Woodside Energy Ltd

Core Group Limited Fyfe GHD Pty Ltd GPA Engineering Pty Ltd Lidiar Group Momentum Engineering OSD Pty Ltd SPIE Plexal Worley Services Pty Ltd GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS/ REGULATORS Department for Energy and Mining Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Energy Safe Victoria Resources Safety and Health Queensland Water Corporation INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION Pipeline Research Council International, Inc PIPELINE OWNER/OPERATOR AGL Energy Limited Ampol Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd APA Group Arrow Energy Pty Ltd AusNet Services Australian Energy Market Operator Australian Gas Infrastructure Group Beach Energy Limited Brookfield Infrastructure Group Energy Infrastructure Management Pty Ltd Epic Energy SA Pty Ltd Esperance Pipeline Company Esso Australia Pty Ltd First Gas Ltd Fortescue Metals Group GB Energy Jemena Mobil New Zealand Oil Limited Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd Origin Energy Limited Papuan Oil Search Limited Power and Water Corporation Qenos Pty Ltd QGC Refining NZ Santos SEA Gas South Australian Water Corporation Tas Gas Holdings Pty Ltd Tasmanian Gas Pipeline Pty Ltd Viva Energy Australia Ltd

SERVICE PROVIDER ABB Australia Pty Ltd ASME Projects Avmin Pty Ltd AXS Pty Ltd Baker Hughes Brooks Hire Service Pty Ltd Brownline Australia Pty Ltd Bureau Veritas Asset Integrity and Reliability Services Pty Ltd Cloudcon Pty Ltd Corrosion Control Engineering Pty Ltd Downer EDI Engineering Power Pty Ltd DSQ Pty Ltd EnerMech Pty Ltd ERIAS Group Pty Ltd Flowtran Pty Ltd Iontech Engineering Solutions ITI International LandPartners Pty Ltd Lochard Energy (Iona Operations) Pty Ltd LW Survey Australia Pty Ltd Metropolis Services Pty Ltd Mipela GeoSolutions NDT Global Pty Ltd Nixon Communications Pty Ltd NortecView Ltd Oceaneering Australia Pty Ltd ORIX Commercial Peter Norman Personnel Pty Ltd Pipe Tek Pty Ltd Piping Specialty Supply Service Pty Ltd Prime Creative Media Pro Pipe Services Pty Ltd QIC Protective Coatings (Aust) Pty Ltd Qube Energy Pty Ltd Red Rock Oilfield Service Rider Hunt International (RHI) ROSEN Australia Pty Ltd Scape Consulting Pty Ltd STATS Group T D Williamson Australia Pty Ltd Truck Hire Australia Pty Ltd Viega Pty Ltd Wasco Energy Group Zinfra SUPPLIER OF EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS Aegis Pty Ltd

APGA New Membership Approvals CORPORATE MEMBERS Service Provider Red Rock Oilfield Service - CMBR - Ross Fraser

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

Anode Engineering Pty Ltd Anti Corrosion Technology Pty Ltd AtlasGas Pty Ltd Austrack Equipment Sales and Rentals Australian Pipeline Valve Bao Australia Pty Ltd Delnorth Pty Ltd Denso (Australia) Pty Ltd EDMI Gas Pty Ltd Fast Fusion, LLC Gasco Pty Ltd GF Piping Systems Hard Metal Industries Heath Pipeline Services Pty Ltd Herrenknecht AG Inductabend Pty Ltd iPipe Services Iplex Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd Jindal Saw Limited Laurini Officine Meccaniche Srl Lincoln Electric Company (Australia) Pty Ltd McElroy Australia Ozzie's Pipeline Padder Inc PAC Pipeline Equipment Rentals Pipeline Machinery International LP PipeServ Polyfabrics Australasia Pty Ltd PSAH Pty Ltd RAEDLINGER PRIMUS LINE PTY LTD RDO Australia Group Richmond Savcor Products Australia Pty Ltd Shawcor (Singapore) Pte Ltd Shipman King SICK Pty Ltd Solar Turbines Australia System Control Engineering The Hills Rockslinger TIB Chemicals AG TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia Pty Ltd Tremco Pipeline Equipment Pty Ltd Tubi Pty Ltd Universal Corrosion Coatings Pty Ltd Vacuworx Australia Vinidex Pty Ltd Vlentec Australia Pty Ltd Welspun Corp Limited Western Process Controls Worldpoly Pty Ltd Worldwide Group Future Fuels CRC

APGA MEMBERSHIP

Body.

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 • • • • • •

AGL Energy Limited Energy Infrastructure Management Pty Ltd Esso Australia Pty Ltd McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd MPC Kinetic Nacap Pty Ltd

• • • • • •

OSD QGC Quanta Services Australia Pty Ltd Solar Turbines Australia Spiecapag Australia trading as HDI Lucas Worley Services Pty Ltd

Honorary Life Members • • • • • •

Ken Barker David Curry Keith Fitzgerald* Leigh Fletcher 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 John Blain Bevan Boocock Grant Bowley Ken Cameron Chris Carter Andrew Cook Mark Cooper

• • • • • • • •

Geoff Cope John de Robillard Stephen Dykes Yuyu Fang John Fleming Kenneth Flowers Gretchen Gagel Chris Gatehouse

• • • • • • • •

Lynndon Harnell Mark Harris Chris Harvey Graeme Hogarth Justine Hyams Jeff Jones Ashley Kellett Steven Liddell

• • • • • • •

John Lott Cameron MacDiarmid Jason Mansfield Mick Murphy David Nichols Trevor Nichols John Piper

• • • • • • •

Steve Polglase David Pollock Brett Reay Jasper Tieland Andrew Wood Howard Wright Ken Wyllie

Edwin De Prinse Jason de Ross Ross Demby Carlo DiCarlo Daniel Faulkner Matt Felvus John Ferguson Mike Flynn Tom Forde Mark Fothergill Paul Frederick Jarrod Gilby Calvin Gordon Peter Harcus Geoff Harrison Peter Heffernan

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Chris Hewson Ian Israelsohn Stuart Kamper Hugo Kuhn Trent Leach Benjy Lee Keith Lenghaus Stephen Livens Paul May John Messent Paul Miller Stephen Mudge Ashley Muldrew Matthew O'Connell Brian O'Sullivan Neil Parry

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bob Paton Michael Peoples Jan Peric Janusz Podgorski Tawake Rakai Jim Reaman Josh Row John Rutherford Craig Sheather James Smith Reynard Smith Andrew Staniford Robert Strong Colin Symonds Soheil Taherian Farrah Tan-Savva

• • • • • • • • • •

Warwick Tidswell Mark Turner Sean Ward Louise Watson Rob Wheals Paul Williamson Be n Wilson Rob Wiltshire Alex Wong Michael Xanthopoulos

Employee Members • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Awais Ashraf Eric Bardy Geoff Barton Tony Bird Tom Bohacik Liz Brierley Peter Bucki Mark Bumpstead Ivan Byak Annette Cahill Geoff Callar Francis Carroll Philip Colvin Jeff Cooke Colin Cool Craig de Laine

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

APGA MEMBERSHIP

FULL MEMBERSHIP

(1)

OWNER MEMBER(2)(3)

LEAD MEMBER(4)

CORPORATE MEMBER

Category Applied for (please tick)

ORGANISATION NAME: ABN: POSTAL ADDRESS: SUBURB: STATE: POSTCODE: STREET ADDRESS: SUBURB: STATE: POSTCODE: PHONE: FAX: WEBSITE: APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE (5) NAME: POSITION: PHONE: FAX: MOBILE: EMAIL: ORGANISATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE (if different from above): NAME: TITLE: APGA POINT OF CONTACT – for distribution of APGA information within your organisation (if different from Appointed Representative) NAME: POSITION: POSTAL ADDRESS: SUBURB: STATE: POSTCODE: PHONE: FAX: MOBILE: EMAIL: ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT CONTACT: EMAIL: NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN ORGANISATION:

1-5

6-25

26-50

>51

ORGANISATION’S INTEREST IN THE PIPELINE INDUSTRY (Must tick ONE ONLY. If more than one applies, please tick the one most applicable to your business):

Adviser/Consultant

Construction Contractor

Energy Distributor

Engineering/Project Manager

Pipeline Owner/Operator

Service Provider

Manufacturer/Distributor of Equipment or Materials

Government Department/Regulator

Other Industry Association (Please Specify)

SECTOR Please indicate which of the following industry sectors you are primarily working in (please tick ONLY ONE box)

Gas

Water

Oil

Slurry

We hereby apply for Full Membership of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association in the Category and Interest Group indicated above and agree to abide by the Association’s Constitution and any By-laws set from time to time. We attach our payment for the appropriate portion of the first year’s subscription.

SIGNED: DATE: NOTE

(1)

Upon payment of the relevant fees, an organisation may hold more than one category of full membership.

(2)

The appointed representative of an Owner Member should be the Chief Executive.

(3)

All Owner Members are entitled to nominate up to ten Employee Members without additional subscription.

(4)

All Lead members are entitled to nominate up to three Employee Members without additional subscription.

(5)

All correspondence will be sent to the appointed representative, who will hold the member’s voting rights. A member’s appointed representative may be changed at any time by advising the Association’s Secretary in writing.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

APGA MEMBERSHIP

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP/EMPLOYEE MEMBERSHIP

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP(1)

EMPLOYEE MEMBERSHIP

APPLICANT’S NAME: ORGANISATION: POSITION: POSTAL ADDRESS: SUBURB: STATE: POSTCODE: STREET ADDRESS: SUBURB: STATE: POSTCODE: PHONE: FAX: MOBILE: EMAIL: INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION: I hereby apply for Individual Membership of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association and agree to abide by the Company’s Constitution and any By-laws set from time to time. Payment for the appropriate portion of the first year’s subscription is attached. NOTE (1): Open to any individual consultant with an interest in the pipeline or gas industries. This membership category is designed to accommodate the one-man consultants working within the pipeline and gas industries and will not be open to consulting organisations consisting of more than one person. Employees of a company will not be accepted as an Individual Member of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association unless the company employing that person is a Full Member of APGA. E MPLOYEE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION: (Open to employees of full members of APGA) I hereby apply for Employee Membership of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association and agree to abide by the Association’s Constitution and any By-laws set from time to time. Payment for the appropriate portion of the first year’s subscription is attached. SIGNED: DATE: SUBSCRIPTION RATES (2019/2020 Membership year 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020)

AUSTRALIA Membership year 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020

OWNER Applicable to owners only – fee upon application

LEAD $11,780 (incl. GST)

CORPORATE 1-5 Employees 6-25 Employees 26-50 Employees >51 Employees (incl. GST)

AUD AUD AUD AUD

INDIVIDUAL $630 (incl. GST)

$2,360 $3,160 $3,980 $5,100

EMPLOYEE $230 (incl. GST)

New members joining after 1 October 2019, please contact APGA to discuss the appropriate pro-rate subscription rate. (All applications received after 15 May 2020 will be issued with an invoice for the 2020/2021 membership year).

ALL PRICES QUOTED FOR AUSTRALIAN MEMBERS INCLUDE 10% GST.

INTERNATIONAL Membership year 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020

OWNER Applicable to owners only – fee upon application

LEAD AUD $10,710

CORPORATE 1-5 Employees 6-25 Employees 26-50 Employes >51 Employees (incl. GST)

AUD AUD AUD AUD

INDIVIDUAL AUD $580

$2,140 $2,880 $3,620 $4,640

EMPLOYEE AUD $220

ALL PRICES ARE IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS. A TAX INVOICE WILL BE ISSUED.

PAYMENT

EFT Bank Westpac Banking Corporation, Swift/ABA/Routing# WPACAU2S. IBAN No. 032729162756. BSB: 032-729. Account No: 16-2756.

I enclose my cheque made payable to The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association, or APGA.

Please debit my credit card (please tick)

Amex

Visa

MasterCard

Credit card processing fee applies.

CARD NUMBER:

EXPIRY DATE:

TOTAL AMOUNT AUD$

CARDHOLDER’S NAME: SIGNATURE: Please return completed form with payment to: AUSTRALIAN PIPELINES AND GAS ASSOCIATION (ABN: 29 098 754 324) PO BOX 5416, KINGSTON ACT 2604 | PHONE: 02 6273 0577 | FAX: 02 6273 0588 EMAIL: apga@apga.org.au | WEBSITE: www.apga.org.au The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Advertisers' index AMS Instrumentation & Calibration 59 Anode Engineering 29 Austrack 7 Baker Hughes 15 Corrosion Control Engineering 11 Denso (Australia) Pty Ltd 45 Diona 19 Inductabend 63 kwik-ZIP 51 Maxibor 23 McConnell Dowell 39 McElroy 33 Nacap 17 Peter Norman Personnel 41 Picarro 31 Pipe Tek 3

Pipeline Actuation Control 37 Pipeline Plant Hire 35 Piping Specialty Supply Services 53 PipeServ 5 Prime Drilling 49 Pro Pipe Services 13 Qube Holdings 55 Radlinger Primus Line 47 RDO Equipment OBC ROSEN Group 57 Sadleirs 2 Savcor Products Australia 43 STATS Group 27 Tranz Logistics 65 UEA 9 Vacuworx 21

Here's what's coming up in the next edition:

FEATURES

APGA Convention - Exhibitor profiles Women in pipelines and gas Contractors Construction equipment Pigging and ILI Fabrication Valves and actuators

REGIONAL FOCUS

Queensland

DISTRIBUTION

APGA functions

DEADLINE

11 August 2021

Features and deadlines are subject to change.

The Australian Pipeliner | July 2021

5–8 October International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney

Building sustainable futures

TICKETS NOW ON SALE Register online now to take advantage of Early Bird rates – you could save more than $200 on your full conference registration. ASTT members can save a further $220 on registration costs. With an exhibition, conference and jam-packed social program, No-Dig Down Under 2021 is the event of the year for the trenchless industry.

Conference program now live The No-Dig Down Under conference features an array of presenters from across Australia and overseas. Three streams will focus on Rehabilitation, Installation and Condition Assessment and Utility Location.

To secure your tickets, visit

www.nodigdownunder.com/register-here

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

CHARITY PARTNER

SILVER SPONSORS

ORGANISED BY

www.nodigdownunder.com

BRONZE SPONSORS

SUPPORTED BY

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

#nodigdownunder

PRODUCTIVITY SOLUTIONS FOR

PIPELINE

INSTALLATION

YOUR PIPELINE DELIVERY PARTNER

Vermeer’s range of pipeline trenchers have cut through some of Australia’s toughest landscapes, helping our leading contractors deliver vital infrastructure projects. Contact your local Vermeer Australia team to learn how we can support your project.

Australia

VERMEERAUSTRALIA.COM.AU | 1300 VERMEER

Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the United States and /or other countries. © 2021 RDO Equipment Pty Ltd (trading as Vermeer Australia). All Rights Reserved.