The Australian Pipeliner
July 2006
President’s Message
This year is shaping up to be one with many successful APIA functions. Events held since my report in the last edition of The Australian Pipeliner include the Sydney POG Seminar and dinner, the Perth lunch, the Melbourne Cocktail Party, the Brisbane Seminar and dinner and, most importantly, the Young People’s Forum.
Chief Executive’s Report
Chloe’s Bar in Melbourne has a lot to answer for! And it’s all positive! My introduction to APIA’s party crowd was at the famous Young & Jackson’s bar on Flinders Street. But it wasn’t just at Chloe’s that members told me of their concerns about the future of the industry and its young people.
Young People’s Forum - 5 - 6 May 2006
Ideas, initiative, incentive and industry were the themes of the day at the Young People’s Forum in Canberra, where an enthusiastic audience gathered, keen to learn more about the range of careers and opportunities in the pipeline industry.
Fifth annual Pipelines Operation Seminar
The focus of APIA’s fifth annual Pipeline Operations seminar was the sharing of experiences and ideas on the performance of common transmission pipeline tasks amongst field operatives.
Risk focus for Brisbane seminar
Held on 23 May, the seminar opened with a presentation by Max Kimber outlining the changes affecting the industry over many years. Mr Kimber’s wise observations were appreciated as he highlighted challenges, in particular the vexed issue of allocation of risk in the new economic environment.
APIA National Convention & Exhibition 2006
‘Australia’s Dynamic Pipeline Industry: Infrastructure for the Future’ will be the theme for the 2006 APIA Convention, to be held in Alice Springs from 14 - 17 October.
Territory set for pipeline boost
Recently, Australian Pipeline Trust (APA) announced that it will construct a new 275 km gas pipeline in the Northern Territory. The Australian Pipeliner spoke with APA’s General Manager Operations, Stephen Ohl, about this major new development.
Refiners face a new marketplace
The marketplace refiners are facing today is very different to what they experienced a decade ago. As demand shifts from a mixture of heavy products to light products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, refiners who want to capitalise on this market are looking to increase their complex refining capacity.
Allan Newham
In our continuing series on the Legends of the Pipeline industry, The Australian Pipeliner spoke to Allan Newham.
Building the Dongara – Pinjarra Gas Pipeline
Barry Wood and Roger WoodmanThe original Dongara - Pinjarra (Parmelia) Pipeline, in Western Australia, is coming up to its 35th Birthday. The Australian Pipeliner marks the occasion by revisiting how this important pipeline was constructed.
New version of PipeView Integrity software released
GE Oil & Gas’ PII Pipeline Solutions division has launched a new version of PipeView Integrity, a software tool designed to help transmission pipeline operators and local distribution companies better assess and manage the integrity of their pipelines.
OSD Energy Services raises international profile
OSD Energy Services is growing rapidly both in Australia and overseas, as demonstrated by General Manager Keith Horstmann presenting a paper at the recent International Bar Association Conference.
Solar power meets the challenge
The need for solar power has grown substantially over the last five years as gas production and pipeline infrastructure has developed. Consequently, solar module prices have fallen and battery and control system technology has improved, making systems cheaper and more reliable.
For Hire: Australian Portable Camps
With thirty-five years of industry experience, professionalism, speed and accuracy, Australian Portable Camps can fulfil all requirements for any portable camp.
APC Socotherm completes 100th contract
In early 2006, APC Socotherm secured the contract for the application of FBE coating to a 219 mm pipe, marking their 100th linepipe coating contract in Australia since their entry into the industry in 1999.
Teamwork key to Moomba-Sydney pipeline SCC program
As the Moomba to Sydney Pipeline is subject to stress corrosion cracking (SCC), Agility, in conjunction with asset owner Australian Pipeline Trust (APA), uses an Ultrasonic pigging device to address the problem.
Solvent-free linings for water pipelines
COPON Pipelinings (E Wood) has been involved in the worldwide pipeline market for over 45 years.
JDA recruitment; local knowledge and global reach
John Davidson and Associates have been supplying staff to the pipeline industry since 1991, and its expanding international presence is increasing the range of services they can provide.
PNG pipeline continues to move ahead
A number of developments around the PNG - Queensland Pipeline are continuing to generate a buzz around Australia’s largest potential greenfield pipeline development.
Excavators Australia: sets new standards
Excavators Australia owns and operates the largest fleets of late model excavators and hammers on the eastern seaboard with the latest in technology combining safety and environmental policies.
Energy alternative for Tasmania
The rollout of reticulated natural gas in Tasmania by gas distributor Powerco is set to provide Tasmanian residents with an alternative energy source.
BBS plays important role in Tasmanian Gas Reticulation
In 2004, the gas construction arm of Bilfinger Berger Services was announced as the successful tenderer by Powerco Australia to construct gas reticulation networks in two zones of Hobart.
Nifty Pipeline Project: a collaborative effort
Working collaboratively with all stakeholders, McConnell Dowell drew on its pipelining experience in this harsh region of Australia to deliver the Nifty Pipeline Project on time and on budget.
The year in Coal Seam Gas
It has been an eventful year for the CSG industry, as production rises, takeover bids strike and investment in this emerging industry soars.
Deutz focuses on coal seam market
Deutz AG has a long history with reciprocating gas engines, dating back to the foundation of the company in 1864 and the invention of the 4-stroke Otto cycle in 1876, which began the ‘motorisation of the world.’
Total turnkey solutions from Energen
Energen Solutions provide total turnkey solutions ranging from gas extraction equipment through to power generation.
Coal seam gas: Queensland’s legal landscape
Tony Nunan, Solicitor – Energy, Resources and Infrastructure, Hopgood Ganim LawyersSeveral legal issues that may affect Queensland’s burgeoning coal seam gas industry have emerged as a result of the introduction of the Petroleum and Gas Act.
AGL – Supporting and Investing in the CSG Sector
Paul Bilston, Manager Operated Assets – AGL Gas DevelopmentAGL has been a participant in Australia’s energy sector since 1837. It is now Australia’s largest energy provider with operations across Australia and supplies around 2.8 million customers with gas and electricity.
Clarke Energy consolidates global coal gas focus
Leading energy systems company Clarke Energy has announced further investment in Australia as part of its continued global growth.
DrillTec installs stainless steel pipelines using HDD
DrillTec has used HDD to successfully complete the pipeline connection to Germany’s largest oilfield, Mittelplate.
Trenchless Technology leads the way in asset relocation
Large linear infrastructure projects, such as roads and rail, often necessitate the relocation of a wide array of underground assets from gas to water to electricity. Trenchless Technology techniques are now being used in these situations more than ever before.
A long history of padding experience
The appointment of Rick Layh as Vice President of Pipeline Products has highlighted the development of padding in the pipeline industry, especially with the development of new padding machines by Worldwide Machinery.
O’Briens complete onshore Otway pipeline
With machinery recently working on the Otway onshore pipeline, O’Briens Detail Excavations has established itself as a specialist earthworks contractor to the pipeline industry.
Renfrey’s commitment to quality delivers results
Adelaide based Renfrey Plant Hire’s commitment to quality in its equipment, training and employees, has helped it deliver results.
Australia’s offshore boom
It has been a busy time for Australia’s rapidly developing offshore projects, particularly offshore Victoria and Western Australia where exploration, construction and production continue at a rapid pace.
Timor Sea agreement accelerates offshore development
Since the Australian and East Timorese governments finalised a Petroleum Mining Code (PMC) and a model Production Sharing Contract (PSC), the Joint Petroleum Development Area (JPDA) of the Timor Sea has been a hive of activity, with companies such as Santos, Methanol Australia and Eni strengthening their positions in the region.
Extended offshore pipeline services to avoid downtime
An extended pipeline intervention capability is now available from Furmanite Australia, following the global organisation’s acquisition of Flowserve GSG, including IPSCO.
Weighing up the benefits
The introduction of compact pipe connection and sealing technology in Australia offers some significant and valuable advantages offshore. Vector International Vice President Marketing and Sales Ian Robinson explains.
New Metrotech product from Savcor
Savcor Products, with support from Metrotech Corporation, has introduced the 810 Dx Pipe and Cable Locator, a single frequency, high productivity instrument designed for locating all types of buried utilities.
Old tasks, new technologies
One of Australasia’s most respected names in high force tools for 50 years, Enerpac, is now expanding its business in professional bolting technologies for the mining, oil and gas, construction and infrastructure industries.








