The Australian Pipeliner

July 2010

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President’s Message

Peter Cox

Welcome to the July edition of The Australian Pipeliner.

Chief Executive’s Report

Cheryl Cartwright

It is winter around the nation – particularly cold in frosty Canberra – but the politics in Australia’s capital are heating up for this year’s election.

It’s your industry – be a part of it

As an Employee Member of APIA you will strengthen the voice of the industry, expand your business networks, and increase your presence within Australia’s pipeline community.

POG heads to New Zealand

Discussing topics ranging from maintenance programs to urban encroachment, the Pipeline Operators Group converged on Auckland, New Zealand, in April for the first time.

WA Chapter goes borderless: learning about the EWB

On 29 April 2010, the APIA WA Chapter Lunch heard from Tom O’Connell, a project manager working with Engineers Without Borders.

APIA holds seminar and dinner in booming Brisbane

APIA President Peter Cox opened the sell-out Brisbane Seminar, held on 20 May 2010, stating that it was an exciting time for the pipeline industry, particularly in Queensland. His comments set the scene for the many interesting presentations to follow, and the number of pipeliners that attended the Brisbane Dinner that night.

International challenges on the agenda in Melbourne

Solar Turbines Director of International Field Operations and Machinery Management Graham Benjamin addressed the APIA Melbourne Dinner about the challenges faced while working on international pipeline projects.

QLD YPF learn challenges of route selection

Pipeline route selection plays an important role in the pipeline industry. On 21 May 2010, the Queensland Young Pipeliners Forum discussed the responsibilities involved in landowner liaison and route selection, and how these affect the reputation and future of the pipeline industry.

Andrew Hopkins on the sociology of accident prevention

Professor Andrew Hopkins, a leading researcher in accident prevention, is assisting the pipeline industry in its venture to increase industry safety from a sociological viewpoint. Here, The Australian Pipeliner talks to Professor Hopkins about how the design of pipeline organisations can impact on the safety of its employees.

Pipeline paramedics: ensuring healthy workers for healthy projects

Accident prevention is of paramount importance to the pipeline industry. But what happens when something does go wrong? The Australian Pipeliner talks to paramedics LifeAid and Aspen Medical about the importance of having qualified medical staff onsite.

Worker on the line: John Begbie, Lowering-in Supervisor

The pipeline industry employs thousands of Australians in different capacities each year. The Australian Pipeliner gains an insight into the pipeline career of McConnell Dowell Lowering-In Supervisor John Begbie.

New service requirements and technologies for pipelines emerging in this millennium

Bruce Andrews, WorleyParsons - Pipelines Select, and former APIA President

Pipelines are a transportation asset, and the industry’s stripes have been primarily earned in moving oil, gas and water. Since 2000, new pipeline uses have added interest and challenges for the industry, mainly due to a diversity of energy sources and the onset of the global warming debate.

On the record: managing pipeline data

Engineering and construction feats on Australia’s extensive pipeline network are often touted. But after the pipeline has been commissioned, what systems are put in place to ensure the proper management of these vital assets?

Pipeline fabrication 101

Completing a pipeline project requires more than just what meets the eye – workshop fabrication is an important underlying part of the process. The Australian Pipeliner spoke with WDS Ltd Works Manager Andy Douglas about the fabrication process.

Public comment sought for AS/NZS 4853 Electrical Hazards on Metallic Pipelines revision

Phil Venton, Phil Venton and Associates

AS/NZS 4853 provides a guide for pipeline engineers and owners in dealing with electrical hazards on metallic pipelines. Since its initial development, industry experience has led to a proposed revision of the standard. Subcommittee EL-001-23 has provided a background for members of Committee EL1, and for people interested in reviewing and commenting on the public comment draft of AS4853–2010.

Setting the standard: revised pipeline standards published for public comment

Phil Venton and Ed Gaykema, APIA Technical Adviser

Maintaining a world class standard requires considerable commitment and input from the industry. In 2008 a small dedicated group of industry representatives took up the challenge to commence revision of AS2885.3 Operations and Maintenance.

Building the WAG Oil Pipeline

Barry Wood

The WAG Oil Pipeline is an interconnect oil pipeline transporting Gippsland crude oil between the Esso/BHP crude oil storage facility at Westernport to refineries at Altona and Geelong. Completed in 1972, the development of the pipeline involved challenges during both the planning and construction phases.

BlueScope: a steely resolve to supply the industry

As Australia’s leading manufacturer of flat steel products, BlueScope Steel is able to provide excellent local technical input to any linepipe project’s steel requirements.

Pipe and Civil gears up for a bigger presence in Victoria

Pipe and Civil has opened an office in Melbourne following two successful years of operation in Victoria. The company has formed strategic partnerships and secured lucrative projects across the state to deliver professional construction services to a range of premium clients.

Seeing into the future with phased array technology

For a fast and precise inspection Olympus Australia offers the ultrasonic phased array Omniscan gauge.

NationWide expands to the west

NationWide Hire continues its planned growth with the opening of its fourth full service branch in Kenwick, Western Australia.

Clock Spring Contour shapes up for permanent pipe repair

Heath Pipeline Services recently undertook the repair of a 36 inch diameter, 100 m flare at an Australian refinery using Clock Spring Contour technology, which allows the Clock Spring repair method to be applied to different geometries of pipe.

Tapex: making a mark in the industry

A 125-year history behind the business means that, today, Tapex is a leading Australian manufacturer of specialised polypropylene and polyethylene products for construction and industrial applications.

Vinidex to take on CSG industry

Vinidex is a leading Australian manufacturer and supplier of pipe systems and solutions for the transportation of fluid, data and energy.

GSi to support industry as Wasco Energy

In an effort to position Wah Seong Corporation Berhad as a strong, dynamic company in the international market, Gas Services International Australia has been rebranded to Wasco Energy.

Protect and detect with Boddingtons

Established in 1975, Boddingtons Australia has become a leading manufacturer of specialised plastic tapes and extruded meshes, selling its products to over 60 countries worldwide.

Process control and metering solutions with Southern Controls

Australian-owned Southern Controls has been providing solutions to industry for over 20 years, supplying quality products, as well as engineering, product configuration and service.

Landholder liaison: Maloney Field Services on the case

The boom in the resources sector, particularly with regard to the coal seam gas activity throughout Queensland, has unearthed hostilities between some landowners and resources companies. Media reports of confrontation and court action over land acquisition disputes have thrown the issue of stakeholder communication firmly into the spotlight.

Mothballing: protection for the future

The practice of mothballing plant and equipment for storage and future use is performed regularly. It is vital that mothballed assets are protected from corrosion to maintain their value. Savcor Products can provide cost effective solutions.

One-stop shop with AMS

AMS Instrumentation & Calibration supplies a complete range of equipment suitable for a wide variety of industries, including mining, gas, petro and petro-chemical.

Ensuring the right cable coverage

Astron Plastics manufactures underground cable cover that meets Australian Standards and ensures a safe life for underground infrastructure.

ZU4 bolter pumps out heavy-duty time savings

New generation torque wrench pumps from Enerpac have been developed specifically for demanding and repetitive bolting applications in industries such as oil, gas, mining and water pipelines, and civil engineering, construction, maintenance and metal fabrication.

It’s one thing for Government to ignore gas, another to hinder it

The inclusion of a new $652 million Renewable Energy Future Fund in the Federal Government’s Budget brings the total Federal funding for renewable and clean energy to $10 billion. APIA Policy Adviser Steve Davies outlines the potential impact of this funding on the natural gas industry, urging Government to consider the use of natural gas as a low-cost, efficient alternative.

More HDD for McConnell Dowell

McConnell Dowell has put its new horizontal directional drilling machines to good use, with a number of projects underway and more to come.

Ancon and the seven shores

Ancon Drilling has completed another challenging horizontal directional drilling operation involving seven shore crossings near the entrance of Botany Bay, Sydney.

HDD safety training: it’s more than a one-time effort

Horizontal directional drilling is a commonplace method to install underground gas, electrical, communication, fibre, water and sewer lines around the world. It is increasingly important for operators and the crew to understand how to operate drills and work on the job site in a safe and efficient manner. US-based company Miller Pipeline attended a safety training course at Vermeer’s Iowa facility, and created its own unique safety program.

Powered by CSG: pipeline developments on the east coast

Kim Haworth

With a number of exploration companies on the verge of realising the full potential of coal seam gas on a domestic level, and through the possibility of LNG export, additional pipeline infrastructure is needed. The Australian Pipeliner looks at the latest pipeline developments related to coal seam gas activity.

CSG directional drilling: the new frontier

Doug Henderson, Manager – Directional Drilling, Lucas Drilling Services

Directional drilling is a technique well-known in the pipeline industry for the installation of pipe under crossings, and through environmentally sensitive areas. The technique is also being used in the production of coal seam gas, with this trend expected to increase following the number of proposed LNG projects requiring feedstock in Queensland. Lucas Drilling Services Manager – Directional Drilling Doug Henderson looks at lessons learnt from directional drilling in coal in Australia to provide a basic understanding of the advantages and limitations of directional drilling for this use.

All pipelines lead to Gladstone: Queensland’s burgeoning LNG industry

Kim Haworth

Queensland is on the verge of having a world class LNG export industry. Major LNG processing plants have been proposed for Gladstone, which will use coal seam gas from the Surat Basin’s lucrative fields. The construction of pipelines is integral to the success of these projects. The Australian Pipeliner looks at how the proponents plan to turn these coal seam gas to LNG proposals into a major export industry for Australia.

Equipped for the job: sourcing and maintenance made easy

Equipment Manager Ross Demby is responsible for bringing together the key tools that enable Nacap to carry out its day-to-day works. Mr Demby tells The Australian Pipeliner his considerations in the selection, maintenance and safety requirements of Nacap’s pipeline equipment.

Rock trencher delivers on DBNGP

An Astec Trencor T1360 rock trenching machine has recently completed 193 days of successful service on the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline Stage 5B Expansion project.

Conquering the golden soil: pipeline machinery for Australian conditions

Distance, heat, dust and rust – the Australian terrain can provide some unique challenges for pipeline construction. Here, leading pipeline equipment companies discuss how they specialise in providing reliable equipment for the sometimes harsh nature of the Australian landscape.

WMPP: large and in charge

April 2010 marked the completion of the 8,800 km Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project, which will service 36 towns and approximately 7,000 rural customers. The official launch was held in Horsham, Victoria.

Landholder negotiation on the WMPP

Maloney Field Services negotiated 299 easement agreements and 1,800 access agreements, as well as managing the purchase of 21 freehold sites for the construction of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project.

Going subsea: offshore pipeline developments around Australia

Julia Cooke

From projects in Victorian waters reaching completion, to gas field development possibilities offshore Northern Territory and projects underway offshore Western Australia, subsea pipeline projects are set to continue to keep the industry afloat. Here, The Australian Pipeliner details the latest activity in offshore pipeline development.

Out of this world: the construction of the Pluto pipelines

Woodside Petroleum has successfully completed the construction of the offshore pipelines associated with its Pluto LNG Project – located on the Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia – within a challenging time frame.

Pipeline issues on topic in Canada

Every two years, pipeliners around the world converge on Calgary, Canada, to discuss the latest issues challenging the industry at the International Pipeline Conference and Exposition. This year’s event will be held from 27 September to 1 October 2010.

SEAAOC leading the way for the petroleum industry

Northern Australia’s longest established petroleum conference – South East Asia Australia Offshore Conference – will take place this year from 22–24 September at the Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory.

Pipeline pigging to be on show in Asia

Some of the world’s most experienced pipeline professionals will converge in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this November for the Pipeline Pigging and Integrity Maintenance Asia Pacific Conference.