The Australian Pipeliner
October 2008
APIA contractors’ forum
Over recent years, the pipeline construction contracting market has changed dramatically. Construction activity in many sectors
APIA: not going to rollover about 4WD safety
The start of June saw pipeliners learning about the importance of 4WD safety and driver behaviour at the APIA Safety Field Day held at the Melbourne 4X4 Training and Proving Ground at Werribee.
WA lights up the stage
The WA Chapter seminar and dinner dance provided an excellent opportunity for APIA’s members in the west to share information on the latest issues regarding pipelines in Western Australia.
Rapid rise of Queensland coal seam gas set to continue
Coal seam gas was the focus of the APIA Brisbane dinner on 23 July, with Queensland Gas Company’s (QGC) Ian Davies discussing the future for QGC, the industry and Queensland.
Research and Standards Committee continues to build industry knowledge
The APIA Research and Standards Committee (RSC) is tasked with developing the knowledge of Australia’s pipeline industry. The RSC’s recent Forum, held on 11 June in Canberra, saw technical experts gather to look towards the future.
Watching the water in Adelaide
The Adelaide APIA dinner on 28 August 2008 drew a large number of members and guests to hear a presentation by John Williams, Head of Strategic Projects at SA Water.
Exciting times ahead for Victoria
On 11 September, industry members convened for the APIA Melbourne dinner to hear the latest developments relating to the Victorian gas industry.
Steve Davies takes on policy role for APIA
Steve Davies has joined APIA as its new policy adviser, having worked in government, the private sector and an industry association.
YPF tour Bonaparte Gas Pipeline
By Henry Dupal, Engineering and Planning Manager, NT Gas, APA Group Northern TerritoryThe Northern Territory YPF recently visited the Bonaparte Gas Pipeline, witnessing most aspects of pipeline construction.
Phillip Venton named in top 100 most influential engineers
Phillip Venton, a consulting engineer specialising in high pressure oil and gas pipelines, has been honoured by the Institution of Engineers Australia as one of Australia’s 100 most Influential Engineers in the category of engineering expertise.
Australians help set international standard
By Jennifer ConnorJennifer Connor recently had the opportunity to take part in an ISO standards committee meeting held in Copenhagen. Here, she recounts her experience to The Australian Pipeliner.
Technical Specification for Pipeline Construction:
why not simply specify welding to AS2885.2 (or do you know better)?
Talking pipelines with Ted Metcalfe
Recently, The Australian Pipeliner caught up with consultant Ted Metcalfe to talk about how the pipeline industry has changed over his 25 years of experience and what he foresees for the future.
Improving sustainability in engineering design and project delivery
Professor Paul Hardisty, Global Director, Sustainability and EcoNomicsTM at WorleyParsons, recently spoke about the economics of sustainability at both the Perth and Melbourne APIA dinners. Below is a summary of Professor Hardisty’s speech.
Un-Accounted for gas in the Victorian Gas Market – who pays?
By Howard Wright‘Un-accounted for gas’ is a term that creates stress in some sections of the natural gas industry. Financially, it is seen as income forgone or a messy correction to financial settlement. Operationally, it is seen as an indication of equipment mal-function (measurement error or losses). Environmentally, it is associated with ‘greenhouse’ impact from possible methane leakage. In the below article, VENCorp expresses its view about how it manages Un-accounted for gas.
Better trained staff, faster and at lower cost: steal the secrets from other industries
The aeronautical, defence and rail industries are all sophisticated users of simulation to develop staff in all types of roles, not just those who fly aircraft or drive trains. More and more training is conducted on simulators, resulting in training time and cost reduction, as well as less reliance on tying up high-value assets.
The Goldfields Gas Pipeline
By Barry WoodThe Goldfields Gas Pipeline was the initiative of a newly elected Liberal – National Coalition Government in Western Australia led by Richard Court. The Court Government came to power at an election held on 6 February 1993.
Grant Bowley
By Barry WoodGrant Bowley’s career spans many aspects of the industry, from working for pipeline owners to working for a construction contractor to service to APIA.
New portable gas measurement tool provides versatility and safety
Gas Measurement Instruments (GMI) has many years experience in the manufacture and supply of portable gas detection instruments to the gas industry. GMI equipment is widely used for the detection of leaks from both gas distribution and transmission pipelines.
Olympus Australia introduces inspection solutions
Olympus Australia, a leading supplier of inspection maintenance systems to the Australian market, has introduced new solutions for the pipeline industry.
Romea training bridging the skills gap
Romea Training is contributing to the oil and gas industry by improving industry workers’ capabilities through tailored, nationally recognised training.
Rock to road and beneath
Effective 1 October 2008, Trencor will be represented in the Australian market by Astec Australia, a fully owned subsidiary of Astec Industries. Historically the Trencor range, manufactured by Astec Underground, was represented in Australia by Paul Commins of Q-Pave.
10 years on: Rosen in Australia going strong
The Australian Pipeliner caught up with Rosen Asia Pacific’s Vice President and General Manager Operations Chris Yoxall to talk about Rosen celebrating its 10th year as a company operating out of Australia.
Vermeer introduces new bucket wheel attachment
Leading manufacturer of underground equipment Vermeer has introduced a high-capacity bucket wheel attachment for the installation of small diameter cross-country pipelines.
Anode Engineering has a leap year!
To date, 2008 has been a tremendous year on many fronts for Anode Engineering. The never ending addition of new and upgraded products, improved efficiency in services and administration as well as a growing team of enthusiastic professionals all mean Anode Engineering has the strength and momentum to close out 2008 with a bang.
Boddingtons - new innovations in pipe protection
Boddingtons has built on its range of pipeline protection products through the introduction of two new innovations during 2008.
Denso standing test of time with Winn & Coales
The Australian Pipeliner caught up with David Winn and Paul Taylor to talk about Winn & Coales International’s 125 years of experience and Denso celebrating 40 years in Australia, as well as some of the highlights the companies have experienced over the years.
Diversified delivers flow of pipeline success
Diversified Construction Corporation has built many pipelines, mainly in Queensland and the Cooper Basin region in South Australia, involving areas of difficult terrain and remote locations.
Coating Australia with PCS
General Manager of Petro Coating Systems (PCS) Nick Grenier spoke to The Australian Pipeliner about the company’s exciting products and future.
China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau chooses Dressta pipelayers
Dressta Asia Pacific – through Delaisaita, their Beijing-based distributor for all of mainland China – recently completed the delivery of thirty of their popular SB-60 pipelayers to China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau (CPP).
Grimwood supplies new generation gas heaters
Grimwood Heating has recently provided ‘state of the art’ constant heat flux flanged fuel gas heaters for Jemena and Epic Energy at their new Mila, Colongra and Charleville gas pipeline compressor stations.
AEI appointed distributor of Camoplast and RWF BRON products
Alliance Equipment International (AEI) has extended their range of specialised equipment, now including Camoplast Tracked Vehicles and RWF Bron pipelaying ploughs, side booms, and mulching equipment, for the utility industry.
Ditch Witch supplies tough trenchers
Ditch Witch is responsible for introducing a range of equipment to Australia to facilitate pipeline construction with the Tesmec trenchers sure to impress serious contractors.
QFC: protecting wildlife and project deadlines
Queensland Fauna Consultancy (QFC) delivers a range of wildlife related services to the mining, pipeline installation and infrastructure expansion industries across Queensland.
Renting reliability
In an environment where risk management is paramount, quality is the ultimate arbiter and reputation is as good as the last job, never accept anything but the best.
Fyfe supports pipeline industry
Fyfe has been a proud supporter of the pipeline industry for more than 25 years through its affiliated group of companies.
Savcor completes cathodic protection works on the Brooklyn to Lara Pipeline
The construction of the new gas pipeline from the Brooklyn Compressor Station to the Lara City Gate, part of APA’s Victorian Transmission System, has recently been completed by Lucas Operations on behalf of APA Group with Savcor ART providing all corrosion protection services during construction.
Lift with confidence
Contractors are faced with ever growing demands for safer job sites. Meeting these demands can be quite difficult, especially with the rising costs of doing business: Vacuworx International offers a solution to meet these demands.
Talking torque wrenches with Enerpac
There are many different types of torque wrenches available, but the choice of torque wrench type and ancillary equipment depends on the application. Enerpac explain some key aspects to consider when purchasing the right torque wrench for the job.
Advanced Polymer Products– Australia’s local pipeline pig manufacturer
Advanced Polymer Products can supply all pipeline pig requirements to pipeline construction, hydrostatic testing companies and pigging contractors.
O’Briens dig Australia
O’Briens Detail Excavations has established itself as a specialist earthworks contractor to the pipeline industry.
Retain workforces with Bayside
With projected economic growth in the engineering sector over the next ten years, unemployment levels at just 4.3 per cent and more than 28 per cent of our workforce aged 50 and over, businesses will need to work hard at finding and retaining skilled professionals. Bayside Personnel can help to attract and retain pipeline professionals.
Richmond Engineering joins APIA
For over 50 years Richmond Engineering has been a leader in the engineering design and manufacture of custom wheel, castor and polyurethane solutions for Australia and the world.
A record year for AJ Lucas Group
Lucas has had a big year, with turnover nearly doubling over the previous year to a record $424 million.
RROS – supplying new technologies with traditional values
Red Rock Oilfield Services (RROS) is one of Western Australia’s leading suppliers of services and personnel to the mining, refinery, oil and gas industries.
PPI polyethylene growth continues
With the creation of its specialist Mining, Industrial and Civil division well behind them PPI Corporation is now well established as a supplier to both the mining and coal seam gas markets.
Dhatec expands in the Netherlands
Located in the Netherlands, Dhatec has been specialising in pipe-end protection since 1991 and has just opened a new production facility and office.
Western Australia gas developments: in the pipeline
by Lyndsie MewettResource rich Western Australia has a number of exciting developments on the horizon. Here, The Australian Pipeliner takes a look at how the Western Australian pipeline industry has evolved over time and what projects will make up the State’s future development.
Diona delivers
Diona has been undertaking projects in the utility infrastructure industry for over 28 years. With its team of experienced personnel, the company has been busy recently completing a number of projects up the east coast of Australia.
Enerflex compresses EGP ahead of schedule
Enerflex, in partnership with Jemena, has completed the new Mila gas compressor station on the Eastern Gas Pipeline over a month ahead of time and with zero lost time injuries.
Air Springs cushions Australia’s pipes
Australia presents many challenges when lifting, shifting and engineering pipelines, in order to ensure safety and security of supply. A huge variety of terrain has to be crossed as pipelines run over hundreds of kilometres, often between states, carrying substances as widely varied as water, petroleum and gas. Air Springs Supply has the answer.
Record offshore hot tap in Australia
The ocean 160 km off the northwest coast of Australia is pristine. Even at a depth of 127 metres, the water is clear and inhabited by abundant life. Several new residents, in the form of gas production platforms, have recently come to this place to occupy a minimal footprint on the sea floor. The local address is best described as a featureless plot of waves and wind known as the Angel Gas Field.
Setlow completes works on Western Corridor Recycled Water Project
Setlow Constructions recently completed large bore pipeline and pump station construction on the Western Corridor Recycled Water (WCRW) Project. The Australian Pipeliner caught up with Setlow Project Manager Rikki Nash to talk about the scope of works on the recycled water pipeline that aims to drought proof southeast Queensland.
Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project surging ahead
The Wimmera Mallee Pipeline Project (WMPP) will replace 18,000 km of open, earthen channels with a piped water distribution system of about 8,800 km.
Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline: the backbone of Western Australia
Plans for the Stage 5B Expansion of the almost 1,600 km Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP), Western Australia’s essential piece of gas infrastructure, are progressing well, following the completion of the Stage 5A Expansion earlier this year.
3M pipe coating covers DBNGP
3M E Wood supplied line pipe coating for the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP) Stage 4 and 5 expansions for pipeline owner Dampier Bunbury Pipeline.
Epic link for eastern states
Despite nature’s best efforts, construction of the QSN Link is still on track after heavy rain in June closed all unsealed roads and flooded parts of the pipeline right of way, delaying construction by 20 days.
High speed AUT world inspection record on QSN Link
UT Quality Australia recently smashed a new world record while carrying out Auto UT Inspection on Epic Energy’s QSN Link pipeline project.
Diversified completes Jackson to Moomba: on time…on budget…and carbon offset
Diversified Construction Corporation recently completed the 275 km Jackson to Moomba Oil Pipeline, another major engineering pipeline project for Santos, which was the missing link in a major oil pipeline network, connecting Tarbat and Jackson to Moomba and then on to Port Bonython in South Australia.
Jackson to Moomba camp completed against the odds
Diversified Construction Corporation and General Trade Industries (GTI) overcame logistical challenges and tight time-frames to contribute to the establishment of a 132 man camp on the middle of the Jackson to Moomba Oil Pipeline.
2008: The year in review
by Stephanie Mizzi and Lyndsie MewettAustralia’s pipeline industry has boomed over the last 12 months with the completion of many projects and the promise of bigger developments to come. The gas sector, particularly LNG projects and associated pipelines, has thrived and water projects have come to the fore as the governments attempt to sure up water supplies in drought ridden areas of the nation.
Enerpac introduces time-saving technologies
Enerpac is introducing to Australasia its biggest-ever range of time-saving technologies focussed on improving safety and efficiency in the construction, energy, infrastructure, mining and petroleum industries.
You may also like to try the Advanced Search.
Enter your details here to subscribe to the free The Australian Pipeliner Update.
Subscribe to the magazine now!
Or you can read the magazine online.
Pipeline Map of Australia
Click here to order your Pipeline Map of Australia.
Top News Articles
1. QCLNG EPCM contract awarded, EIS comments answered
2. Pipe laying starts on Wonthaggi Desalination Pipeline
3. GLP to construct gas pipeline for Tassie micro-LNG
4. Bulk Water pipeline on the way
5. Arrow hits the target with Surat to Gladstone Pipeline licence
6. Arrow aims for 100 per cent interest in Fisherman’s Landing
7. Sugarloaf Pipeline opens as NPI gains conditional approval
8. GLNG tries a little tenderness
9. Oil tieback in the pipeline to Mirage field
10. Countdown begins for WMPP’s final few hundred
Top Magazine Articles
1. Codmah delivers with western SPL alliance
2. Innovative SPL gets gas connected
3. South Australia’s pipeline potential — By Mandy Wong
5. SGNGP - delivering gas across southeastern Gippsland
6. OSD commissions Broome Gas Pipeline
7. Pipeline engineer training — Cheryl Cartwright, APIA Chief Executive
8. Route selection: more than just drawing a line
9. Toll provides logistics services for pipeline construction
10. Developments in steel pipeline coating systems — Chanchal Dasgupta, Application Marketing Manager, Borouge (India) Pvt Ltd
Follow Us on Twitter!
Latest Twitter updates:
Want to see the latest? Follow The Australian Pipeliner on Twitter.
Something to tell us?
Do you have something to tell The Australian Pipeliner? Submit your news or information here.
Media Kit
Download the The Australian Pipeliner Media Kit (PDF).