The Australian Pipeliner

October 2010

Chief Executive’s report

If you are reading this Convention edition of The Australian Pipeliner at the 2010 APIA Annual Convention and Exhibition – welcome to Darwin! If you are reading the magazine from somewhere south, west or east – read on and find out what you’re missing!

Pipelines: from conception to rebirth in Perth

The WA Chapter of APIA held its annual Seminar and Dinner Dance on 25 June at the Parmelia Hilton, with the seminar focussing on ‘Pipelines: Conception to Re-birth’.

Ich-citing Ichthys: Darwin dinner hears from Sean Kildare

The proposed Ichthys Gas Field Development will involve the construction of the longest offshore gas pipeline in the southern hemisphere. Project proponent Inpex General Manager Darwin Sean Kildare addressed the APIA Darwin Dinner about the scope of the project and the opportunities it poses to the industry.

APIA steels itself for Sydney

While there may have been some debate about whether it was the first APIA Sydney Dinner, there was no debate that the dinner on 1 July 2010 was a great success.

Massive projects, massive attendance at Brisbane

When an airport is being purpose-built to service a gas project it is clear that the project is of a monumental scale.

EPCRC launched to address pipeline issues

Established by the Commonwealth Government to deal with issues of national significance involving the pipeline industry, the Energy Pipelines Co-operative Research Centre was officially launched on 8 June 2010 at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus.

Pipelines on parade at Gang at the ’Gong

This year’s much-anticipated APIA Young Pipeliners Forum Tour of Wollongong – known as Gang at the ’Gong – involved a two-day tour of the BlueScope Steel, OneSteel, Orrcon Steel and Bredero Shaw facilities

YPF on the go in WA

By Peter Kneale, Enerflex, and Samantha Haines, APA Group

June was a busy month for the Western Australian Young PIpeliners Forum, with the group organising a site visit and a formal mentoring session with experienced pipeliners from the industry.

Paul Henderson: facilitating pipeline projects in the Top End

The Northern Territory is not only the location of this year’s APIA Convention, but is also home to some of Australia’s most exciting proposed petroleum projects. Here, the Territory’s Chief Minister Paul Henderson speaks with The Australian Pipeliner about his Government’s commitment to ensuring these projects and their associated pipeline infrastructure come to fruition.

Robinson ready to tackle key training issues with APIA

Oil Search Executive General Manager of Operations Richard Robinson is excited to bring his experience in the pipeline industry to the key projects currently at the heart of the APIA Board’s work. Here, he talks to The Australian Pipeliner about his work in the pipeline industry, and reveals how those experiences are set to shape key training and innovation projects during his tenure as APIA Treasurer.

Worker on the line: Darren Janes

APA Group’s Moomba to Sydney Pipeline Capacity Upgrade Project is an important ongoing project, securing an increased gas supply for Australia’s east coast. Darren Janes is AJ Lucas’ Construction Superintendant on the project. Here, he provides an insight into working on the project spread.

Pipe production 101

The pipe-making process comprises three key processes: steel production, pipe manufacture and pipe coating. Within each of these steps, a number of processes are carried out to ensure the manufacture of high quality, functional pipe. BlueScope Steel, Orrcon Steel, OneSteel and Bredero Shaw have opened their factory doors to share the secrets of the pipe-making process with readers of The Australian Pipeliner.

The changing face of the Australian pipeline industry: 1998–2010

The Australian pipeline industry has gone through various changes over the past decade. In 1996, Max Kimber of Kimber Consultants wrote two papers that addressed the changes to the Australian gas pipeline industry from its beginnings in the late 1960s until that time. Here, he provides an update to today, highlighting historical lessons and new developments in research that the industry can learn from.

Protecting pipe: the importance of selecting the right coating

Choosing the right pipeline coating is crucial in ensuring the long-term protection and efficiency of gas pipelines. Bredero Shaw’s Peter Mayes and Justin Brown outline the different types of coating available to the Australian market, and where they are best used.

The global steel industry: an Australian perspective

By Bernie Landy, General Manager Industrial Markets, BlueScope Steel

Steel is a globally strategic industry. It is a fundamental material used in countless applications that touch our everyday lives. Up until relatively recently the steel industry around the world was characterised by stability and predictability. This has now changed and it has changed dramatically.

Dealing with the impacts of gas resource development on the general public

By Mark Harper

“You are in our backyard and you are in our livelihood and you are in our home. I don’t want your $10,000, I just want you to do the right thing.”

History: Pakenham to Wollert Natural Gas Pipeline

Barry Wood

The Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria commissioned its $50 million pipeline between Pakenham and Wollert during the winter of 1984, ten years after it was first considered.

Len Ballem

Barry Wood

Len Ballem is not our usual ‘pipeliner legend’ involved in the construction of oil and gas pipelines, however Len has spent a lifetime – 46 years – in the pipe manufacturing business. He is about to retire from his present position of Tyco’s Market Manager Southern Region.

Pipelining expats: providing overseas experience and character

Each year Australia grants working visas to skilled workers to boost the nation’s pipeline building capability. These international personalities provide a much-loved flavour to the Australian industry. The Australian Pipeliner talks to eight pipelining personalities who have come from Canada, Scotland, Croatia and Kenya to find out what brought them to Australia and to hear about their experiences of, and insights into Australia’s pipeline industry.

APIA Convention host sponsors

Each year, the APIA Convention gets bigger and better than ever. The Association does a fantastic job putting on the event, and wouldn’t be able to do so without ample support from the industry. This year’s Convention Host Sponsors explain why they support the event.

Wasco poised to service Asia Pacific

Wasco Energy has experienced an eventful period working on Australian projects, including the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline Stage 5A and Stage 5B expansions, which involved over 500 km of 26 inch line pipe.

Pipe and Civil ploughing into the CSG industry

Pipe and Civil is bringing new technology to Australia’s pipeline construction industry, which promises to increase cost-efficiency and safety on projects while reducing environmental impacts. Ploughing technology traditionally used in the rollout of fibre optics has been scaled up to provide a new method of burying gathering pipeline.

Olympus delivers simple corrosion mapping solutions

There is a growing need within the pipeline industry for fast, reliable techniques to inspect piping for corrosion. Olympus NDT has recently released a system to accurately detect and measure corrosion for both large areas of erosion and tiny pinholes.

ISCO delivers pipeline fusion

Using fusion technology, ISCO offers high-pressure welding equipment and an onsite parts inventory, complete with technical support and training.

Hastings Deering: continuing efficient product support

Hastings Deering, the Caterpillar dealer assigned to Queensland, the Northern Territory, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, discusses the development opportunities currently posed by Queensland’s proposed coal seam gas to LNG projects.

An unprecedented feat: combined in-line inspection of the world’s longest subsea gas pipeline

Dr Stephan Brockhaus, Dr Hubert Lindner, Rosen Technology & Research Centre, Germany, Tom Steinvoorte, Rosen Europe, Netherla

With a total length of 1,173 km, the Langeled Pipeline connects Nyhamna in Norway with Easington in the UK, and is currently the world’s longest subsea gas pipeline. In 2008, Rosen was awarded the contract for a single-run in-line inspection of the pipeline. The project was both exciting and challenging due to the difficulties posed by a number of the pipeline’s characteristics. No pipeline of comparable length had ever been inspected in a single run before.

The PCS team in the spotlight

Petro Coating Systems has provided long-life corrosion prevention and sealing systems for pipelines since 1992. The Australian Pipeliner meets the people delivering the coating solutions on Australian and South East Asian pipelines.

Supporting pipelines with PII technology

PII Pipeline Solutions, a GE Oil & Gas and Al Shaheen joint venture, has been selected to help improve the long-term security of two important Australian natural gas pipelines.

Merger forms Mipela GeoSolutions

Two private companies – GeoSolutions Australia and Mipela GIS – have merged to create a new company, which will provide geographical information solutions on the eastern seaboard.

Wasco Engineering Division: committed to strengthening industry

Since its inception, Wasco Energy has strengthened its presence in the Australian region working closely with network offices in Singapore, Dubai and Jakarta and has become a complete process service company offering compression, process modules, and after sales service.

Pipelayer models breaking new ground

The sometimes hazardous working conditions on Australian pipeline sites, such as temperature extremes of up to 40 degrees Celsius, have prompted CJD to take a radically different approach to pipelayer products.

Monadelphous acquires KT

National engineering company Monadelphous Group Ltd has acquired Perth-based KT Pipeline Services as a cornerstone of its targeted growth in the infrastructure sector.

Trenchless technology success for BTB Australia

BTB Australia has consistently been involved in major infrastructure projects across Australia, utilising its experience and skills in the installation of pipelines using trenchless technology.

Tremco Pipeline Equipment showcases auto welding and coating technology

The Australian pipeline industry has always been innovative and ready to adopt new technology. Tremco Pipeline Equipment recently ran a demonstration in Brisbane showcasing the latest welding techniques from CRC Evans and the latest field joint coating techniques from PIH.

Beattie Transport: seamless, state-wide transport solutions

The Beattie Transport Group has become an established name in the transport industry. As well as being a well regarded warehousing, local distribution and ‘hot shot’ specialist, Beattie has become a significant national interstate transport provider, specialising in over-dimensional loads.

Drilling success on the Replacement Flows Project

UEA has bored and installed a total of 2,880 m of high-density polyethylene pipeline on the recently completed Replacement Flows Project, as part of the Western Sydney Recycled Water Initiative.

Pressure and Safety Systems adopt a ‘no harm’ policy

In the competitive world of tenders for large-scale pipeline project service contracts, proving your safety credentials is becoming increasingly important. The Australian Pipeliner talks to Pressure and Safety Systems’ Malcolm Reeve to discuss the company’s ‘no harm’ policy.

3M Scotchkote: protecting pipelines from corrosion

The 3M™ Scotchkote™ brand, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has become one of 3M’s most resilient brands by helping to make oil, gas and water pipelines more durable in harsh environments.

An alternative to traditional padding machines

On pipeline project sites around the word ALLU’s screening buckets are proving a popular alternative to traditional padding machines. ALLU’s David MacLynn talks to The Australian Pipeliner about the benefits that the company’s Screener Crushers are delivering to pipeline projects in North America, Algeria and South Africa.

Pipeline machinery manufacturing with Proline

Manufacturer and supplier Proline has been serving the international pipeline industry for decades, continually developing innovative technology and equipment to streamline all aspects of construction for both pipelines and plant.

Flipping success in Finland

Flip Screen Australia, the Wagga Wagga-based manufacturer of the multi-award winning Flip Screen technology, now sees its patented technology being used throughout 19 countries.

Savcor: providing corrosion prevention and repair technology for pipelines

Using the latest in electrochemical corrosion prevention technology, Savcor Products supplies products and systems that can extend the life of pipelines while reducing the amount of maintenance required.

Unidel: forging a future in exciting times

More than three years after forming Unidel with fellow directors Paul Maloney, Shane O’Connell and Leon Betts, Chris Gorham outlines the challenges associated with the company’s growth and its range of services as it strives to meet the expanding needs of the Australian energy industry and the expanding coal seam gas sector.

Epic expansion for RPS

Following a recent expansion in Australia, RPS now operates out of 23 locations around the country, and has significantly increased its range of services to assist with all stages of pipeline development – from conception to operation.

Vietz and Sunset: providing a range of pipeline equipment

Vietz has partnered with distributor Sunset Equipment in order to provide its product range to the Australian market, including automatic welding systems, bending machines and vacuum pipe lifting equipment.

Pipe Raiser: increasing efficiency, decreasing costs

The coal seam gas to LNG boom in Queensland has seen the largest pipe diameter ever proposed in Australia. Dhatec has provided a solution for transporting large diameter pipe.

Romea adopts distance learning traineeships

Romea Training has embraced e-learning technologies and is applying distance learning methodologies for pipeline traineeships across Australia.

Steely resolve for Capital Steel in Australasia

Specialising in tubular and long pipe products, Australian-owned import trading company Capital Steel is providing pipe products for many Australian and Papua New Guinean projects.

Desalination pipeline a GEM for new butt welding standards

GEM Industrial’s new butt fusion technology proved to be a timely investment when the company was contracted by South Gippsland Water to perform works on a desalination plant pipeline.

Swiftpipe perfect for ploughing PE pipe

Mitchell Water’s Swiftpipe vibratory ploughing technology has the right credentials for high production polyethylene pipe installation in coal seam gas applications and delivers significant environmental benefits.

Welcome to the jungle: pipeline projects in PNG

Sarah Paul

Papua New Guinea has been in the limelight with recent LNG developments. However, the country’s rugged terrain provides a challenge for companies proposing to develop projects in the area. Here The Australian Pipeliner takes a look at projects currently proposed, and provides a snapshot of previous pipeline projects constructed in Papua New Guinea.

Slurry pipelines on the move

Sarah Paul

A number of slurry pipeline projects are in planning and under construction in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The Australian Pipeliner takes a look at the exciting activity surrounding slurry pipeline development.

Lessons from the US: experience in carbon dioxide pipelines

James Watt, Technical Manager – Renewable Energy, AMEC Power & Process Europe

Transportation of CO2 in a carbon capture and storage (CCS) scheme is critically important but has not been well addressed. While increasing attention is being paid to storage and capture technology, transportation issues still lag behind. In particular, storage assessments, and research and demonstration projects drive capture technology development.

Solutions to encroachment issues

By Steve Davies, APIA Policy Adviser

The Australian Pipeline Industry Association is developing a campaign to engage with planning authorities and to raise awareness of gas transmission infrastructure and issues. The Association has begun to reach out to state planning departments, and the early responses have been positive.

MacDow: done and dusted on the DBNGP

McConnell Dowell completed the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline Stage 5B Looping Project in April 2010 after an approximate 12 month construction period. The success of this project was due to the relationships created between Dampier Bunbury Pipeline, WestNet Energy and McConnell Dowell.

An exercise in logistics: QSN 3

Construction has commenced on Epic Energy’s Stage 3 expansion of the South West Queensland Pipeline, which connects Queensland’s coal seam gas (CSG) fields to markets around Australia. The project – dubbed QSN 3 – poses many logistical challenges due to its length, the material required, and its remote location.

Westlink Logistics ships for the QSN 3 Project

Carrying more than 20,000 t of pipe from Malaysia to Australia is no small feat, especially when poor weather demands the revision of plans at short notice. Western Australian project shipping company Westlink Logistics spoke to The Australian Pipeliner about how a flexible approach and thorough planning contributed to a successful delivery of pipe for the South West Queensland Pipeline Expansion Project.

APC: providing a home away from home along QSN 3

The South West Queensland Pipeline Expansion, dubbed QSN 3, will involve the construction of 940 km of looping along the mainline of the existing South West Queensland Pipeline and the QSN Link. The route traverses remote sections of Queensland and South Australia, and Australian Portable Camps is providing a home away from home for workers along the right-of-way.

Enerflex turns on the pressure for Mortlake

Enerflex has installed a pressure reducing metering station in southwest Victoria to allow the Iona Gas Plant to feed gas into the recently installed Mortlake Pipeline from a number of different supply lines.

APA: expanding pipeline system capacity across Victoria and New South Wales

From Young to Wagga Wagga and Wollert to Euroa, keeping regional Australia connected to natural gas supplies is serious business for APA Group as it undertakes expansion projects across its Victorian and New South Wales pipeline systems.

Young to Wagga Looping Project: Bredero collaborates with APA

Bredero Shaw Australia has completed its coating contract for APA Group’s looping of the existing Young to Wagga Pipeline – on schedule and under a challenging timeframe.

APA constructs Caltex Lateral through heavy traffic

The Caltex Lateral may only be 6 km long, but its construction presents unique challenges for pipeline owner APA Group. The Australian Pipeliner finds out why constructing a pipeline along one of Brisbane’s busiest roads presents big challenges for engineering and construction teams.