Following the success of the joint Welding Technology Institute of Australia (WTIA)/APIA Welded Pipeline Symposium held in Perth in 2008, approximately 30 delegates travelled to Sydney to hear from international and Australian speakers.

Professor Phil Hopkins from Penspen Integrity in the United Kingdom has been a frequent visitor to Australia over the past eight years. He spoke in detail about the all important pipeline risk assessment process that must be followed as urban encroachment occurs. Prof Hopkins also presented on the assessment of pipeline defects and the appropriate repair methodologies to be used.

Peter Lansdown from the New South Wales Department of Water and Energy provided an interesting perspective of pipeline risk assessment from a regulatory perspective.

The second international presenter, Bill Bruce from CC Technologies in the United States, provided detailed insight into the guidelines for pipeline repair using the direct deposition of weld metal. He also presented on guidelines for heat sink capacity measurement for in-service pipelines. Both of these presentations generated much discussion amongst delegates.

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Other speakers included Ben Gross from the WTIA who provided a practical guide to pipeline weld defects and welding processes; Dr Michael Law of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation who discussed the finite element analysis of branch connection design; and, Gabriel Stecher of MIAB Technology who explained the MIAB welding technology and results of an MIAB welding field test.

Executive Director of the WTIA Chris Smallbone brought his vast international experience to the symposium by discussing the international approaches such as the International Institute of Welding Commission XI and ISO 3834, explaining their value to the Australian pipeline industry.

Delegates at the symposium found it an interesting day, which generated much discussion.

APIA appreciates the opportunity to join with WTIA to hold joint events such as this. Together, both Associations are determined to enhance the transfer of knowledge to both younger and more experienced pipeliners. The symposium was another example of successful co-operation between APIA and WTIA.