We’re one of just two companies in Australia accredited to help operators and asset owners hydrogen-proof their pipelines. Talk to us today about why yesterday was the ideal time to prepare your infrastructure to transmit future fuels.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
-
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
-
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
The Pipeline stretches away beyond the horizon and Austrack Equipment is with you every step of the way.
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
‘Everything we do begins and ends with our customers’
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
Michael Benson, Austrack MD
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
-
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Michael Benson, Austrack MD
- Michael Benson, Austrack MD
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
Our fleet of 300+ machines and 700+ attachments can deploy to anywhere in Australia EXCAVATORS |
Our fleet of 300+ machines and 700+ attachments can deploy to anywhere in
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
Our fleet of 300+ machines and 700+ attachments can deploy to anywhere in Australia
fleet of 300+ machines and 700+ attachments can deploy to anywhere in Australia
Our fleet of 300+ machines and 700+ attachments can deploy to anywhere in Australia
of 300+ machines and 700+ attachments can deploy to anywhere in Australia EXCAVATORS |
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
Managing the building of major pipelines is challenging, complicated and expensive.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
and 700+ attachments can deploy to anywhere in
Our fleet of 300+ machines and 700+ attachments can deploy to anywhere in
Our fleet of 300+ machines and 700+ attachments can deploy to anywhere in
Our fleet of 300+ machines and 700+ attachments can deploy to anywhere in
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
One call to Austrack and instantly WE become part of YOUR team. We save you all the stress involved with hiring equipment.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
We have you covered on all fronts with:
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
• Reliable equipment
• Reliable equipment
•
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
• Reliable equipment
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
• Reliable equipment
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
We have you covered on all fronts with:
• Reliable equipment
• Reliable equipment
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
• Reliable equipment
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
• Best Brands
• Best Brands
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
We have you covered on all fronts with:
• Best Brands
• Best Brands
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
We have you covered on all fronts with:
• Best Brands
• Reliable equipment
• Best Brands
Our people bring ‘at the coalface’ hands on experience to get your project moving.
We have you covered on all fronts
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
• Best Brands
• Reliable equipment
• Superior service
• Superior service
•
We have you covered on all fronts with:
•
• Superior service
• Superior service
• Superior service
• Reliable equipment
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
•
• Reliable equipment
• Reliable equipment
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
We have you covered on all fronts with:
• Reliable equipment
• Superior service
• Best Brands
• Reliable equipment
• Reliable equipment
• Reliable equipment
• Putting safety first
• Putting safety first
• Reliable equipment
• Putting safety first
• Reliable equipment
•
•
• Superior service
•
• Putting safety first
• Putting safety first
• Best Brands
• Reliable equipment
• Putting safety first
• Best Brands
•
• Best Brands
•
• Reliable equipment
• Reliable equipment
• Best Brands
• Best Brands
• Putting safety first
• Reliable equipment
• Reliable equipment
• Superior service
• Best Brands
• Best Brands
• New technology
• New technology
•
• Best Brands
• Best Brands
• Best Brands
• New technology
• New technology
• New technology
• Putting safety first
• Best Brands
•
• New technology
• Superior service
• Superior service
•
• Superior service
• Superior service
• Superior
• Putting safety first
• Great Rates
• Great Rates
•
• Great Rates
• Great Rates
• Great Rates
• Superior service
• Superior service
• Superior service
• Superior service
• Superior service
• New technology
• Great Rates
• Putting safety first
• Putting safety first
• Putting safety first
• Putting safety first
• Putting safety first
• Putting safety first
• Superior service
• Putting safety first
• New technology
• Putting safety first
•
• Putting safety first
•
•
•
• Putting safety first
• Putting safety first
•
•
•
• New technology
• New technology
•
•
• Putting safety first
• Putting safety first
• Putting safety first
•
• Great Rates
• New technology
• Putting safety first
•
• New technology
•
• Great Rates
• Great Rates
• Great Rates
•
• New technology
• New technology
• Great Rates
• New technology
•
• New technology
• Great Rates
• Great Rates
• Great Rates
• Great Rates
• Great Rates
PE ISOLATION has changed for the better.
Part of the comprehensive gas distribution systems offering from TDW, the revolutionary POLYSTOPP® Quick Connect system makes it easy to safely perform tapping, plugging and branching on polyethylene (PE) pipelines — faster than other methods of isolating and using significantly less excavation space.
One person lift. | For 4-inch through 8-inch pipelines. Pressure rated to 10 bar (150 psi). | Covers multiple standard dimension ratios. 2-inch bypass capable. | Plugging or branching fittings available.
How much faster is it? Watch the speed comparison video:
All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.
Printed by: The Precision Group
83-89 Freight Drive, Somerton VIC 3062
Ph: (03) 9490 1500
The Australian Pipeliner brand comprises: six editions a year, a news website, a weekly e-newsletter, multiple social media platforms, an annual industry directory and an annual pipelines wallchart. Book an advertising and editorial package to gain access to our exclusive audience.
16,500+ e-newsletter subscribers
20,000+ website views each month
13,700+ magazine subscribers
3,300+ social media followers
Want to find out more?
Contact our business development team to discuss how you can grow your business with The Australian Pipeliner. Call 0466 929 675 or email jacob.niehus@primecreative.com.au
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association’s (APGA) vision is to lead the sustainable growth in pipeline infrastructure for Australasia’s energy. APGA is a non-profit organisation formed to represent the interests of its members involved in: the ownership, operation, maintenance, design, engineering, supply and construction of pipelines, platforms and all other structures used in or in connection with the drilling for, extraction and transmission of hydrocarbons, solids, slurries and similar substances both onshore and offshore. As a single voice representing the collective interests of its members, APGA is dedicated to encouraging the extension and development of the industry.
The Australian Pipeliner is the official journal of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) and is distributed to members without charge and circulated to interested organisations throughout Australia and overseas. It is also available on subscription. The publishers welcome editorial contributions from interested parties. However, neither the publishers nor APGA accept responsibility for the content of these contributions and the views contained therein are not necessarily the views of the publishers or APGA. Neither the publishers nor APGA accept responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. All communications should be directed to the publishers.
WE CAN DO THIS THE EASY WAY, OR WE CAN DO THIS THE EASY WAY.
Need a pipe handling system to make your job faster, safer and easier? At Pipeline Plant Hire we have two flexible solutions ready to go. Hire and attach a PL1500 to your machine, or hire a fully-equipped VL machine as an efficient, all-in-one solution. All our vacuum lifter are capable of safely lifting 15 tonne. Our PL1500 integrates seamlessly with your host excavator using the main controls and hydraulics to operate the vacuum lifter. This system makes your life easier, more productive, and the whole site safer. Talk to us about a solution today.
From the President
Australian Pipelines and Gas Association President John Stuart-Robertson reflects on the success of recent events, and lays out what’s yet to come.
Welcome to the latest edition of The Australian Pipeliner
The momentum for 2025 is already well underway, with a strong start to the year marked by highly successful networking evenings, golf days and technical seminars spanning the region, from Perth to New Plymouth in New Zealand. A standout event so far this year has been the Hydrogen Code of Practice Workshop in Melbourne. This informative session was well attended, providing the latest insights into best practices, regulations, and future developments shaping the hydrogen industry. It was a great opportunity for our members to opportunity to connect with peers, learn from industry experts, and gain knowledge that directly impacts their work.
This edition shines a spotlight on the crucial role that our infrastructure plays in Australia’s energy mix. Our collaboration with the Future Fuels CRC will finish later this year where we will transition to our new industry-led research organisation, Gas Infrastructure Research Australia (GIRA), led by Australia’s gas infrastructure sector. GIRA will focus on research to support Australia’s gas infrastructure. The specific research priorities will be set by its members. An initial set of priorities include pipeline related research, gas network related research and cross cutting research.
On the international front, APGA is continuing to foster global knowledge exchange. The joint technical meeting between APGA, EPRG and PRCI will be held 2–6 June in San Diego, US. APGA and the RSC are providing seven scholarships for young people in the industry to attend the event and then complete a study tour of facilities in San Diego, LA and Houston over six days following the JTM.
For this issue’s regional focus, we turn our attention to Western Australia, where several major long-distance pipelines have been delivered over recent years. With future development underway, including projects in water supply, desalination, energy generation, hydrogen, and alternative fuels, it’s an exciting time to revisit the pipeline landscape across the state.
APGA Secretariat
Registered Office:
7 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600
(PO Box 5416, Kingston ACT 2604)
T: +61 2 6273 0577
E: apga@apga.org.au
W: www.apga.org.au
ABN: 29 098 754 324
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to invite all members to our flagship event – the 2025 APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition, to be held from 18–21 October at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional hospitality, Brisbane is set to host a compelling program of technical sessions, business presentations, and social events that continue to define the high standard of our annual gathering. Registrations are open now, and I encourage you to secure your place early.
An essential part of the Convention is our annual awards ceremony, where we honour individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to our industry. There are six awards available, and nominations are currently open. Please consider putting forward a colleague or company whose work deserves recognition.
In closing, I want to thank each of you for your continued engagement and commitment to our industry. Let’s keep the conversations going, the ideas flowing, and the projects progressing.
Stay safe – and I look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
JOHN STUART-ROBERTSON APGA PRESIDENT
Chief Executive Officer
Steve Davies
Head of Corporate Services
Dhammith Abeysuriya
National Policy Manager
Catriona Rafael
Head of Operations & Communications
Lawrence Shelton
Head of Engagement
Gayle Burns
Membership Officer
Katy Spence
Head of Corporate Affairs
Paul Purcell
Technical Advisor
Craig Bonar
Safe, Reliable Pipeline Solutions
•Hot Tapping
•Line Isolation & Bypass
•Pipe Cutting
•Commissioning
•Decommissioning
•Equipment Maintenance
•Training
WA pipes up with water investment flurry
The past 12 months have seen serious investments into the future of water in Western Australia.
Water Corporation is advancing several major infrastructure projects across Western Australia, and a $7.4 million water pipeline between Dayton and Caversham. In the state’s fast-growing northern corridor, a new wastewater project has also been launched at Glenfield Beach in Geraldton, highlighting Western Australia’s growing pipeline of water infrastructure developments.
pipe and some fittings manufactured and supplied by Perth-based businesses.
To minimise traffic disruption, the 18-month project will involve tunnelling under Gnangara Road, Mirrabooka Avenue, Hartman Drive and Tonkin Highway.
Water Minister Simone McGurk said the projects would help keep pace with the needs of the growing community.
“Perth remains Australia’s fastest-growing capital city, which highlights the need for strong investment in essential service infrastructure,” she said.
Perth welcomes $73 million boost to water infrastructure
Construction has begun on essential wastewater infrastructure for Perth’s fastgrowing north-east.
The $73 million Water Corporation project includes a 14.2km wastewater pipeline between Ellenbrook and Wangara, as well as major upgrades to a pumping station in Henley Brook. A 900m drinking water pipeline is also being installed along The Broadway in Ellenbrook.
The City of Swan is one of Australia’s fastestgrowing local government areas. The project will support housing development in the area’s urban growth corridor, which includes Ellenbrook, Brabham, Dayton and Caversham.
Close to 1600 separate sections of pipeline will be used during construction, with valves,
Earlier this year, Water Corporation completed a $36.5 million project to deliver a new drinking water pipeline in Henley Brook and an 18km wastewater pipeline from Bullsbrook to Ellenbrook.
“Nowhere is that growth clearer than in the City of Swan’s urban growth corridor.
“We’re always looking to the future when planning these sorts of projects to ensure infrastructure keeps pace.”
A new pipeline from Dayton to Caversham has been one of the state’s highlight projects.
A number of pipeline projects are underway in WA recent months.
New drinking water pipeline in WA Water Corporation has completed work on a $7.4 million water pipeline from Dayton to Caversham.
A new primary school in Henley Brook is among the first developments to benefit from a $36.5 million Western Australia Government investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in the City of Swan.
Delivered by Water Corporation, part of the project saw a 2.6km drinking water pipeline installed along Starflower Road and Park Street, Henley Brook.
“Water Corporation is constantly planning ahead to ensure communities like those in and around Ellenbrook benefit from secure, reliable water and wastewater services,” McGurk said.
“This financial year, $487.5 million has been allocated to metro water, wastewater and drainage projects that will support growing Perth suburbs long into the future.”
In addition to supporting housing development in Perth’s fast-growing northeast, the new pipeline had the taps flowing at Henley Brook Primary School for start of the 2024 school year.
Water Corporation has also completed an 18km wastewater pipeline from Bullsbrook to Ellenbrook and constructed a new pump station.
The projects have diverted flows from the Bullsbrook Wastewater Treatment Plant, supporting the Bullsbrook facility’s closure.
The City of Swan is the fastest growing area in WA, and the ninth fastest growing region in Australia. Although many properties are semi-rural, the population is expected to grow by almost 80 per cent by 2051 to 310,000.
To further support population growth in the City of Swan, the WA Government is investing $8.4 million to build a 1.5km water pipeline from Dayton to Caversham. The project started in December 2023 was completed mid-2024.
The WA Government committed $487.5 million to metropolitan water, wastewater and drainage projects in 2023–24 budget, supporting the delivery of reliable, high-quality water, wastewater and drainage services.
New wastewater project for Glenfield Beach
Western Australia’s fast-growing northern coastal corridor of Geraldton has received a boost, with a new wastewater project now in place at Glenfield Beach.
The $7.5 million Water Corporation project included a new wastewater pump station at the southern end of Glenfield Beach Drive and a 2.2km pipeline to convey wastewater to a nearby treatment plant.
The investment in essential service infrastructure is fundamental to unlocking new land, with an additional 5500 residents expected to call Glenfield Beach home in the coming years.
According to Water Corporation, it has allocated $14.3 million to new water, wastewater, and drainage projects in the MidWest this financial year under the 2024–25 state budget.
Minister McGurk said it is very important to maintain strong investment in service infrastructure to cater to expected population growth.
“Often this infrastructure is buried beneath our feet and rarely thought about, however, it performs an essential function for the community,” she said.
She also said that this project is a vital step to support the construction of around 2000 new homes in Glenfield Beach.
Lara Dalton, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia, said significant progress is being made in developing the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area.
“As more and more people are drawn to the region through the creation of new job opportunities, it’s vital we have infrastructure in place that allows for sensible, sustainable development,” Dalton said.
Water Corporation allocated $14.3 million to new water, wastewater, and drainage projects in the Mid-West this financial year.
Image:
Jose Luis Stephens / stock.adobe.com
How Bridger Photonics is revolutionising the way operators reduce methane emissions
Bridger Photonics is using its aerial LiDAR technology to help gas operators eliminate fugitive emissions.
As natural gas moves through the supply chain – from production wells to gathering pipelines, processing facilities, transmission networks, and down to the distribution systems that deliver energy to homes and businesses – it also presents a significant emissions challenge at every stage.
pipelines, and even within urban distribution networks. Historically, these different sectors have relied on varying detection methods, many of which are either time-consuming, inaccurate, or poorly suited for broadscale implementation.
Bridger Photonics Gas Mapping LiDAR™
Trusted by industry leaders
APA Group, Australia’s energy infrastructure partner, has partnered with Bridger Photonics to scan gas transmission pipelines and facilities across the country to accurately detect and measure methane emissions. Bridger’s high-precision data is supporting APA to take targeted action to reduce operational methane emissions, consistent with its 2030 methane reduction target and net zero gas infrastructure operational emissions by 2050 goal.
Additionally, major international players like Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Phillips 66 are already using Bridger’s technology across the globe to refine their operational strategies, streamline field response, and advance their ESG commitments.
Some of the biggest names in energy have adopted Bridger Photonics’ technology.
Working across the energy value chain
This means operators across production, midstream, LNG, and even distribution can use one flexible technology to detect and manage emissions throughout their operations, creating consistency, efficiency, and data continuity across departments and regions.
In the production sector, where leaks can come from flares, tanks, separators, compressors, or other equipment, early detection is critical. Bridger’s system is capable of identifying leaks as small as 1kg per hour (kg/hr) with a 90 per cent probability of detection, helping operators catch and fix emissions sooner. The technology is also sensitive enough to reveal subtle operational issues through advanced emissions analytics that can be used to detect leak trends among equipment types, operating parameters, or other factors.
In the midstream sector, particularly across vast pipeline networks, GML’s scalability is unmatched. It can scan hundreds of kilometers of pipeline per day, mapping out emissions across remote or hard-to-access terrain in virtually any weather or lighting condition. These capabilities are critical for midstream operators trying to balance coverage with cost and speed.
Downstream, in distribution systems, Bridger’s sensitivity improves even further. The platform detects emissions as low as 0.5kg/hr, also with a 90 per cent probability
of detection, allowing utilities to locate and prioritise leaks in communities, where safety and efficiency are paramount.
Across the board, Bridger provides a comprehensive measurement system with industry-leading accuracy – bringing operators clarity on what’s leaking, where, and how much.
Real reductions, not just modeled ones
What sets Bridger apart is its ability to meet operators where they’re at. Many technologies in the emissions space require significant upfront capital investment in ground-based sensors, fixed monitoring systems, or extensive personnel needs to conduct manual surveys. These often lead to overcommitment, particularly when the technology doesn’t scale well across diverse asset types or geographies.
Bridger flips that model. Its aerial, noninvasive approach is inherently flexible and scalable. Operators can start with a pilot region, expand across assets as needed, and adjust frequency or coverage without installing new hardware or overhauling existing systems. Bridger offers multiple emission rate detection sensitivity options, ranging from 1–15 kg/hr all with a 90 per cent probability of detection for the production and transmission sectors, so operators can choose the level of granularity they need.
This adaptability is especially valuable in a regulatory and economic environment that’s evolving rapidly. With Bridger, companies don’t have to choose between near-term value and long-term viability – they get both.
One of the most pressing challenges in methane management is moving from estimates to measurable, verifiable reductions.
Many traditional tools rely on statistical models or emissions factors that can misrepresent what’s actually happening in the field. This can lead operators to target locations flagged by models, even when those areas aren't the true source of emissions.
Bridger’s direct measurement approach avoids this problem. Their technology provides empirical, high-resolution data that reflects real-world conditions, not assumptions. This has led to meaningful emissions reductions for clients across multiple equipment types, where traditional methods have systematically failed to detect key issues.
For example, Bridger has worked with operators to analyse flare performance and identify issues that were previously undetected. These studies uncovered systemic causes, including brief power interruptions that reset operational parameters, leading to extended periods of inefficient flaring, as well as a comprehensive understanding of flare types that correlated with greater emissions.
Armed with this insight, operators were able to take targeted action to eliminate these flare emissions sources – something not possible without actual measurements from the field. This is the kind of impact only possible through large-scale, accurate measurement.
Regulatory validation
In early 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formally approved Bridger Photonics’ GML technology for use at all compliance tiers in its methane rulemaking framework for upstream oil and gas operations. This includes the most stringent monitoring levels, which are designed to support rapid, measurable emissions reduction. This approval gives operators a scientifically validated tool they can rely on –
not just to meet current standards but to stay ahead of emerging regulations. Importantly, it also streamlines operations: rather than running parallel detection programs to satisfy both internal ESG goals and federal mandates, operators can meet multiple objectives with a single, unified system.
Beyond emissions management, Bridger’s technology delivers powerful operational efficiencies. Aerial surveys eliminate the need for broad deployment of ground crews, reducing vehicle traffic and limiting personnel exposure to remote or hazardous locations. And because GML delivers data with pinpoint accuracy plus emission rate quantification, operators can prioritise response efforts by leak size and potential impact.
This ensures that the highest-value fixes get addressed first, optimising repair efforts while reducing costs, and systematic analysis of emissions causes can be addressed to reduce future emissions.
Built for what’s next
As the energy sector undergoes a rapid transformation, the tools used to monitor and manage emissions must keep pace. Bridger Photonics is doing just that, with a platform that is built to scale with accuracy.
Whether an operator is looking to roll out a comprehensive emissions reduction strategy across its national footprint or simply trying to improve oversight of a key production region, Bridger offers a path forward that combines cutting-edge science with realworld practicality.
At a time when accuracy, agility, and accountability are paramount, Bridger Photonics is helping the oil and gas industry chart a smarter course through an increasingly complex landscape.
Bridger Photonics’ system uses advanced laser sensors to perform rapid aerial scans of oil and gas infrastructure.
Maintaining Australia’s lifelines
Pro Pipe Services’ hot tapping and line isolation offerings are enabling major infrastructure projects all around Australia.
Major infrastructure upgrades, such as Victoria’s Big Build, are underway across Australia every single day. These critical projects will not only help meet the needs of a growing population but also improve transportation and access to essential utilities like gas, electricity and water.
Unsurprisingly, projects of this kind are enormous undertakings, made even more complex by the presence of existing infrastructure. Indeed, the underground is teeming with utilities’ lines that must be considered before construction can begin.
These lines can be removed and replaced entirely, or construction works can be relocated to quieter areas. But drastic solutions like these are often crippling to large-scale projects, which swing on cost, time, and carbon footprint.
Luckily, Pro Pipe Services has a solution.
The Australian-owned business provides hot tapping, line isolation and pipeline services throughout the Australasian region. Pro Pipe Services’ line isolation capabilities enable it to reroute specific sections of pressurised pipeline with minimal disruption to flow, allowing major construction works to plough ahead.
Among countless other projects on the books, Pro Pipe Services has been keeping the wheels of industry turning in Victoria’s Big Build.
“We’re playing our part in developing critical infrastructure to support the growth of Victoria,” Pro Pipe Services Company Director and owner Joe Buttigieg told The Australian Pipeliner
“We’ve delivered many gas pipeline alterations in support of the Big Build, where existing pipes need to be rerouted with minimal fuss to make way for new
In less than a decade of business, Pro Pipe Services has become one of the
Pro Pipe Services is an Australian owned and operated company, utilising Australian technicians and resources to service the pipeline industry.
contractor. The project is considered one of the largest high-pressure isolations ever performed in Australia.
On another project, the company provided hot tapping and line isolation services on a biogas line at a major Victorian water treatment facility, cementing its place in Australia’s developing renewable gas industry.
And looking ahead, Pro Pipe Services has some major works coming up in the Surat Basin in Queensland, tied to the expansion of Australia’s gas network. Whether it’s critical infrastructure, renewables, or gas, Pro Pipe Services is helping to deliver some of Australia’s most important projects.
nation’s biggest providers of hot tapping and line isolation services.
Unlock the Power of Data
Elevate your asset integrity with unmatched data accuracy and unparalleled expertise
Our unique synergy of advanced inspection systems, cutting-edge analytics and human expertise allows us to transform data into knowledge. Knowledge enables smarter decision-making and delivers a comprehensive understanding of asset safety, lifetime, and performance.
Smart designs for a greener world
McElroy machines are designed with efficiency in mind from start to finish.
The world’s attitude to infrastructure is changing. More emphasis is now placed on efficiency and environmentally friendly solutions, when installing new infrastructure and when rehabilitating what is already in place.
And modern pipelines are no different. Engineers, contractors, and regulatory bodies alike are realising the benefits of shifting to a more long-term piping solution, from municipal utilities like water and sewer up to large-scale commercial operations like mining and irrigation. As that trend continues, McElroy has consistently stepped up to provide machines that help make the world more green, more renewable, and more efficient – one job at a time.
Greener from the start
Even before the fusion machine reaches the jobsite, plastic piping material itself offers a significant advantage in terms of environmental friendliness. Since it was first introduced more than 50 years ago, thermoplastic pipe has offered a more modern and ecological solution to traditional piping materials.
Unlike iron, steel, and other traditional piping materials, thermoplastic pipe is joined together via butt fusion. During butt fusion, pipe ends are cleaned and faced, then heated and forced together under pressure, creating a single, homogenous stick of pipe.
the fusion process becomes stronger than the surrounding pipe material.
Because a correctly fused thermoplastic joint is so strong, it becomes leak free, which is especially important in water and gas applications. When working with metal piping systems, pipe is typically joined together using welding and bolt-up fusion processes. For that reason, an ‘allowable water leakage’ rate of 10 to 20 percent was established for those piping materials.
Comparatively, thermo-fused high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe has an allowable water leakage rate of zero.
But this piping material goes another step further when it comes to efficiency.
Traditional piping materials like iron or steel are known to rust or tuberculate over time, reducing the pipe’s lifespan while also lowering its efficiency rate due to inner diameter loss. In comparison, correctly installed HDPE can be expected to last for generations, and because it doesn’t corrode it’s typically unaffected by the inner diameter loss seen in metal piping materials.
The McElroy method
Since its earliest days, McElroy has been committed to building its machines to meet the highest standards in quality. As the company has expanded its international
emission standards, even as the focus on efficiency has notably increased over the last decade.”
McElroy’s latest equipment lines – in particular the TracStar® iSeries and Tritan™ 560 – showcase that commitment.
The TracStar iSeries features emissioncompliant engines, a CAN bus control system, and many system upgrades. Integrated, software-controlled machine options, from manual to fully automatic, boosts operator consistency while also aiding in adherence to standards.
The TracStar 1200i’s efficient and smart design were put to the test in a project to install infrastructure for a growing tailings dam in Antamina Mine in central Peru. With an average elevation of 4300m above sea level, the mine was a great opportunity to showcase how well the TracStar 1200i could perform at high altitude.
Diesel engines typically have a reduction in power when operating at high altitude. At an altitude like that of the Antamina Mine, a typical reduction in power would normally be between 30 and 45 percent of its overall power.
However, because of the TracStar 1200i’s careful design, it cut those power reductions by more than one-third.
throughout the unit,” McElroy Vice President
iSeries was designed in a way that allows the machine’s engine to idle during most of its operation, only increasing the engine speed during operations that required high hydraulic flow or powering the
Images:
McElroy
The TracStar
heater.
“Because less power is wasted through inefficiencies, it requires less overall power from the engine, ensuring enough power is available for all operations.”
A step further
But emission standards aren’t the only metric McElroy uses to measure the quality of its new machines.
“Going beyond what is just required by emissions regulations, we are implementing machine control strategies that keep our equipment running at the lowest power consumption possible, which helps to minimise the total emissions produced by the engines in these units,” Donaldson said.
For example, during the development of McElroy’s large-diameter TracStar iSeries in 2019, McElroy implemented changes that allowed the machine’s engine to idle during most of its operation, only increasing the engine speed during operations that required high hydraulic flow or powering the heater. At the same time, McElroy implemented variable-speed electric fans to cool the engine.
“That allows us to only utilise the cooling fans when needed and only at the power level required to keep the engine in the proper temperature range,” Donaldson said.
Due to the success of the large-diameter machines, McElroy has expanded its TracStar iSeries line to include two medium-diameter machines: the TracStar 412i and TracStar 618i.
And rather than being content with the successful design of the larger-diameter machines, McElroy took the opportunity to further refine the medium-diameter line.
“During the development of the mediumdiameter TracStar iSeries machines, the challenge to optimise efficiency was a little different,” Donaldson said.
To start, McElroy increased the operational range of the TracStar 618i heater, which required more power to operate properly. Typically, that increase in power would normally mean changing to a larger, more powerful engine.
“We took a different approach,” Donaldson said.
“We implemented a control scheme that allows us to monitor engine loading and turn off the heater during peak loading. This allowed us to keep the same size engine while providing the user with more capabilities.”
In short, that increased efficiency allows more productive work to be done with the same size of equipment and components.
The ‘why’ behind the ‘how’
The TracStar iSeries technical improvements weren’t just implemented to meet emissions standards.
Productivity and machine quality are two cornerstones of McElroy’s design philosophy, along with the overall total cost of ownership of the equipment.
“When you have an engine that’s operating as efficiently as possible, the fuel consumption costs go down, which means lower operating costs to the end user,” Donaldson said.
At the same time, efficient systems tend to have less downtime because they’re operating in their optimal range, creating less stress on the components. That, in turn, equals a more productive piece of equipment for the end user.
Another perk: optimal components mean better value for the customer.
“When you design equipment with efficiency in mind, you’re typically able to keep the cost of the equipment down by making sure the components are appropriately sized,” Donaldson said.
Looking ahead
As the world continues to change the way it looks at infrastructure, McElroy expects to stay at the forefront of industry technology, equipment, and quality.
“We’re always looking at what technologies are appropriate for our equipment, provide value to end users, and operate well in the environment in which our equipment runs,” Donaldson said.
“McElroy is focused on leading the pipe fusion industry, and that means being the leader by design and focusing on being as efficient as possible when it comes to the operation of our equipment.”
McElroy’s commitment to meeting the highest standards in quality is evident in the TracStar iSeries.
Perfectly balanced
Pipeline Plant Hire is driving down carbon emissions and driving up safety on pipeline projects.
From asset owners to workers to the communities they serve, major infrastructure projects like pipelines have no shortage of stakeholders. In such a setting, efficiency is king; even the smallest delay or change of plan can cause a ripple capable of significantly harming the budget.
With so much emphasis placed on efficiency, it’s no surprise that original equipment manufacturers have improved their machinery to deliver smoother and faster projects.
Efficiency also carries the extra benefit of driving down carbon emissions. The more efficiently a machine operates, the less fuel it consumes, the faster it works, and the smaller its impact.
But in the pursuit of perfection, it’s critical to strike the right balance between efficiency and safety. And in the pipeline industry, vacuum lifts are a paragon of both.
Few understand this better than Pipeline Plant Hire (PPH), which has been deeply involved in the pipe handling space in Australia for roughly 20 years.
The company backs the industry with its fleet of VacLifts, which can be customised to handle a wide range of pipeline projects.
Global Pipeline Equipment’s Mat Dridan said that PPH VacLifts can result in enormous time and cost savings for customers because of the speed with which they can handle pipe.
“Our cycle time is under 40 seconds per pipe length, whereas conventional methods take between five and ten minutes,” he said.
In one project, Dridan recalls seeing a PPH VacLift being used to install 1800mm diameter fibreglass pipes in a 20-foot-deep shaft with ease.
“The operator was able to just snatch the pipe straight off the truck, reach down the hole and plug these pipes together without anybody in harm’s way,” he said.
“It’s an extremely efficient method of installation, saving a significant amount of time and money.”
PPH can customise its VacLifts to suit any pipeline project, taking into account material, diameter, thickness, ovality, and a number of other factors to ensure optimal suction. The VacLifts themselves come in two base models: the integrated type and the quick-hitch attachment type.
For heavy-duty pipeline projects, PPH offers vacuum lifts integrated into excavator host bodies. These machines have the greatest lifting capabilities and are ideal for dedicated pipeline projects.
The quick-hitch attachment type is a vacuum lift that can be easily affixed to third party excavators and easily operated using auxiliary hydraulics. Weighing only 750kg, this model is much more economical to freight long
distances than a dedicated excavator, allowing PPH to service projects large and small.
As high-class and adaptable as these VacLifts are, Dridan said they were first and foremost built for safety.
“Our VacLifts are designed to protect lives, and secondary to that has emerged greater efficiencies and enormous advances in pipeline assembly,” he said.
PPH VacLifts can assemble pipes in situ, utilising a guidance system which eliminates the need for ground crew to be in or near the trench. The result is much faster and safer pipeline construction.
“In addition to keeping workers out of the danger zone, our VacLifts have been designed to only lift or release the pipe lengths in a grounded position, so it’s almost impossible to drop the pipe,” Dridan said.
“The safety and efficiency gains offered by our VacLifts are exponential; I really don’t think you can overstate the advantages.”
Striking the perfect balance between performance and safety, it’s little wonder that PPH VacLifts dominate a large share of the pipeline construction market.
And with Dridan and the PPH team working hard to adapt the technology to new challenges as they arise, the capabilities and applications of the VacLift will only continue to expand.
Pipeline Plant Hire machinery is designed to be simple, serviceable, and robust.
Industry Leading Methane Detection
When you partner with Bridger Photonics, you can have hundreds of sites and kilometres of pipeline scanned in a single day. You can receive high-precision methane data without the usual legwork. No boots, no delays, no wasted site visits.
Get leak-level intel fast, so you can:
Prioritise critical repairs
Keep product in the pipe
Reduce unnecessary field time
Learn how Bridger works for operators like you.
Building for the future with Elaflex
Elaflex is securing Australia’s clean energy future with its specialised pipeline expansion joints.
The energy landscape in Australia is shifting. While the push to eliminate coal-fired power generation advances, the question of what should replace it is a nuanced one. Renewable energy sources at scale like solar, wind and hydro, are generally considered the front runners, but currently cannot on their own support Australia’s energy grid.
Meanwhile, exciting progress is being made in the renewable gas sector, like biomethane and green hydrogen, with new projects and grid trials on the go. Even nuclear power generation has been tabled at high levels as an option for long-term energy security.
As these emerging energy technologies establish themselves at a commercial scale, the government has solidified natural gas's role as a crucial enabler of the energy transition through 2050, helping to fill any supply gaps between traditional energy sources and newer alternatives.
But technology aside, an effective energy transition will depend upon equally effective pipeline infrastructure.
And to that end, Elaflex stands ready to serve.
A specialist in safe connections for the transfer and handling of sensitive gases and fluids, this 100-year company has evolved from a humble bronze foundry in Germany to a global powerhouse in manufacturing and product development.
Elaflex enables major pipeline projects all over the world with its custom fabricated expansion joints. These expansion joints have the critical job of joining pipelines to infrastructure such as treatment plants and
power facilities, while also eliminating damaging axial movement.
Additionally, these joints absorb tensions caused by temperature changes, equalise structural settling such as basement subsiding or ground movements, and reduce noise and vibrations.
Quality and capacity
With the help of its partner company, Ditec, Elaflex can supply bespoke expansion joints ranging from half an inch all the way up to five metres in diameter for a wide range of applications.
The companies have a large customer base in Europe, where their expansion joints are utilised in large scale energy projects such as gas transport, hydrogen electrolysers and nuclear power plants. And in Australia,
Elaflex has been involved in the natural gas, LNG and water industries for many years.
“We have supplied expansion joints to water and energy projects all over the world – even in nuclear facilities, and that’s a very difficult certification to get,” Elaflex Pacific Sales Manager Mario Iglic told The Australian Pipeliner.
“When it comes to hydrogen, we have specially designed expansions joints that are suitable for use in electrolyser facilities – a few of which we have delivered in Europe.
“You can be sure that when you’re going to Elaflex and Ditec, you’re dealing with high quality and reliable equipment.”
For expansion joints up to 3m, Elaflex is able to supply directly from its own stock for the fastest turnaround time, while Ditec steps in for larger or custom orders.
Ditec is one of the few manufacturers in the world that can make expansion joints for round, rectangular and oval pipe for high pressure applications up to DN5000. The German manufacturer’s approach to its craft is extremely rigorous, with each joint handmade for complete control over quality and specifications.
“Even with this high degree of quality and customisation in manufacturing, lead times are extremely efficient considering that the product is coming from Germany,” Iglic said.
No matter the complexity of the project, Elaflex and Ditec have the expertise to deliver.
As Australia’s energy grid advances towards the future, Elaflex expansion joints will play a key role in keeping the country’s most precious resources flowing.
Image:s
Elaflex
Elaflex and Ditec provide premium quality expansion seals.
Ditec is part of the Elaflex Group of companies.
Above. Beyond. Below.
Michels in Motion: Between March 2023 and February 2025, Michels completed three record-breaking HDDs in New South Wales. These 2,250-metre HDDs included an elevation change of 590 metres.
Michels established as an energy
Michels completed our first Horizontal Directional Drill in 1987
Michels establishes permanent presence in Australia in 2022
Mean green trenching machine
Tesmec trenchers are making pipeline operations greener.
Asset owners and contractors are always seeking ways to drive down carbon emissions in their operations, but this is no easy feat for large-scale pipeline projects.
Remote and large-scale sites – a common feature of many major pipeline projects in Australia – can present a range of challenges in this regard. Without supporting infrastructure in the area, electrification of machinery and equipment is not always possible, and the amount of machinery required for a project can drive up emissions not only in operation, but also in transportation.
But what if there was a machine that could deliver pipeline projects reliably and efficiently, all while lowering operational carbon emissions?
Enter Tesmec’s 1150 EVO chainsaw trencher.
The 1150 EVO is a 60-tonne class trencher built for rock excavation of pipelines and underground utilities. The machine boasts a suite of intelligent features that drive up efficiency and drive down carbon emissions, redefining the standards of excavation technology.
While some excavation machinery runs on standard diesel, the 1150 EVO’s engine can operate completely on hydrotreated vegetable oil, which is renewable diesel made from non-
fossil plant-based sources. This makes the trencher particularly well-suited to crosscountry pipelines in remote areas, which do not typically have electrical infrastructure to support fully electric fleets. This allows projects to eliminate emissions from diesel fuels that would otherwise be unavoidable.
The efficiency benefits of the 1150 EVO is another critical factor.
“Our machines outperform traditional excavators, reducing the number of machines required on the job site, decreasing CO2 emissions by on average 68 per cent,” Tesmec General Manager Adrien Merceron told The Australian Pipeliner.
Key to this efficiency is the patented flywheel gearbox and the hydraulic power system, safeguarding the trencher against shocks and overloads.
This innovative design not only protects the hydrostatic circuit but also enhances productivity by delivering additional torque to the digging shaft.
Paired with state-of-the-art digging teeth and simplified maintenance procedures, Tesmec’s machines offer unparalleled efficiency, even in challenging terrains, from brittle rock to hard, and unfractured surfaces.
Material excavated by Tesmec trenchers is immediately ready to be handled with a screen to prepare the trench for sand bedding, padding or backfilling. This avoids double handling and its associated costs.
“Our Trenchers allow the elimination of several post-digging steps, acting as a means of integrating and uniting various stages of the excavation process,” Merceron said.
“The material resulting from trenching is already crushed and can be easily reused for backfilling. This eliminates the need for additional crushing activities and transportation, reducing emissions and avoiding material waste.”
All of these sustainability features are further backed by a sophisticated electronic control system called TrenchTronic 5.0, which automates trenching operations.
This control system reduces the risk of human error, optimising depth control and trajectory automatically to deliver uniform trenches every time.
With so much to gain, it’s little wonder that pipeline contractors across Australia are turning to Tesmec. Even under the most extreme conditions, trenchers like the 1150 EVO stand ready to drive up efficiency and drive down carbon emissions.
Tesmec chainsaw trenchers deliver precise and consistent cuts.
integrated bypass maintains production during isolation
Dual Leak-Tight Seals
Double Block & Bleed Isolation
Isolated Pipeline
Monitored Zero-Energy Zone
The BISEP® has an extensive track record and provides pioneering double block and bleed isolation while
dual seals provide tested, proven and fully monitored leak-tight isolation, every time, any pressure.
Eye in the sky
From personnel transportation to aerial methane detection, Fleet Helicopters is improving pipeline projects all around Australia.
The key to Australia’s long-term water and energy security is the expansion of pipeline infrastructure across the country. The challenges for asset owners and operators in this regard are many, but the vastness of Australia, as well as the remoteness of some of its regions, are among the most difficult to surmount .
Pipelines often traverse great distances –even interstate – to connect resources with the populations that need them most. For pipeline builders, this means finding a way to ship materials, equipment and manpower to remote locations on a massive scale.
Luckily, Fleet Helicopters is here to expedite the process at all stages of a project’s life.
“Whether it’s mapping out an easement, transporting workers and heavy equipment, or methane leak detection, we’ve got a helicopter for everything,” Fleet Helicopters CEO Mike Watson told The Australian Pipeliner
As a family-owned business that cut its teeth in aerial agriculture, firefighting, and flood relief, Fleet Helicopters knows both flying and remote Australia like the back of its hand.
And in 1996, the company decided to bring that expertise to the pipeline industry. Since then, it has worked with some of the biggest names in gas in Australia.
“More than anything else, we deliver reliability, safety and unique solutions to our clients’ problems,” Watson said.
“It’s about more than just turning up with a helicopter; we engage with our clients to
figure out exactly what challenges they face and how we can help – whatever stage of life a pipeline project is at.”
In the pre-construction phase, Fleet Helicopters can conduct aerial inspections such as easement identifications and flora and fauna surveys, expediting tedious work that
“Likewise, if you need emergency repairs, you need them on the spot.
“A helicopter can get them there in a fraction of the time, so not only is productivity much higher, but it also eliminates the significant safety risks involved with having workers on the road in remote areas.”
Images: Fleet Helicopters
Fleet Helicopters can help workers and equipment get to remote sites quickly.
The company currently has a fleet of 19 aircrafts.
for an asset owner, communities, consumers, and the environment if left unchecked.
Companies pour significant resources into ensuring their pipelines are leak-free, sending technicians to inspect hundreds of kilometres of pipe from the ground. But more and more pipeline operators have cottoned on to the use of aerial methane detection as a way to identify gas leaks at a fraction of the cost and time.
“It’s a very slow process to physically inspect a pipeline,” Watson said.
“You've got access problems through properties, biosecurity problems with vehicles transferring weeds from one property to the
accommodation, and vehicle expenses, or any issues with land access.”
Fleet Helicopters utilises a Boreal GasFinderAB laser system to detect gas leaks, which measures air quality at the helicopter.
“It takes a bit of experience to know where to fly on different days and in different temperatures, wind conditions, and environments, but the result is an incredibly accurate reading,” Watson said.
“The system uses an infrared laser that's tuned to the frequency of light absorbed by methane. So, it measures how much light it puts out, and it measures how much comes
measuring down to 0.5 parts per million. And
In almost 20 years of operation, Watson said, the system has never failed.
The aerial data is reported clearly and in a timely manner to clients. When a leak is detected, this critical information can be reported directly from the helicopter, allowing clients to take immediate action.
It’s no surprise that asset owners and operators are leaning on Fleet Helicopters to help overcome the challenges posed by the harsh Australian landscape. With its help, pipelines around Australia are being built faster and maintained more efficiently.
INDUCTABEND INDUCTABEND
We specialise in applying our induction technology to solve seemingly intractable problems.
Induction bending of pipe up to DN900, wall thicknesses up to 100mm.
Carbon steels, stainless steels, clad pipe and other exotic alloys
High X grade bends
Compound bends
Helix bends
Custom OD mandrels
Structural steel section bending
Fully customizable bend geometry
Other specialist heating applications
Onsite induction bending (large diameter high volume projects)
Cold field bending machines also available for hire (up to DN1200)
Fleet Helicopters was established in 1983.
Made in Australia or made redundant?
APGA Head of Corporate Affairs Paul Purcell discusses the path ahead for the gas industry.
Australia’s gas infrastructure isn’t just a network of pipes moving molecules. It’s the hidden engine room of our economy, quietly and reliably delivering about a quarter of the nation’s daily energy.
In a world growing more volatile by the day, pipelines aren’t just infrastructure, they’re insurance.
That energy lifeline has never been more important than now, as a US-led trade war looms over the global economy. For Australia, this isn’t just a distant battle between superpowers. The tariffs that are being implemented by the second Trump administration are set to have direct consequences for our economy, our cost of living, and most critically, our domestic industries.
As the US raises tariffs to block international goods, surplus products need somewhere to go, and Australia, with its open markets and lack of industrial protection, becomes a prime target.
We’ve seen it before.
When the US imposed steel tariffs in 2018, we didn’t escape the fallout. Exporters, locked out of the US market, redirected cheap steel to Australia.
Within two years, our steel imports surged by nearly 50 per cent. An Australian Steel Institute survey found that 86 per cent of
local manufacturers saw profit margins squeezed, with imported fabricated steel undercutting Australian-made alternatives by as much as 50 per cent. While some businesses enjoyed short-term savings, the long-term impact was severe. Thousands of jobs in regions like the Illawarra and Melbourne’s industrial heartland were put at risk as local manufacturers struggled to compete. Some didn’t make it.
We risk experiencing this scenario again, only on a much broader scale.
Whitegoods, furniture, heat pumps – all products that overseas manufacturers produce at scale, many heavily subsidised. As the US once again closes its doors, these goods won't vanish; they'll simply flood markets like Australia, sold at artificially low prices to move inventory quickly.
That might seem like good news for Australian consumers in the short term, driving down prices and reducing inflationary pressures. But the longer-term consequences are more concerning.
Imports put pressure on Australian businesses already facing rising costs for energy, labour and tax. Consider Victoria’s industrial sector, traditionally Australia’s
manufacturing hub, which relies heavily on natural gas as a primary energy source.
Victorian manufacturers, making everything from aluminium and steel to food and fertilisers, already face significant competitive pressures. Over the last three years alone, Victoria has lost about 17 per cent of its gasbased industrial economy. This isn’t a managed transition to electrification – it’s factory closures, job losses, and businesses offshoring.
This kind of industrial erosion leaves us vulnerable. It strips away sovereign capability, the capacity to manufacture critical goods domestically, and reduces our resilience against global shocks.
Economic resilience is not about being isolationist.
Economic resilience is about strategically leveraging our strengths, so we aren’t left exposed when global trade tensions flare. For Australia, this lies in our abundant energy resources – renewables and gas. These complementors give us a real competitive advantage, but only if we harness them.
Australian businesses are already paying some of the highest energy prices in the developed world. Our manufacturing industries, already thinly stretched, face enormous disadvantages against competitors in Asia, Europe, and North America – regions actively working to lower their energy costs.
Australia has ample gas reserves, but many remain underdeveloped or locked away by contradictory policy.
Tariffs sharpen this disadvantage, making domestic products even less competitive.
We must urgently utilise our unique advantage in energy to rebuild Australia’s economic resilience.
It starts by acknowledging the complementary roles of gas and renewables, not pitting them against each other. Together, these resources can deliver reliable, affordable, and lower-emission energy, underpinning the revitalisation of our commercial and industrial sectors.
Gas, through domestic pipelines, still delivers about 25 per cent of Australia’s energy every single day.
It’s essential for industrial processes that can’t be electrified at scale – fertilisers, food, chemicals, glass, bricks, steel, and aluminium. These are the bedrock industries that support everything else in our economy. They rely on gas not just as a fuel, but as a feedstock –something that can’t simply be swapped out with the flick of a policy switch.
Australia has ample gas reserves, particularly in Victoria and Queensland, but many remain underdeveloped or locked away by contradictory policy. Unlocking them would lower input costs, boost reliability, and strengthen industrial competitiveness. It starts with smarter regulation to ensure the requisite investment flows.
One low-hanging fruit would be the Federal Government suspending self-initiated pipeline reclassification reviews while supply shortfalls loom. The process itself also needs reform: any review should be triggered by clear evidence of market failure, and decisions must be subject to independent appeal. This would remove unnecessary uncertainty and speed up investment to support supply and infrastructure.
At the same time, we must modernise our approach to low-emissions finance. Aligning Australia’s Sustainable Finance Taxonomy with international standards would ensure gas-powered generation and renewable gas projects are recognised for their emissions reduction potential – not excluded.
And looking ahead, we should accelerate development of renewable gas industries by introducing a national Renewable Gas Target – building on momentum already created in Victoria and New South Wales. This supports biomethane production and helps develop new avenues of decarbonisation.
We should not underestimate our natural advantages in renewable energy. Onshore Australian wind and solar resources are among the best in the developed world, offering a long-term path to lower emissions and lower electricity costs. When used with gas, they create a balanced energy mix.
The next Federal Government must deliver an energy strategy that reflects the needs of a modern industrial economy, not one built around single technologies or political trends, but one that’s designed to drive productivity, attract investment, and keep jobs onshore, here in Australia.
A secure, affordable supply of energy, gas and renewables working together, can power a robust, diversified commercial and industrial sector. One that’s able to weather global trade shocks, stand up to below-cost imports, and seize new opportunities in valueadded manufacturing.
This isn’t about nostalgia for the industries of yesterday. It’s about building the industrial base we need for tomorrow – high-tech, clean, efficient, and globally competitive. Energy is the enabler.
Renewed US tariffs are just one more reminder: we can’t keep hoping that cheap imports will fill the gaps left by weakened local production. We need to back our strengths, and that means backing industries that make, move and build things – industries that depend on affordable, reliable energy.
Our gas pipelines aren’t just infrastructure; they’re the backbone of the next generation of Australian industry. It’s time we treated them that way.
Stubbornly flexible.
Are your pipelines ready for the future fuel revolution?
Leading turnkey pipeline contractor Pipe Tek is one of only two companies operating in Australia that is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities to test and certify pipelines for the transmission of hydrogen or blended hydrogen, and to re-spec existing infrastructure to ensure it is future-proofed.
Pipe Tek has already completed a number of hydrogen projects, including the commissioning of a newly built power station and associated pipeline in New South Wales.
While new pipelines being constructed are being certified for hydrogen transmission, only a fraction of existing gas pipelines are ready to transmit future fuels.
Pipe Tek chief operating officer Taddam Farrant said even though the technology exists, asset owners and operators have been slow to take up the opportunity and believes there should be consideration to proactively start planning these upgrades.
“We understand that most operators have competing priorities and this sort of work isn’t at the top of the list,” Farrant said.
“However, we want to make sure the industry is educated on what’s involved,
clean energy using a lot of infrastructure that already exists.
Also, because Pipe Tek is only one of two companies accredited to complete this work, we think it’s important to have a plan to rollout over a number of years, avoiding bottlenecks in the future which could limit or delay future opportunities.”
One of the key reasons hydrogen is considered an exciting prospect for the pipelines sector is its capacity to repurpose existing infrastructure, either exclusively as hydrogen or blended with gas. This means the procedure Pipe Tek uses for testing, cleaning, certification and/or re-speccing pipelines for hydrogen is the same as it is for gas.
First, the pipeline requires hydrostatic testing to ensure structural integrity. This identifies any leaks or defects, and ensures it complies with safety and the regulatory
During this time Pipe Tek monitors the pipeline for visible indications of leaks and/or changes in pressure.
A thorough clean of the pipeline follows once hydrostatic testing has been completed.
Pipe Tek initially plans out the cleaning run, which includes accessing the condition of the pipeline to identify any potential issues and ensure safety protocols are in place.
Pipe Tek’s strategic partnership with Enduro Pipeline Services, the world’s leading manufacturer of pipeline cleaning and inline inspection tools, means it exclusively uses the company’s cleaning pigs for the next step in the process.
Enduro’s cleaning pigs include metal and urethane bodies which collect any dirt, sand, wax, water, gravel, or debris from the pipeline. The pigs are bi-directional and dual diameter, offering flexibility on site and are pushed
Pipe Tek is one of only two companies in Australia who are accredited by NATA to test and certify pipelines for the transmission of hydrogen.
the receiver trap, and the cleanliness of the pipeline is verified.
At this stage it’s common to pack the pipeline with nitrogen after drying.
Once hydrostatic testing and cleaning has been completed, the pipeline is officially recertified to carry hydrogen, in line with the code, and it can be returned to service.
This three-step process is exactly the same for newly constructed pipelines which will be transmitting hydrogen, like what the company completed as part of the recent project in NSW.
Farrent said the company is already engaged with several operators and asset owners about tailoring an asset management plan to start rolling out this work over the next few years.
“We have existing relationships with the major gas operators, but there are gas pipelines all over the country owned and operated by other organisations,” he said.
“For instance, we know there are thousands of kilometres of gas pipelines powering mine sites across the country.
“We want to ensure that these companies are aware that the technology to future-proof
these pipelines not only exists, but is straightforward, proven and we’re ready to go.”
While the demand for these services has been slower than what Pipe Tek expected, Farrant is still excited at the prospect of the opportunities that hydrogen presents for the pipeline industry.
“The compatibility with the existing infrastructure, processes and technology means companies like ours don’t have to invest in new equipment or invest in learning new skills,” he said. “What we’re seeing at the moment is the tip of the iceberg and we’re excited for the new world of fuel future.”
Have you de-risked your pipeline venting operations?
In cross compression and flaring applications for piping system maintenance, there is a high probability and consequence of liquids and debris being encountered. But liquids pose a risk when using traditional compressors. ZEVAC’s Doug Sahm explains the alternative.
Pipeline venting is the release of gas into the atmosphere from a pipeline system, commonly used to complete maintenance and for emergency pressure relief. Cross compression (vent gas recovery) and flaring are two commonly accepted methods of reducing voluntary blowdown emissions. The normal process for these two methods involves a common overall project flow:
1. Isolate the pipe system
2. Connect temporary equipment (flare or compressor)
a. Flare = drawdown connection only b. Compression = drawdown and discharge connections
3. Activate temporary equipment to remove pressurised product from the pipe. Both methods involve bringing the pressure on the system down to a safe level so that maintenance can proceed. In these premaintenance depressurisation applications, there is a near certainty that some degree of liquids will be encountered. These can include water vapour, water, ethane, propane, butane, C5+, glycol/methanol, compressor oil, solvents, biocide, and corrosion inhibitor.
Flaring hazards
In flaring operations, the contents of the pipeline are combusted to remove them. For these purposes, flaring is extended to also include thermal oxidation, both enclosed and open flares, as well as any other combustion driven process.
The hazards of flaring have been studied extensively, and well-documented in the wake of several accidents. In these studies, liquid overflow is routinely cited as the biggest hazard related to flaring.
In the design of flare systems for facilities with controlled environments and known process conditions, a variety of protections exist to prevent liquid carryover in the flare.
In field maintenance environments with uncontrolled sites and unknown process conditions, experienced flare providers will provide very large and/or redundant protections for their flare systems.
However, to great risk, it is commonly observed that in field flaring conditions, protections against liquid carryover are not utilised at all.
It should be noted that even in the presence of liquid knock-out protection, slug flow and thermal effects can get past the typical separator systems and result in flare carryover.
Traditional compressors and liquids don’t mix
The consequences of liquids entering a traditional compressor are high, often resulting in catastrophic compressor failure. The problems with liquids in compressors are well understood, as evidenced by the extensive collection of publications as well as the existence of an entire industry of knock-outs, filter separators, and inlet scrubbers that exist to prevent liquids from passing into compressors,
which are found at nearly all stations. compressor systems rely on inlet regulation which are not designed to encounter liquids or debris, as well as fuel gas and other control systems that are intolerant of anything other than dry clean gas. Failure of these components (such as an inlet regulator) can result in over-pressurisation of the compressor and other components normally protected by the regulator and controls.
In many cases of compressor failure due to liquids ingestion, the failure of the compressor results in a release of process gas and liquids, posing two additional hazards:
1. A fire hazard exists as soon as the gas is released after compressor failure, because that gas may be in close proximity to electronics, engine, or other hot parts
2. The gas release within non-pressurecontaining equipment is likely to cause secondary projectiles which may cause additional injuries or property damage. Most compressor stations are so concerned with the possibility of liquids that they employ multiple lines of defence against liquids, for example: station inlet, slug catcher, separator, suction filter separator, compressor. In addition to this, the compressor unit itself will commonly have another additional liquid knock-out separator immediately in front of the compressor frames as a last line of defence against liquids.
Somewhat paradoxically, in many crosscompression applications (during which
Zevac units in action on a natural gas liquids facility.
process conditions are highly unknown), and during which the presence of liquids is nearly guaranteed, there is commonly no protection against liquid carryover at all.
Reducing the risk with ZEVAC
Unlike traditional compressors, ZEVAC is designed to handle up to 100 per cent liquid flow.
ZEVAC compressors were first developed to
and propane applications in addition to standard natural gas.
The equipment’s ability to safely handle liquids, gases, and mixed phase fluids is derived from the unique nature of the drive train and compression system.
ZEVAC compressors are linear positive displacement compressors. As opposed to rotary equipment (traditional reciprocating and centrifugal compressors), linear
directly to the prime mover, and high speed and inertia, so that a sudden stoppage of the piston due to liquid ingress immediately creates incredibly high hydraulic forces in the compression cylinder.
This in turn stops the piston instantly, which transfers shock loads through the connecting rod, to the crankshaft, and back up the drive train until the weak point is found and failure occurs.
In this same scenario, a ZEVAC compressor cylinder becomes filled with liquid, but the lack of inertia in the drivetrain and the compressibility of the prime mover (compressed air), means the piston stops and the air pressure rises.
This causes the ZEVAC to act as a positive displacement pump until the cylinder is cleared of liquids.
At this point, the ZEVAC is undamaged, the
2nd 2nd2nd
2nd
Images: Zevac
Zevac units being used in a confined space.
Building a future-proof pipeline industry
Inductabend is making critical improvements to its induction bending services aimed at better supporting Australia’s future pipeline industry.
In an age of trade tariffs, uncertain global markets, and domestic manufacturing initiatives such as Future Made in Australia, having a dependable and locally based business partner is an invaluable thing.
Since 1992, Australian-owned Inductabend has backed the pipeline industry with induction bending services, all made and delivered from Australian soil.
Inductabend pre-qualified stock program is another popular option for bends in a hurry. Inductabend holds large quantities of DN100, DN150, DN200 and DN300 Std X52 PSL2 HFW pipe which is pre-qualified for 5D–10D radii (additional material may be carried by customer request).
“This marks a significant capability improvement, enabling us to produce higher grade bends with larger wall thickness and homogeneous material properties from end to end.”
This eliminates the challenges sometimes associated with sourcing supplies and services from overseas, such as lengthy lead times, quality assurance, and after sales support.
Asset owners and contractors who partner with Inductabend reap the benefits of expert induction bending services and support within arm’s reach, all while backing a company deeply embedded in the Australian pipeline industry.
One of these benefits, said Inductabend Business Development Manager Nathan Crouch, is that extra bends can be shipped almost immediately.
“We are able to manufacture additional bends for our customers very quickly,” Crouch said.
“We hold project material that has been qualified in the initial production run. We can use that extra material to make bends and ship them out to site within roughly a week.
“No more ‘spare bends’ that are never the actual angle you need or may not get used at all.
It also significantly lowers the risk of costly construction disruptions due to factors like last minute changes in alignment.”
“Bends from our pre-qualified bends program are a great resource for our customers,” Crouch said.
“The program allows us to deliver small or large quantities of fit for purpose bends at an economical rate in as little as 48 hours.”
Inductabend operates a range of specialised induction machines allowing the company to bend a vast range of pipe materials up to DN900.
Currently, the company is in the midst of an exciting upgrade to its portfolio which will significantly increase its bending capabilities.
The first phase of the project is a wiring and PLC upgrade to the Cojafex machine, which will provide greater process control. Phase two builds on this, adding in a state-of-the-art dual frequency induction heater, which will provide more options to tailor the process depending on wall thickness, diameter and material grade while improving energy efficiency and heating capacity. Finally, phase three will replace the traditionally fixed bending arm with a dynamic upgrade.
“The upgraded arm will remove the transition zone at the start and stop of the bend, which is typically the weakest part,” Crouch said.
For the Australian gas industry, these upgrades are timely. Some of the biggest names in gas are already hard at work improving Australia’s gas network or expanding existing gas projects in order to stave off shortfalls projected from 2028 and beyond.
“These upgrades will allow Inductabend to better meet the demands of Australia’s developing gas network, which will require larger and higher-grade pipelines,” Crouch said.
But it’s about more than just business for Crouch.
As Chair of the Young Pipeliners Forum –an entity of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association – futureproofing the Australian gas industry is something Crouch is passionate about on a personal level.
“Being part of the Young Pipeliners Forum is a great way for young people to network with their peers, learning from and growing alongside one another in the industry,” he said.
“The regular site visits we run also give people a chance to get out and see how things are done in the real world.”
“Ultimately, the Young Pipeliners Forum's work is aimed at building a stronger pipeline community for the future.”
In that way, the YPF is not so different from Inductabend.
Complex compound bends can also be produced, including S bends and even helical bends for specialist applications.
GripTight ® Test & Isolation Plugs
Whether you’re testing open end pipe, systems terminating in long radius elbows, flange welds or isolating lines you can count on the GripTight Family of Test & Isolation Plugs from Curtiss-Wright to perform above expectations, test after test.
Installed countless times in a wide range of applications, their patented designs combined with hardened components and singlebody, uninterrupted seals make for field performance that’s second to none. When safety and reliability matter, make it GripTight!
• ID and OD solutions available
• Patented gripper designs for increased safety in high-pressure applications
• Eliminates welding end caps when testing pipe spools and piping systems
• Test flange-to-pipe welds without pressurizing entire systems
• Isolate & monitor upstream pressure and vapors during hot work
• Standard pressure ratings up to 15,000 PsiG (1034 BarG)
• ASME PCC-2 Type I, III & IV Testing Devices available
Power in a compact package
Vermeer’s Marv Klein has watched equipment, technology and jobsites transform – right alongside the industry itself. He sat down with The Australian Pipeliner to discuss the key jobsite equipment needs.
Marv Klein, an application specialist for pipeline products has worked at Vermeer for just over 25 years. He has witnessed the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry grow and evolve throughout his career, which means equipment and jobsites have changed as well. Klein specialises in pipeline equipment and aims to support operators on their jobsites to maximize productivity and efficiency.
Vermeer utility drills range from 7850lb –60,000lb (34.9 kN – 266.9 kN) of thrust and are typically used to install a variety of products like fibre, water and communications lines. For pipeline drills, they vary from 100,000lb – 1,360,000lb (444.8 kN to 6,049.6 kN) of thrust to install mainly pipeline and gas product. It’s obvious to see there is a clear distinction in drill power and capabilities between utility and pipeline drills.
A particularly unique solution to tackle both pipeline and utility jobs is the D100x140 S3 horizontal directional drill. It’s designed to produce robust power for pipeline applications, while maintaining a compact footprint to be used for utility work or on jobsites with restricted space. Klein shares what makes the D100x140 S3 drill a versatile asset to HDD operators who find themselves installing a variety of products.
How to evaluate jobsite equipment needs
Before you step onto a jobsite, you want to feel confident that the equipment you bring will successfully complete the installation, while being as productive and cost efficient as possible.
The first step to determining what equipment your jobsite will require is to get the full scope of the project. This will include the product being installed, the layout or size of the jobsite and your budget for that project.
After that, operators need to feel confident that the drill they’re using has enough rotational torque and pullback power to install the desired product.
“The D100x140 S3 has substantially high torque for such a small drill, and that’s what really makes it attractive for many contractors – using it in different projects where they typically want to bring in a bigger rig to get the job done a little quicker,” Klein said.
“But when they’re looking at that job and evaluating what equipment to use, there are other things that factor into that – and its right-of-way space.”
When it comes to evaluating the cost of operation, it typically increases as the size of your drill gets larger.
This is primarily due to needing additional equipment and crew members to support a drill of a larger size.
So, if you’re working on a job that requires a robust, powerful drill but you want to try and keep costs as low as possible, a drill like the D100x140 could be an asset to your fleet.
What makes this drill stand out in the HDD industry?
The D100x140 S3 is a unique machine in the HDD market. It’s not only used for oil, gas or other large pipeline projects – but utility projects as well due to the machine’s small footprint.
“We’re starting to see a lot more contractors trying to diversify their business and their companies to try to branch out into other markets,” Klein said.
“The D100x140, because of the power that it has in a small footprint, it’s a very good choice to work in a lot of different markets such as communications, electrical, and water pipeline work.”
Being a self-contained HDD machine also helps with transportation to and from your jobsites. The D100x140 S3 is designed with an onboard high-pressure mud pump, onboard drillers cabin and an onboard rodbox to house several pieces of your drill string. With the D100x140 S3, the jobsite set-up will often be less time-consuming when compared to other large drills with a more modular set-up.
The D100x140 S3 is self-contained HDD machine which helps with transportation to and from jobsites.
Another perk is that the D100x140 S3 was built to be as lightweight as possible and does not require special permitting in most situations. Most drills with similar capabilities to the D100x140 S3 are heavier and often do require additional permits to haul a heavier load. With modular drills, you will likely have to haul multiple loads with the cab, mud pump or mounting base anchor when you move to and from jobsites. This could mean potentially three separate loads of equipment compared to a single load with the D100x140 S3.
Where jobsites can be particularly narrow, like in residential areas, the D100x140 S3 excels. Klein recalled an operator who was installing an electrical conduit through a busy highway. Due to the volume of traffic, one of the jobsite requirements was that the equipment had to be removed every evening. With that requirement, the jobsite logistics and transportation had the potential to become extremely inconvenient. Thanks to the design of the D100x140 S3 and R250C reclaimer, moving and setting up the jobsite every day was much simpler.
attached to the drill on the jobsite.
D100x140 and R250C to your fleet.
For more information, call 1300 VERMEER or visit vermeeraustralia.com.au
S3
Austrack and the Australian Made logo: A formidable combination
Austrack Equipment has secured Australian Made certification for its range of SafeVac lifting machines.
At a time when things once taken for granted about globalisation and free trade have come under scrutiny, the value of supporting Australian made products has come into sharper relief. Recent Australian government pleas to support locally made products in response to trade tariffs have been a timely reminder that there is a real dividend in supporting Australian manufactured goods.
In this changing environment, SafeVac Lifting Systems by Austrack Equipment, finds itself ideally placed to take advantage of its relationship with the familiar Australian Made logo. It has, after all, been a licensee of the Australian Made Campaign since the first of its SafeVac vacuum lifters rolled off the production line.
The Australian Made initiative goes back nearly forty years to when then Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke commissioned the logo, which was designed by famous designer Ken Cato in 1986. That became the impetus to establish the Advance Australia Foundation to drive the concept, which, in 1999, became the Australian Made Campaign (AMCL).
The familiar stylised gold kangaroo on a green triangle has become synonymous with Australian quality and offers buyers the reassurance that they are buying authentic premium quality products that are made to demanding Australian standards.
Enter Austrack Equipment and its SafeVac lifting systems.
“As soon as we had completed our first SafeVac400 (SV400) unit, we applied to become an Australian Made licensee,” Austrack Operations Manager Dylan Gamble told The Australian Pipeliner
“We provided the necessary details, including country of origin of major components and our manufacturing process. Of course, not every single component in our vacuum lift is Australian made. Some of the high-tech components, as you would expect, are imported, but all of the process and the conception is truly Australian. “It took a while, but we were delighted to learn that we had qualified to sport the Australian Made kangaroo on all our SV400 units.”
According to research conducted by Roy Morgan, 99 per cent of Australians recognise the Australian Made brand, and 93 per cent both trust it and indicate a preference for it over other brands.
“It was important for us to identify our product as Australian,” Gamble said.
“We knew that the Australian Made logo scored highly with consumers on a range of qualities that were important not just to consumers but to us as well.
“Those three metrics alone sealed it for us. The Australian Made certification has since become a core part of what SafeVac Lifting Systems is all about.”
Austrack has recently added the SV200 to its range of equipment.
This vacuum lift is fitted to a wheeled excavator, making it more manoeuvrable than the heavy duty, tracked SV400. It is a smaller single shoe unit and is especially suitable for handling and placing HDPE pipe where manoeuvrability and speed across the ground are special requirements.
Apart from HDPE, it will also handle ductile iron, mild steel cement lined pipe, glass reinforced pipe, and PVC pipe. Better still, with a quick change of shoe it is equally adept at lifting concrete slabs, steel plates and a range of other materials. Indeed, anything that the vacuum shoe can latch on to.
Just like its big brother, the SV200 was also nominated for Australian Made certification.
As part of that process, the AMCL sent an auditor to one of Austrack’s facilities to ensure the SV200 is compliant with relevant Australian Made obligations.
“We’re happy to report that the SV200 passed with flying colours and is now certified as Australian Made,” Gamble said.
“This certification also benefits our customers, many of whom are contractors who build pipelines around Australia.
“For them, in tendered projects there is an increasing requirement to demonstrate the use of local equipment and services – and the yellow kangaroo on a green triangle demonstrates that eloquently.”
PIPELINE PROJECT AVIATION SOLUTIONS
Fleet Helicopters provides client focused aviation solutions for all stages of your pipeline project. From aerial surveys for pipeline easement identification, pipeline construction support and operational fugitive gas leak detection. Specialising in operations in Australia’s hardest to reach places we can cater to all of your aviation support needs.
Fleet Helicopters has been providing aviation services to private and Government sectors for over 41 years.
Fleet Helicopters specialises in operating in remote, difficult environments with an unmatched record for safety and reliability.
Fleet Helicopters operates a fleet of 19 aircraft ranging from single engine aeroplanes through to multiengine, heavy lift, transport category helicopters.
Fleet Helicopters has over 30 years history supporting the gas industry Australia wide providing charter, aerial survey, external load and gas leak detection operations.
Fleet Helicopters is the sole operator of the Boreal GasFinderAB laser based aerial gas leak detection system in Australasia. Leak detection surveys have been conducted for clients including SANTOS, Shell, the APA group, QGC and Origin Energy. The Boreal system ishighly sensitive with methane levels as low as 0.5ppm being detectable with surveys able to achieve up to 1000km of survey per day.
kwik-ZIP helps deliver critical WA water project
Casing spacers and centraliser products from kwik-ZIP are helping contractors stay compliant with numerous wastewater, sewerage and construction standards.
Manufactured from high-grade thermoplastic, kwik-ZIP® spacers have no metal parts, have high flexural strength, high temperature resistance, low co-efficient of friction, abrasion resistance, and outstanding chemical resistance.
All kwik-ZIP spacers are designed to meet the requirements of Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Product Specification 324 (Casing Spacers).
Available in various product series (HDXT, HDX, HD, GT and 155), each series is available with varying bow or runner heights, making these highly flexible products suitable for use across a range of different industry sectors, and providing flexibility to deal with different project requirements and alterations.
One of kwik-ZIP’s WA customers recently utilised HDXT-103 spacers with load inserts to facilitate the slip-lining of a 914mm Sintakote® mild steel cement lined (MSCL) carrier pipe into a 1399mm reinforced concrete jacking pipe casing (RCJP), as well as a 1422mm Sintakote MSCL carrier pipe into a 1708mm casing for a rail crossing in Yanchep, WA.
larger Water Corporation Alkimos seawater desalination plant project, which will ultimately supply up to 50 billion litres of clean drinking water to millions of Western Australians each year.
water supply in response to declining rainfall levels. Since the 1970s, rainfall in southern
WA has reduced by around 20 per cent, with further decline expected.
Before 1975, Perth’s dams captured roughly 420 billion litres of streamflow per year. Alarmingly, that number now sits around 70 billion litres per year. Pair this with Perth’s growing population and it’s apparent that projects like Alkimos are critical to long-term water security. Preparatory works began in late 2023, with first water production planned for 2028.
kwik-ZIP was a perfect choice to help deliver this important project. Thanks to the HDXT’s unique load-sharing design which maximises the load bearing capacity of each runner and reduces point loading, the spacers and load inserts used in this project will adequately support the pipes and water for the life of the installation.
HDXT load inserts are designed to be used with the kwik-ZIP HDXT casing spacers to provide additional load capacity for very
also allow HDXT spacers to continue to carry
to see why the company is a go-to choice for major infrastructure projects like Alkimos.
kwik-ZIP’s large range of spacers caters for a wide range of carrier and casing pipe size combinations, as well as providing flexibility to deal with project alterations.
feature integrated rubber grip pads, preventing
The company’s products are also approved for use within many utilities’ infrastructure, including Melbourne Retail Water Association, South-East Queensland’s Infrastructure and Materials list, Sydney Water, and the WA Water Corporation. All products are certified by the Australian Water Quality Centre for use in contact with drinking water.
As a member of the Australian Water Association, kwik-ZIP is also affiliated with Water Industries Operations Association of Australia, American Water Works Association, US National Ground Water Association, the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology and the Australasian Corrosion Association. The company is also a QMS ISO 9001– certified organisation.
kwik-ZIP has established distributors in Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Great Britain. It operates from its head office in Perth, and maintains warehouse facilities in Sydney, Texas and the United Kingdom.
kwik-ZIP’s HDXT-103 spacers installed on a pipe.
Gas giants double down in Gippsland Basin
ExxonMobil and its partners are investing $350 million into the development of Gippsland Basin gas assets.
The Gippsland Basin joint venture, a 5050 initiative between Esso Australia (a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Australia) and Woodside Energy, recently approved the development of the Turrum Phase 3 project.
“The Turrum Phase 3 project includes a five well drilling program and is the culmination of more than 20 years of commitment to develop the Turrum field,” ExxonMobil Australia Commercial Director David Berman said, speaking at the Australian Domestic Gas Outlook Conference in April.
First gas is expected to be delivered from the project before winter 2027, which will be a welcome boon to Australia’s strained east coast market.
“Turrum Phase 3 will produce more gas this decade than either Narrabri or Beetaloo,” Berman said.
“And for over 50 years ExxonMobil has supplied 100 per cent of our east coast gas production exclusively to the domestic market.”
Woodside Chief Operating Officer Australia Liz Westcott echoed a similar sentiment.
“Woodside is committed to supplying as much gas as we can to market through projects like this one,” Westcott said.
“The Turrum Phase 3 project, and the recently approved Kipper 1B project, will unlock additional gas that is needed to avoid future shortfalls. Every molecule of gas Woodside supplies from the Bass Strait fields is sold into the Australian domestic market for local manufacturers, power generators and homes.”
The joint venture is also progressing the Kipper 1B project, which is expected to expand capacity from the Kipper gas field. The project will utilise a jack-up rig to drill and install a subsea well into the Kipper field and involve significant upgrades to the West Tuna platform. Drilling into the Kipper field is set to begin later in 2025, with upgrades to the West Tuna platform happening simultaneously.
All told, Turrum Phase 3 and Kipper 1B build on nearly $1 billion in recent investments from the joint venture to deliver Gippsland gas to Australia.
Esso’s Fortescue platform in the Gippsland Basin, slated for decommissioning.
2-3 JULY 2025 THE STANLEY HOTEL
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Tickets now available for the premier event helping PNG and Australia’s industrial, mining and resources industries forge connections, network and do business.
Don’t miss your chance to connect with key players and industry leaders. Tickets are selling fast – secure yours now.
Pioneering a path of pipeline standards
STATS Group has been a pioneer in pipeline isolation technology for more than 25 years, resulting in many patented technologies now being industry standard for operators to safely conduct critical pipeline maintenance and repair activities.
The importance of pipeline maintenance cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the safety and operational efficiency of this essential infrastructure. Effective maintenance ensures pipeline integrity, preventing leaks, corrosion, and structural failures that could lead to environmental hazards, economic losses, and safety risks.
Midstream oil and gas pipelines are complex and operate on a large scale, requiring sophisticated maintenance strategies. These large-diameter pipelines traverse diverse terrains and challenging environmental conditions, adding layers of complexity to maintenance efforts.
To address these challenges, innovative technologies and advanced methodologies are essential for maintaining these vast and intricate networks.
STATS Group’s industry leading pipeline isolation technology exemplifies the industry's commitment to pushing boundaries and ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency in critical repair scenarios.
One of STATS Group's groundbreaking innovations is the BISEP® technology, which offers hot tap installed line stopping capabilities. This system enables safe and effective repairs and modifications to pipeline infrastructure.
The patented BISEP system provides a failsafe double block and bleed isolation system, deployed through a single full bore hot tap intervention. It is the only DNV Type Approved line stop tool, meeting rigorous standards such as DNV-OS-F101 (submarine pipeline systems) and ASME BPVC Section VIII, division two.
This technology offers significant safety advantages over lip seal line-stop systems. Hydraulically activated dual seals provide leaktight isolation for pressurised pipelines, ensuring that critical work can be carried out safely.
The isolation integrity is confirmed by independently testing each seal under full pipeline pressure, ensuring zero leakage – an essential feature in the energy industry, where compromised integrity can have severe consequences.
challenging projects.
Another key innovation is the DNV Type Approved Remote Tecno Plug®, a piggable, remote-controlled isolation tool with an extensive track record of onshore, topsides, and subsea applications. The plug features dual elastomer seals and taper locks, providing leak-tight, double block and monitored isolation. This system allows pipeline maintenance to occur safely while keeping systems pressurised and operational, minimising outages and reducing workscope duration and costs. As the energy sector shifts toward carbon capture, storage, and hydrogen technologies, the repurposing of existing pipeline infrastructure has become increasingly vital.
The demand for advanced isolation technologies to manage repairs, maintenance, and modifications safely and efficiently is growing. STATS Group's isolation technologies are already proven to provide high-integrity isolation in both hydrogen and high-pressure liquid CO2 pipelines, supporting the energy industry’s transition toward cleaner energy.
Pipeline operators face significant challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions during maintenance and upgrades.
STATS Group’s inline (Remote Tecno Plug) and hot tap installed isolation (BISEP) tools contribute to reducing emissions by
A 48-inch Remote Tecno Plug installation, for National Gas in the UK.
A 12-inch dual BISEP with integrated bypass and pipeline diversion.
STATS Group Asia Pacific Regional Manager Gareth Campbell said the company’s commitment to reducing emissions is a key factor in helping the energy sector meet its sustainability goals.
“There’s growing awareness of the integrity and sustainability features of our patented equipment, particularly in reducing carbon emissions for our clients,” he said.
One notable example of the company’s impact is the use of a leak-tight double-block and bleed isolation using the BISEP tool, which prevented methane emissions during a project. This intervention saved over 1.6 million scf of methane, equivalent to 913 metric tonnes of CO2e – the same as taking 197 cars off the road for a year. In Canada, STATS Group deployed the Remote Tecno Plug for a 36-inch natural gas pipeline, which reduced GHG emissions by 38,860 tonnes – equivalent to removing 6863 cars from the road for a year. Additionally, the use of this technology minimised operational downtime, providing a faster solution compared to traditional methods.
In the UK, a Remote Tecno Plug was used to isolate a 48-inch diameter pipeline at 55 bar for 56km, allowing for the replacement of an insulation joint without venting or recompression.
weeks for traditional recompression operations’ processes.
STATS Group’s commitment to innovation ensures the integrity of pipeline infrastructure, helping clients meet critical safety and environmental standards.
focused on supporting its customers through the energy transition.
“We’re excited about the future energy transition and the role STATS Group plays in helping our customers achieve their sustainability targets,” Campbell said.
A 10-inch dual BISEP in Perth.
Perth project featuring 6-inch four-position BISEP with bypass and pipeline re-route.
Gas at a crossroads
Shortfalls, imports and exports – there’s a lot on the go in the gas industry. The Australian Pipeliner takes a closer look.
In late March, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) published its 2025 gas statement of opportunities, identifying shortfall risks in southern Australia from 2028 – a noticeable revision from its previous 2025 projection.
AEMO pointed to expected falls in national consumption of gas, and the delayed retirement of Eraring coal power station (reducing the need for gas-powered generation) as primary reasons for the revision.
Critically, the report highlighted the need for new gas to fill potential domestic supply gaps beyond 2028, as production falls faster than consumption.
“From 2028, seasonal supply gaps may emerge in southern Australia if conditions lead to sustained high gas usage, while expanded production of uncertain supply will be needed to meet domestic and export positions in northern Australia,” the report said.
“In 2029 and later … annual supply gaps are forecast, meaning a structural need for new gas supply beyond developments classified as committed and anticipated is necessary.”
Policy and promises
That one of the largest gas producing nations in the world could be faced with such a shortage seems hard to swallow. But Australia’s energy landscape is a complex tangle of environmental, domestic, diplomatic and commercial interests.
According to pipeline infrastructure giant APA Group, the east coast domestic market is forecast to consume roughly 500 petajoules (PJ) of natural gas this year, with domestic supply producing around the same figure.
Fast forward to 2028, the market is predicting that gas from southern gas fields including the Bass Strait will decrease by around 37PJ. By 2033, southern gas field production is forecast to have dropped by around 270PJ.
Lengthy environmental approvals, coupled with tentative support for gas through policy, has made it difficult to bring new projects online to fill this impending gap.
Year-on-year, most of the nation’s gas is committed to international markets as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
These contracts are long-term – often in excess of a decade – and exporters argue that the financial security they provide enables the development of smaller-scale gas assets for the domestic market.
LNG is also a key lever in Australian foreign policy, underpinning strong economic ties with Japan and other South-East Asian countries.
And while there has been talk of reservation schemes that would force exporters to divert some supply to Australia, there is general consensus in the industry that exporters should not be made to walk back on existing contracts for both economic and diplomatic reasons.
The energy weathervane
With waning domestic supply and interference with the LNG export market a last resort, Australia must either push to bring new sources of gas online quickly or resign itself to importing LNG to fill the gaps. The latter is a prospect on which some, including APA Group, are cold.
“Becoming reliant on LNG imports will set the price of domestic gas and no doubt have a detrimental impact on consumer prices, and on industry,” APA CEO Adam Watson said, speaking at the Australian Domestic Gas Outlook conference in April.
“Over the most recent Australian summer and winter months, the Asian LNG spot price was between 50 and 80 per cent higher than the Federal Government’s $12 per gigajoule cap on wholesale gas prices.”
Watson said the key to Australia’s energy security – and to avoiding costly LNG imports – was creating the right regulatory and investment environment to bring new domestic supply online.
“These shortfalls can be filled by basins such as the Surat, which has more than 10,000 PJs of uncontracted 2P and 2C resource available alone. There’s no shortage of domestic gas to meet the shortfall, we just have to get it out of the ground to support our demand centres,” he said.
“In short, with the right policy settings in place, we should not expect to see a
domestic natural gas supply constraint over the near term.”
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association expressed a similar sentiment in response to AEMO’s report.
“Governments and industry are constructively working together to improve east-coast gas supply, but only bipartisan policy can deliver long-term stability for gas transmission and downstream users,” APGA CEO Steve Davies said.
“The impact of uncertainty is already evident. Industrial gas consumption has fallen nearly 20 per cent between 2018 and 2024, declining from approximately 280PJ to 227PJ. This, in part, reflects the loss of manufacturers and industrial operations – Australian businesses that once supported jobs, investment, and economic growth.
“In an increasingly uncertain global environment, other nations are moving to strengthen their domestic industries by ensuring stable energy alongside targeted policy support.
Australia has an opportunity to do the same to keep businesses competitive and secure a resilient energy future.”
But all the gas in the ground doesn’t amount to much if it can’t be moved. And that’s exactly the problem that APA’s recently announced gas infrastructure expansion plan aims to solve.
Through a series of staged projects, APA will add new transport capacity to Australia’s gas network over the coming years, ensuring supply can reliably reach the country’s southern states.
These projects include the transition of the Moomba to Sydney ethane pipeline to natural gas – set for competition later this year – as well as the ongoing expansion of APA’s existing pipeline network.
With the role of gas in the clean energy transition now ratified in Australia’s Future Gas Strategy, and the near-miss of a shortfall front of mind for many in industry and government, the only thing certain is that Australia needs more gas. How it will source it remains to be seen.
AEMO and the ACCC have stressed the importance of bringing new gas projects online swiftly.
The rise of eco-conscious corrosion protection
Volatile corrosion inhibitors have traditionally protected metals from corrosion, but the growing demand for environmentally sustainable solutions has intensified the need for eco-friendly alternatives.
Volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCI) have long been a cornerstone of corrosion prevention, protecting metals from the damaging effects of moisture, oxygen, and other environmental factors.
However, with increasing global awareness of environmental sustainability, the demand for eco-friendly VCI solutions is greater than ever.
This shift towards greener VCIs is driven by several key factors. Today's stricter environmental regulations push manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices throughout a product's lifecycle, from production to disposal.
Moreover, consumers are increasingly conscious of a product's environmental impact, including its packaging and materials. Companies are integrating sustainability into their core values and choosing eco-friendly VCI solutions. They understand that this demonstrates a commitment to environmental protection, strengthening their brand image.
Importantly, in many cases, these ecofriendly alternatives offer cost-effective solutions compared to traditional VCI products.
As a pioneer in green corrosion protection solutions, Cortec® Corporation actively develops and implements sustainable alternatives.Cortec’s European plant complex, EcoCortec® specialises in the manufacturing of corrosion protection packaging under the license of Cortec Corporation.
With rapid advancements in technology, their team dedicates daily efforts to research and development.
The company is continuously launching new corrosion protection solutions that are not only environmentally friendly but also exceed existing performance standards. EcoCortec is located in Croatia and operates with a strong focus on minimising its environmental footprint throughout its manufacturing processes:
• Biodegradable VpCI®: materials in the formulation of VCI/VpCI products greatly reduce their environmental footprint.
• In-house recycling facility and compounding operations: recycled materials into VpCI packaging reduces waste, while managing the entire process in-house from start to finish boosts the plant’s self-sustainability and shortens customer lead times. By overseeing everything from VpCI masterbatch compounding to extrusion, converting, and printing, the plant’s team ensures superior quality control.
• Implementing circular economy: EcoCortec’s manufacturing process is designed to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency. The plant is implementing various recycling projects in cooperation with their partners that include shipping clean plastic scrap back to its facilities for reprocessing. This not only results in minimising waste but also in decreasing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
A step towards a safer future
T.D. Williamson conducted a series of tests to evaluate the effects of squeezing on polyethylene pipes. The results have highlighted the significant difference between compliant and non-compliant procedures.
In a series of tests on polyethylene (PE) pipes, T.D. Williamson (TDW) has assessed the impact of squeezing, uncovering notable differences between compliant and non-compliant procedures.
In one test, a 4-inch medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe was subjected to a compliant squeeze-off following ASTM F1041 standards, which specify the rate of compression and release.
After the squeeze, the pipe’s wall showed only a slight deformation, with a decrease in wall thickness of about 3.7 per cent.
This minimal deformation indicated that the pipe remained in good condition and suitable for continued use.
However, a second test, where the squeezeoff was performed at twice the recommended speed, led to dramatic results.
The pipe experienced significant plastic deformation, with an 11 per cent reduction in wall thickness. More concerning was the appearance of a crack on the outer wall, measuring 3.8cm in length and penetrating about 8.5 per cent of the total wall thickness.
As the case study confirms, the importance of following strict procedures cannot be overstated.
However, despite training and the best intentions, human error is inevitable. To counteract this risk, the introduction of engineered solutions has become a critical part of the industry’s safety strategy.
TDW’s development of engineered safety systems, such as the POLYSTOPP® Quick Connect system, marks a significant advancement in reducing the risks associated with PE isolation.
Calibration with 0.5 auxiliary lens.
This system, specifically designed for lowpressure hydrogen networks, eliminates the need for squeezing and instead uses an advanced fitting system that provides a leakproof and permanent solution.
The POLYSTOPP Quick Connect system’s unique fusion process integrates the fitting with the pipe, making the joint as strong as, or even stronger than, the pipe itself. This fusion ensures that no gas can escape, significantly enhancing the safety of the pipeline.
Further, the fusion process is monitored and verified using barcodes and digital scanning, providing full traceability and ensuring the success of the fusion, eliminating human error during the critical isolation process.
Pipeline operations, particularly those involving the isolation of PE pipes, require the highest levels of care, precision, and awareness.
Risk mitigation is fundamental to every aspect of pipeline operations and requires the right equipment, expert handling, and rigorous procedures.
However, despite strict protocols and advanced technology, it is often the person behind the controls who remains the final safeguard against potential failure.
Historically, one common method for isolating PE pipes has been the squeeze-off process, which involves compressing the pipe between two parallel, rounded bars using hydraulic or mechanical tools.
This technique has been widely used in gas distribution networks for decades, primarily due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, as simple as it may appear, the process comes with numerous potential risks. A single lapse in attention can lead to irreversible damage to the pipe and even pose safety threats to both personnel and the environment.
TDW’s commitment to innovation extends beyond just PE pipe isolation for gas networks.
In a recent breakthrough, the company successfully completed a zero-leak isolation test on a 100 per cent hydrogen pipeline operating at six bars pressure for R-GDS in France.
This successful test demonstrated how the POLYSTOPP Quick Connect technology ensures leak-free isolation, even in emerging hydrogen networks, while also eliminating fugitive emissions – a crucial step in reducing the environmental impact of energy systems.
The importance of this development cannot be understated.
As the energy industry moves towards cleaner fuels, such as hydrogen, the risks associated with pipeline isolation and integrity will evolve.
Using engineered solutions like POLYSTOPP not only ensures safety during these operations but also contributes to a more sustainable future by eliminating emissions during critical isolation processes.
The squeeze-off procedure for PE pipes, while effective when performed correctly, highlights the inherent risks in relying on human judgement to ensure pipeline integrity. The introduction of engineered solutions like the POLYSTOPP Quick Connect system provides a safer, more reliable alternative, offering greater assurance of pipeline safety while reducing the potential for human error.
As the industry embraces emerging energy technologies such as hydrogen, the need for safer and more efficient isolation techniques will continue to grow.
By shifting towards engineered solutions, operators can not only safeguard their pipelines but also contribute to the transition towards more sustainable and environmentally responsible energy systems.
The whole world of HDD Technology
PE pipe squeezed.
PE Pipe unsqueezed.
Images: T.D. Williamson
Safety and reliability in pressure-released joints and piping systems
Curtiss-Wright discusses ASME PCC-2 Article 503 compliant pressure testing solutions and their value to maintenance engineers and managers.
Curtiss-Wright has a long history of providing stateof-the-art, reliable solutions.
In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial maintenance, adherence to standards is paramount for ensuring safety, efficiency and regulatory compliance. Among the various standards that govern maintenance practices, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Pressure Vessel Code (PCC) Section 2, Article 503, stands out as a crucial guideline for maintenance engineers and managers across several industries. Article 503 provides a comprehensive framework for the assessment and repair of pressure-released joints and piping systems. Fortunately for the pipeline industry, Curtiss-Wright test plugs offer an innovative approach to adhering to these standards.
Understanding ASME
PCC-2 Article 503
ASME PCC-2 Article 503 specifically addresses the requirements for the maintenance of pressure-retaining components, and emphasises the importance of systematic assessment and testing protocols to ensure the integrity and reliability of pressure systems. The article outlines methodologies for identifying leaks, assessing the condition of materials and determining appropriate repair techniques.
This structured approach is essential for maintenance engineers and managers, as it not only mitigates the risk of catastrophic failures but also aligns operations with best practices.
One of the primary values of Article 503 is its focus on risk-based inspection (RBI) strategies. Maintenance engineers are tasked with prioritising resources effectively and the RBI approach allows them to concentrate efforts on components that present the highest risk of failure. This proactive strategy not only increases reliability but also leads to cost savings, making it an invaluable tool for maintenance managers who must navigate budget constraints while ensuring operational safety.
The role of test plugs
Among the solutions available to maintenance engineers, GripTight® test and isolation plugs from Curtiss-Wright exemplify innovative and effective tools that complement the guidelines established by ASME PCC-2 Article 503. These test and isolation plugs are designed to provide a reliable means of isolating sections of piping systems for inspection and testing. By facilitating the safe and efficient measurement of pressure and leak testing, GripTight test plugs enhance the ability of
maintenance professionals to adhere to the rigorous standards set forth in Article 503.
GripTight test and isolation plugs stand out for their ease of use and versatility. They can be deployed in various applications, including high-pressure environments and are engineered to accommodate different pipe sizes and configurations. Their design allows for quick installation and removal, reducing downtime during maintenance operations. This is particularly valuable for maintenance managers who must balance the demands of production with the need for thorough inspections.
Moreover, the ability to conduct pressure testing using GripTight plugs aligns seamlessly with the principles of Article 503. By enabling effective leak detection and pressure testing, these plugs not only enhance compliance but also contribute to the overall integrity assessment of pressure-retaining components. The incorporation of such advanced solutions empowers maintenance teams to implement more robust inspection and maintenance programs, ultimately leading to improved operational reliability.
ASME PCC-2 Article 503 serves as a crucial guideline for maintenance engineers and managers, providing a framework to ensure the integrity and safety of pressureretaining systems. Its emphasis on risk-based inspection strategies equips professionals with the tools needed to prioritise maintenance efforts effectively. Solutions like GripTight test plugs from Curtiss-Wright further enhance this framework by offering innovative methods for isolation and testing, facilitating compliance with the stringent requirements of Article 503.
In an industry where the stakes are higher than ever, the benefits of adhering to ASME PCC-2 Article 503 and utilising advanced solutions like GripTight plugs yield significant advantages in operational safety, efficiency and cost management. As maintenance practices continue to evolve, the integration of such standards and innovative tools will remain critical for professionals aiming to uphold the highest levels of reliability and performance in their operations.
For more information, visit cw-estgroup.com/testplugs
JOIN AN APGA COMMITTEE TODAY
Contractors Committee
Consultants Committee
Coals Seam Gas Committee
Health, Safety & Environment
Pipeline corridor
Pipeline Engineering Competency
Pipeline Operations Group
Suppliers Forum
COMMI T TEES
Research & Standards committee
WA Chapter
Women’s Pipeline Forum
Young Pipliners Forum
Call for papers breaks new ground
APGA Head of Communications and Operations Lawrence Shelton reflects on a record year of knowledge-sharing.
The 2025 APGA Convention is already shaping up to be one for the record books. As the call for papers officially closes, we are proud to announce that this year has seen the highest number of abstract submissions in over five years – a clear and compelling signal that the pipeline industry is more engaged than ever in contributing to collective knowledge and progress.
This response is more than just a number. It’s a powerful statement about the values our industry holds dear: openness, collaboration, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. As we work through the next stages of the review process, one thing is certain: the 2025 Convention program will be a rich and diverse showcase of ideas, innovations, and experiences from right across the pipeline and gas industry.
A willingness to share
Sharing what works – and, just as importantly, what doesn’t – is one of the most valuable ways we strengthen our collective capability. It builds trust across companies and across the value chain. It also ensures that innovation does not remain siloed, and that best practices can be applied more widely and more consistently.
This year’s response reinforces that our industry recognises the power of shared learning and understands that when we share knowledge, everyone benefits.
Why knowledge sharing matters
Knowledge sharing is often framed as a niceto-have, but in today’s complex and fast-
changing operating environment, it is a necessity. Whether we’re talking about safety innovations, new environmental approaches, digitisation of operations, or advances in construction practices, no organisation can afford to operate in isolation.
The benefits of open knowledge sharing are many:
• Faster problem solving: Shared case studies and lessons learned mean that challenges faced by one operator can be avoided or mitigated by others.
• Improved safety outcomes: Transparency about incidents, near misses, and new approaches to risk management contribute to a safer industry overall.
• Stronger innovation culture: When ideas circulate freely, they evolve. Collaborative thinking often leads to new applications or entirely new solutions.
• Talent development: For emerging professionals, exposure to a broad range of thinking accelerates learning and fosters leadership.
• Reputation and trust: An industry that is open and collaborative is one that earns the trust of regulators, communities, and customers.
The role of the Association
At APGA, we see it as one of our core responsibilities to provide the platform for knowledge sharing to thrive. Through events like the annual convention, technical seminars, site visits, webinars, and publications, we bring people together to learn
from one another and to strengthen the collective capability of the industry.
We are proud that the Convention program – shaped each year by the call for papers – is not only a technical showcase, but also a community forum. It gives voice to field operators and executive leaders alike. It welcomes new professionals as well as longserving experts. And it ensures that important conversations are not confined to boardrooms or project sites but are shared with the entire sector.
In this way, the Association plays a bridging role – connecting ideas with people, experience with curiosity, and challenges with solutions.
Looking ahead
As the review process for 2025 submissions gets underway, we are excited by what lies ahead. The breadth of topics, depth of expertise, and diversity of contributors promises a Convention program that will inform, inspire, and challenge us all.
To those who submitted an abstract this year – thank you. Your willingness to share your work is helping build a stronger, smarter, and more resilient pipeline industry.
To those planning to attend the Convention – get ready to engage with a program full of practical insights and big ideas, all shaped by your peers.
And to the broader industry – let this be a reminder that sharing knowledge is not just an act of generosity; it is a strategic imperative. The more we share, the more we all grow.
Image: Glenn Hunt Photography on behalf of the APGA.
The 2024 APGA Convention.
Am I the problem?
Is it imposter syndrome, or is it the institutional bias of decades of male-dominated sectors that’s the problem? Gretyl Lunn, on behalf of the Women in Pipeline Forum, takes a closer look.
Aquestion was raised a few weeks ago: do women leaders still have to work as hard as men to reach the same positions?
Despite the widely published benefits of diverse leadership, development programs for female leaders, and increasing representation of women at higher levels – including 50 per cent at the board level in some APGA companies – the reality is more complex. These advancements present a picture of equality, paving the way for future generations of women. However, this can hide the reality that women are still held to different behavioural standards, particularly in maledominated sectors of the industry, like construction. This is compounded by issues such as imposter syndrome and a lack relatable female senior leadership support.
Imposter syndrome is loosely defined as feeling like a fraud. It disproportionately affects high-achieving individuals who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments and question whether they deserve their positions. While it affects everyone, women are disproportionality mentioned in discussions regarding this phenomenon.
It’s nearly impossible to find women's development programs that don’t touch on imposter syndrome in some way. Imposter syndrome is often framed as a personal issue, suggesting that women need to overcome their self-doubt to succeed. However, this perspective places the onus of blame on women themselves, rather than addressing the systemic issues within institutions that contribute to these feelings.
I'm not denying that imposter syndrome exists or the detrimental impact it has to
confidence and comfort at work – everyone feels overwhelmed or inadequate at times. The reality is that women are in a space not built for them. Our presence is the result of decades of activism, reluctantly enacted legislation and internal policies.
Ultimately the crux of this imposter syndrome debate doesn’t acknowledge the larger picture. Instead, by putting the idea of imposter syndrome on women, by asking them about their experiences with it, and telling them that they must be feeling it, we’re suggesting that there’s something within them that needs fixing. In practice, our energy should be put toward acknowledging all the factors that hold women back.
Institutional workplace bias –what is a good leader?
A Harvard study in 2018 found significant differences in the assignment of 28 leadership attributes when applied to men and women. Men were more often described as ‘analytical, competent and dependable’ while women were described as ‘compassionate, enthusiastic, energetic and organised.’ These traits can be incredibly effective in leadership roles as they foster a positive and inclusive work environment. However, this association can also lead to the expectation that women in leadership must embody these ‘mothering’ qualities, which can be particularly challenging in male-dominated fields like construction. Or if they don’t embody traditionally feminine qualities, they may be seen as opinionated, or rude. This aligns with societal attitudes and the Harvard study that when women are collaborative and
communal, they are not perceived as competent – but when they emphasise their competence, they’re seen as cold and unlikable, in a classic ‘double bind’.
Women in leadership often face this double bind where they are criticised for being too nurturing (seen as weak) or too assertive (seen as unfeminine). Such expectations can be limiting and may undermine women's authority or competence if they do not conform to these stereotypes.
Setting women up for success
The scarcity of female role models in senior leadership positions exacerbates the challenges women face. Without relatable examples of successful female leaders, women may struggle to envision themselves in these roles. This lack of representation can reinforce feelings of imposter syndrome, as women may feel they do not belong in leadership positions.
I think women still have to work harder than men to rise to the same level in industries where we ‘traditionally don’t belong’. However, using issues like imposter syndrome as a catch-all and treating it as a personal issue reflects the systemic barriers that women face in the workplace. By shifting the focus from fixing women to fixing the institutions we work in, we can create a more equitable environment for all. Creating a supportive environment for female leaders involves more than just addressing imposter syndrome, mentoring, development and legislation. This involves challenging traditional gender roles, addressing implicit biases, and redefining what it means to be a good leader. Only then can we truly set women up for success.
syndrome is often framed as a personal issue, suggesting that women need to overcome their self-doubt to succeed.
Imposter
Taking pipeline research into the future
Future Fuels CRC CEO David Norman reflects on the organisation’s success.
After 118 projects and seven years of highly successful research into renewable gas, Future Fuels CRC completes our Commonwealth supported term in June 2025. But the pipeline industry never stops looking forward, and APGA and ENA have already started Gas Infrastructure Research Australia (GIRA), the industry’s new research organisation. GIRA is now in the start-up phase and you will hear much more about it throughout this year.
Future Fuels CRC will continue to deliver research during 2025, building on seven years of achievement by our community of over 80 Australian energy companies, six state governments and six of Australia’s leading universities. Some of the highlights:
• Enabling some of the earliest real-world demonstrations and scaling of hydrogen blending into existing gas pipelines to occur in Australia – including Hyp SA, Hyp Gladstone, Hyp Murray Valley and the Western Sydney Green Gas project.
• Creation and dissemination of the Hydrogen Pipeline Systems Code of Practice to the wider industry, including internationally.
• E stablishing HyResource with CSIRO and the Australian Hydrogen Council that publishes a comprehensive listing and description of hydrogen-related infrastructure projects and policy developments in Australia.
• Partnering in the Net Zero Australia modelling project which illustrates a clear whole of economy set of scenarios to achieve net zero.
• Developing the techno-economic modelling required to understand the value of large-scale hydrogen in a fully renewable energy system.
• Development of a techno-economic tool that allows a wide range of factors affecting the levelised cost of energy of biomethane projects to be varied to explore how economic viability can be achieved.
• Social research, including citizen’s panels, which can enable decision-makers in industry and government to become more aware of what the public prioritises in relation to future fuel solutions.
• A research roadmap progressed by CSIRO, AEMO and the Global Power System
Transformation consortium cited FFCRC techno-economic modelling that highlights cost effectiveness of hydrogen pipelines compared to electricity transmission.
• Developed three commercialisation opportunities including smart signs for continuous easement interference monitoring, dynamic corrosion control technology, and retrofitting pipelines with in-situ coating.
One of the key roles of Future Fuels CRC was to establish world-leading lab testing facilities and capabilities to assess the ability of existing pipeline materials and components to costeffectively transport a range of future fuels.
For example, pressurised hydrogen laboratory testing undertaken in the H2SAFE(TI) Lab at the University of Wollongong provided the basis for APA’s ASX announcement confirming the technical feasibility of converting a 43km section of the
Parmelia gas pipeline in WA to carry 100 per cent hydrogen, an Australian first.
Our sand-pit test bed facilities at Deakin University have proved the reliable technical knowledge needed to support hydrogen’s use in existing plastics networks across Australia.
A big part of our role is also to develop the engineers and specialists of tomorrow. During Future Fuels CRC we have developed 41 PhD students, 12 Masters Students and 2 Honours Students which is an outstanding achievement in our relatively short seven-year term. Our undergraduate Hackathons have grown from a single event in 2021, to a partnership with IChemE that has engaged 500 engineering students from 12 universities across Australia and New Zealand by 2024. And finally 3000 undergraduate students have completed our RMIT’s Bachelor of Business capstone project course as part of their management training. All these students will now enter their careers with a deeper understand of the potential for renewable gases.
This level of achievement is only possible through the collaboration of our wide community of participants. I would like to thank all of our participants and international collaborators. We maintain formal knowledge sharing relationships with the Pipeline Research Council International (US), European Pipeline Research Group and European Gas Research Group. Our team also has long-running relationships with academics and operational companies across the globe.
I look forward to this all continuing and developing further and faster under GIRA well into the future.
Future Fuels CRC students and board directors on a site visit in Corio, Geelong. Image: Future Fuels CRC
Energy industry heats up in PNG
The pipeline industry has an emerging role to play in Papua New Guinea’s blooming resources industry, and the PNG Expo provides the perfect platform to explore these opportunities.
In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the petroleum and energy sectors contribute over 50 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product. It’s an area of significant growth, attracting some of the biggest names in energy likes ExxonMobil and Santos to do business in the small island nation.
To keep pace with these industries, the PNG Government recently rolled out the National Petroleum Authority, which took over from the Department of Petroleum and Energy in order to streamline administration processes and encourage investment.
“Petroleum is an important sector … and so it is timely that we change to keep up with a bigger economy,” PNG Prime Minister James Marape said.
“Regulations, licensing, administration of our petroleum and gas sector will be governed under this new framework and structure.
This will give us a platform for us to move into hybrid production-sharing regime that has PNG characteristics.”
Marape said investments will be better protected under the mechanism.
“This work will include protecting the return on investors so that they too are making money at the same time but that we are clear on PNG’s entitlements in taxes, royalty, equity, levies and so on,” he said.
“So I give assurance to our industry stakeholders out there. The restructure happening is not to diminish their presence or their value, but to ensure that we operate in clarity of regulation and the environment, and that their interest – in as far as return on investment is concerned – is secured.
“This authority will make it easier for all of us.”
With major energy projects in the works and a more streamlined governing body at the helm, it’s little wonder that business is booming for the pipeline industry in PNG.
And that’s why fuel and energy will be a hot topic at the PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo).
Off the back of the successful 2024 event, this year’s event will feature a targeted twoday speaker conference, with industry experts exploring industry-critical topics.
Additionally, the PNG Expo will host a suite of networking opportunities to help delegates get the most out of their time in Port Moresby and maximise their exhibition experience.
Industry figures and decision-makers will converge at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby on 2-3 July, 2025 to network, share ideas, and chart a course for PNG’s energy future.
The 2024 PNG Expo.
A night to remember
For more than 10 years, the Women in Industry Awards has recognised the outstanding performance of women from across a range of industrial sectors.
This includes mining, transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, waste management, rail, infrastructure and energy.
The awards night returns to Melbourne in June this year, celebrating women whose achievements are inspiring, who are driving change in their field, or who are providing invaluable guidance and support to others.
There are 12 award categories, including the Excellence in Energy award, which recognises an individual who has made a positive contribution to the renewables, pipeline or oil and gas industries.
To be worthy of this prestigious award, the candidate will have driven initiatives and championed changes, as well as demonstrated leadership across the renewables, pipeline, electricity, or oil and gas industries.
The Excellence in Energy 2024 Award was won by Vesna Olles for the leaps and bounds she has made while Director of Strategy and Clean Energy at BOC Limited.
She has championed BOC South Pacific’s efforts in clean energy, and advocated for the company’s investment in nation-building projects that will support Australia’s transition to net-zero emissions.
Olles is a strong advocate for women in the workplace and actively mentors her female colleagues.
“It’s an honour to be in this room among all the amazing finalists … I get to do amazing things with amazing people, I have an excellent group of engineers… I’m very honoured for this award,” she said on the night.
Other finalists for the energy award included Enscope’s Aditi Dey, APA Group’s Elizabeth Wheeler, Halocell Australia’s
Marion Geltinger, and Jemena’s Sheila Wujanto-Hawe.
Additional awards include: Business Development Success of the Year, Excellence in Construction, Excellence in Engineering, Excellence in Manufacturing, Excellence in Mining, Excellence in Transport, Industry Advocacy Award, Mentor of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Safety Advocacy Award, and the prestigious Woman of the Year award.
The Woman of the Year award is chosen from the winners of the other awards categories. Last’s years top award was taken out by Excellence in Manufacturing winner, Derelle Mitchell.
During her acceptance speech, Mitchell spoke about her passion for her job: “I wake up every day at four o’clock in the morning and I just love it, and I love the people I work with – if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be standing here right now.”
Much has happened in Australia’s energy sector in the last 12 months. From the rollout of Australia’s Future Gas Strategy to renewable gas initiatives to the expansion of national energy infrastructure, critical transformations in the energy industry are taking place every day.
The 2025 Women in Industry Awards will spotlight some of the innovative and exceptional women helping to drive these changes.
The Women in Industry Awards is just around the corner.
Images: Prime Creative Media
The 2024 Women in Industry Awards took place in Sydney.
Last year’s winner of the Excellence in Energy award, Vesna Olles (left).
Tracking the latest appointments
In this regular column, The Australian Pipeliner celebrates new appointments in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific’s pipeline sector.
Bringing over 15 years of experience in the manufacturing sector to his new role, Adam Williams is fresh to the pipeline industry.
William’s background in sales and marketing across various industries equips him with a solid foundation for driving growth at Crusader Hose.
Crusader Hose is an Australian manufacturer renowned for its innovative layflat hoses, which are used in applications ranging from bore water retrieval to firefighting and agricultural irrigation. Williams’ focus in his new role
Paul Stefani joins Nacap as Senior Vice President – Operations. Stefani brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having led major infrastructure projects for Tier 1 organisations such as Lendlease and Acciona.
Most recently, he served as General Manager at John Holland, overseeing an $800 million portfolio that included projects within Victoria’s ‘Big Build’ and national water initiatives.
His leadership and expertise are expected to significantly contribute to Nacap’s continued growth and its
will be to highlight the advantages of layflat hoses over traditional poly pipes, emphasising their cost-saving benefits, ease of installation, and durability.
“I’m excited to help communicate the significant benefits of our products to customers, showcasing how our solutions can simplify operations and save costs,” Williams said.
Despite being new to the pipeline sector, Williams is eager to apply his expertise in product development and customer engagement to drive Crusader Hose’s growth and market presence.
diversification in the energy market.
“I am excited to join Nacap and contribute to its vision of sustainable success. I look forward to working with the talented team to explore new opportunities and drive innovation in the energy sector,” he said.
The creation of this role highlights Nacap's commitment to Australia’s energy transition and strengthening its leadership team and expanding its market presence. a leading energy infrastructure constructor in Australia and PNG.
Tyler Beck has joined Team Furmanite as the Sales Manager for Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
Team Furmanite specialises in critical mechanical services for high-pressure, high-temperature pipeline systems, focusing on solutions like hot tapping, line stopping, valve solutions, and onstream repairs.
With over 20 years of experience in technical solution sales, Beck has a strong and comprehensive background in the energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.
His expertise, particularly in hot tapping and line stopping, equips him to help clients solve complex maintenance challenges and minimise downtime.
Beck was drawn to the pipeline industry for the opportunity to solve high-risk problems that directly impact safety and performance. In his new role, he looks forward to supporting safer and more efficient operations while building strong regional partnerships.
“I’m excited to work with a trusted team and make a tangible difference through engineered solutions,” he said.
If your company has recently employed a new person within your business you would like profiled in ‘People on the move’, send details of the career news alongside a high-res photo to Editor Timothy Bond at tim.bond@primecreative.com.au
Image: Tyler Beck
Sales Manager for Australia, New Zealand, and PNG Team Furmanite
Tyler Beck
Image: Paul Stefani
Image: Adam Williams
Sales and Marketing Manager Crusader Hose
Adam Williams
WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER.
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR AUSTRALIA’S PIPELINE INSTALLATION.
SmartTEC Performance Software helps maximise machine performance by assisting operators with adjustments to machine controls during operation, and monitoring and recording machine performance, which can be analysed by the machine owner or fleet manager. Contact your local Vermeer Australia team to learn how we can support your project.
