The Australian Pipeliner Jan 2022

ISSUE 189 | JANUARY 2022

Critical project REACHING MILESTONES DESPITE PANDEMIC – page 38

Erasing corrosion with the touch of light

16

PipeServ introduces ATEX-certified tools 32

Valmec differentiates in current climate 46

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CONTENTS

38

COVER STORY

STATS fulfils contract in Asia Pacific STATS Group working on a Remote Tecno Plug Inline Isolation Tool.

Cover image: Image courtesy of STATS Group.

EXECUTIVE REPORTS

PROJECTS

President's message

8

POLICY Gas and energy policy

12

STATS fulfils contract in Asia Pacific

38

The lifetime cost of ownership

40

PE PIPELINES Iplex’s large bore solution to the infrastructure and population

PIPELINES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA Western Australia leads the way in gas reform

26

boom

Maintaining efficiency amid COVID-19

28

RECRUITMENT

42

Ask an expert: Kate Cuic on employment in the gas and

CORROSION Tackling corrosion with research

14

pipeline sector

Erasing corrosion with the touch of light

16

COMPANY NEWS

44

Anti-corrosion measures that are tailor-made for every solution 18

Valmec’s unique differentiator in a skill shortage economy

46

How spacers can help with corrosion management

Pipe Tek Brisbane HQ opens its doors

48

20

GreenAmp saves pipeline operators on greenhouse emissions 22 From little things big things grow

24

REHABILITATION & REPAIR A hard arrest: optimising mechanical crack arrestor design to

Senior appointment at Vermeer Australia signals gas and pipeline focus

49

APGA NEWS & EVENTS YPF in full swing around Australia

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stop running crack failure

30

APGA 2022 Convention & Exhibition

51

PipeServ introduces ATEX-certified cutting and grinding tools

32

APGA Christmas festivities

52

PSSS lands SRJ weld-free solutions

34

REGULARS

EXCAVATION EQUIPMENT

Members & memos

10

Pipeline Plant Hire provides flexible dry hire solutions for major

APGA members

54

contractors

Advertisers' index

58

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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

VERSATILE. Always a leading innovator, we supply customers with cutting-edge diagnostic and system integrity solutions. This, bound with our focus on flexibility, reliability, cost and quality, leads to offerings beyond your expectations.

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EXECUTIVE REPORTS

President's message

W

elcome to the first edition of The Australian Pipeliner for 2022 and my first edition as President.

What a wild ride we are in for in the coming years. Not only is the industry getting busy again in the WA pipeline sector with natural gas, water and slurry projects being constructed in 2022, but gathering programs, looping projects, water infrastructure and facilities are also being developed and tendered across other regions in Australia.

There is enough ‘traditional’ work to keep pipeliners busy for now. In fact, there is likely to be a resource shortage at a time where we are adjusting to COVID normal and possibly the ‘great resignation’.

However, as pipeliners, we also are preparing for the future, understanding, and supporting the global push towards a net-zero emissions target. It has been inspiring to see the lead position our industry is taking to develop renewable gases of the future. Projects like AGIG’s HypSA Project in Adelaide and Jemena’s Western Sydney Green Gas Project are both injecting green hydrogen into gas networks right now. Other projects like APA Group’s Parmelia Pipeline Hydrogen Conversion, ATCO’s Clean Energy Hub and Santos’ Moomba CCS Project are all well under way to encourage new methods and repurposing of existing assets.

The ‘traditional’ and the ‘new’ are one and the same. While there is no way to deliver emissions reductions without the world working through a rapid energy transformation, at the same time the world economy needs to keep going. Security of energy, reliability of energy and low-cost energy will create a mixture of fuels necessary that should be looked at through a lens of what source makes sense for what outcome. All I know is the energy system is complex and everyone is trying to figure it out.

As pipeliners, whether you are a consultant, owner, contractor, or supplier, our roles are integral to the sustainability of Australia’s future energy needs. What skills we have learnt from years delivering a complex network of pipelines and facilities will cross over. Having a career in the industry today is a career in the industry of the future. APGA, for me, has always been a big and supportive family and, as you flick through

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the pages of The Australian Pipeliner and look at the advertisements and read the stories, I bet you’ll be able to put at least one face or name to every piece. It is with that cohesiveness I know that we will help each other figure it out.

So that’s what the beginning of 2022 means for me and that’s what excites me about the next two years as your President. There is no contradiction to working in this sector and our commitment to an energy transformation. We deliver both gaseous energy and water, which are essential services in people’s lives. The APGA secretariat and the Board have invested a lot of time in understanding what is important for our members, and we have already made changes and will continue to prioritise your changing needs.

We are particularly grateful to all our members who have stuck with the association over the course of a trying few years with limited face-toface events and virtual committee meetings. Our membership is actually stronger than ever and, as we embark on further elements of our strategic three-year plan, we hope that APGA remains responsive and relevant to members both now and into the future.

DONNA MCDOWALL APGA PRESIDENT

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

ABN: 29 098 754 324 APGA Secretariat Registered Office: 7 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 (PO Box 5416, Kingston ACT 2604) T: +61 2 6273 0577 F: +61 2 6273 0588 E: apga@apga.org.au W: www.apga.org.au Chief Executive Officer Steve Davies Corporate Services Manager Peter Heffernan National Policy Manager Jordan McCollum Communications Manager Karen Polglaze Engagement Manager Dean Bennett Membership Officer Katy Spence Acting Administration and Events Officer Belinda Haddon Secretariat Coordinator Charmaine Rees

MEMBERS & MEMOS

BHP, Woodside sign merger agreement BHP and Woodside have signed a binding share sales agreement (SSA) for the merger of the companies’ oil and gas portfolios. The merger is expected to create greater scale and diversity of geographies, products and end markets for both companies.

Woodside will acquire the entire share capital of BHP Petroleum

International in exchange for new Woodside shares. Once completed, the merger will create a global top 10 independent energy company by production, and the largest energy company listed on the ASX. Completion of the merger is expected in the second quarter of 2022.

Oil Search shareholders approve Santos merger The proposed merger between Oil Search and Santos has been approved by the requisite majority of Oil Search shareholders at the scheme meeting held on 7 December. Under the scheme, Santos will acquire all of the shares in the company in return for the issue of new Santos shares to Oil Search shareholders.

On implementation, shareholders will own around 38.5 per cent of the merged group and existing Santos shareholders will retain the remaining 61.5 per cent. The merged entity is expected to have pro forma market capitalisation of $23 billion.

New Worley CFO commences Worley welcomed new chief financial officer (CFO) Tiernan O’Rourke on 29 November.

When the appointment was announced in August, O’Rourke was scheduled to start later in the year to facilitate a smooth transition.

Before holding this position, O’Rourke was the chief financial officer of Stockland Corporation, one of the largest diversified property groups in Australia.

APA to test gas system to blend hydrogen APA Group has proposed to test Victoria’s high pressure gas transmission system to safely blend hydrogen. The proposal is part of the Victorian Transmission System access arrangement submission to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).

APA also plans to understand if there are any potential future works required to safely accommodate hydrogen. APA CEO and managing director Rob Wheals said the proposal was a “landmark” study.

Australian Energy Council appoints new chair The Australian Energy Council’s board has appointed EnergyAustralia’s managing director Mark Collette as its new chair. The council represents 20 major electricity and downstream natural gas businesses operating in the wholesale and retail energy markets.

The board has also newly appointed two directors: EDL CEO James

Harman, and Simply Energy CEO Shannon Hyde. They join board members AGL managing director (MD) and CEO Graeme Hunt; Alinta MD and CEO Jeff Dimery; CS Energy CEO Andrew Bills; Iberdrola Australia CEO and MD Ross Rolfe; and Red Energy CEO Iain Graham.

Santos announces new CFO Santos has announced a new chief financial officer, advising that previous deputy chief financial officer Anthea McKinnell will succeed Anthony Neilson in the role.

McKinnell’s term commencedd 1 January 2022, and Neilson will

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stay with the company as the chief commercial officer based in Sydney, where he will play a key role in overseeing the transition of the Oil Search business.

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

ST

MEMBERS & MEMOS

Jemena supplies first green hydrogen to NSW In November, Jemena began blending and storing green hydrogen from its $15 million Western Sydney Green Hydrogen Hub in its gas distribution network. The experiment was intended to demonstrate how green hydrogen storage could be incorporated into an existing gas network at scale.

The project will blend green hydrogen into the existing gas network and is expected to reach 23,500 residential customers, 100 commercial customers, and seven industrial customers.

It will also supply green hydrogen for use by transport from early 2022 through an agreement with gas supply company Coregas.

Valmec awarded BORR package Valmec has been awarded two Bunbury Outer Ring Road (BORR) packages for client ATCO Australia. The BORR project is the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken in the south-west and will provide new and improved access to Bunbury-Geographe and the wider region.

The project requires the completion of a number of phases before major works on the project can commence, and ACTO issued two of these phases, or ‘packages’, to contractor Valmec to relocate existing gas pipelines in the road areas. The scope of the packages

includes the installation of 400 m of DN 100 pipe, 700 m of DN 150 pipe, tie-ins to the existing lines, and decommissioning of the redundant sections.

“The relocation of some of ATCO’s key gas lines will allow the BORR Project to progress, which will provide an alternative route around Bunbury and separate local and regional traffic,” a spokesperson for the company said. The project is expected to be completed by early 2024.

STATS acquired by SRJ Technologies STATS Group shareholders have executed a share purchase agreement to sell 100 per cent of issued share capital of the company to SRJ Technologies Group. The acquisition will combine Aberdeenshire-based STATS with SRJ’s portfolio of disruptive technologies that are “well positioned to capital on global energy

market growth and the transition to green energy,” the company said. The transaction is still subject to customary conditions such as SRJ shareholder approvals, and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.

POSCO to acquire Senex Korean steelmaker POSCO will buy out Senex for the equivalent of $900 million via a scheme of arrangement to be completed late March. Senex has entered into a binding scheme implementation agreement (SIA) with POSCO International, whereby the company will acquire 100 per cent of Senex’s shares for a cash offer price of

$4.60 per share. This latest offer constitutes a revised offer from the takeover bid made in October for $815 million, equivalent to $4.40 per share. According to Senex, board unanimously recommends that shareholders vote in favour of the scheme, in the absence of a superior proposal.

Sydney I Melbourne I Brisbane I Perth Townsville I Auckland I New Plymouth

AUSTRALASIA’S LEADING CATHODIC PROTECTION & CORROSION SPECIALIST

Celebrating 20 years as the Australian pipeline industry’s leading Cathodic Protection service provider

Engineering • Field Services • Products

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

www.cceng.com.au 11

POLICY

Gas and energy policy

By Jordan McCollum, National Policy Manager, APGA

Even as the renewable gas industry takes the first steps toward cutting national carbon emissions via blending its products with natural gas, regulators are already thinking about the future markets for energy and infrastructure services.

A

ustralia’s Energy Ministers recently began processes to allow blending of hydrogen and other renewable gases with natural gas under the National Gas Law (NGL) which regulates gas infrastructure. This is a major step in enabling renewable gas uptake through blending into existing natural gas networks.

But it comes bundled with considerations of how to economically regulate renewable gas infrastructure – a move that could impede investment and be a step too far for the fledgling renewable gas industry. The proposed introduction of Natural Gas Equivalents into the NGL will enable renewable gas blending to a degree acceptable to existing appliances – a change which is universally considered a big win for the development of the renewable gas industry in Australia. This is not possible under the NGL now.

Existing trials have had to get exemptions to the NGL. This change opens a massive 71,500-tonne annual potential demand to aid development of the hydrogen industry if 10 per cent hydrogen blending is taken up across major east coast gas distribution networks1. It also removes a major hurdle for other renewable gases such as biomethane. However, with these changes come the proposed economic regulation of renewable gas infrastructure. An additional definition of Constituent Gas is proposed to be introduced into the NGL to cover renewable gases enroute to being blended into natural gas, and the term Other Gas Product was proposed to represent any other gas blend destined for use by consumers. Considering economic regulation is a known impediment to investment in any industry, we must ask the question - why economically regulate the hydrogen and renewable gas industries in the first place?

Economic regulation doesn’t just occur – economic regulation happens for a purpose. Question 1 and 2 of the seven Regulatory Impact Statement Questions from the Office of Best Practice Regulation are “What is the policy problem you are trying to solve?” and “Why is government action needed?”

In a recent information paper about regulating gas pipelines under uncertainty, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) noted that: “… the basis for economic regulation of infrastructure is when

there are conditions in the market which severely limit effective competition ”, and that “effective competition in a market exists when there is an opportunity for sufficient influences to constrain the market power of suppliers2”. In the case of gas pipelines, gas pipeline service providers are the suppliers of the service of gas transport within the gas transport market.

This sheds some light on why natural gas pipelines are economically regulated today. As natural gas is produced only in specific locations, only a small number of economically viable pipeline pathways between natural gas production and a specific market exist. Once a pipeline is in place, these limited pathways constrain the possibility for a second pipeline to compete with the first. The ACCC would say this gives the first pipeline market power – and we spent much of the past seven years dealing with reforms to address this. With this risk identified in the 1990s, the Gas Pipelines Access (South Australia) Act 1997 was put in place, and adopted in all other States and Territories, to apply economic regulation to some gas pipelines to ensure such circumstances did not occur. This 1997 Act has since evolved into the National Gas Law which, as of legislation pending passage through South Australian parliament, now applies one of two forms of economic regulation to all natural gas pipelines in Australia.

With this context in mind, the question remains – is it appropriate to apply the same economic regulation currently applied to natural gas pipelines to pipelines carrying hydrogen and other renewable gases?

This question begins to be answered by considering how natural gas and renewable gases are produced. Aside from being carbon neutral, renewable gases have one other key feature – they are not tied to extraction sites.

Unlike natural gas which can be produced only from where it is physically located in underground reservoirs, hydrogen and other renewable gases can be produced literally anywhere. Every choice in determining the location for renewable gas production comes down to the competitiveness of the produced gas. And as renewable gas production can be distributed, then renewable gas

infrastructure will be distributed as well. While natural gas pipelines have few route options, a renewable gas production and pipeline pair could exist anywhere. This is displayed in the associated figure, with purple representing natural gas and blue representing renewable gases.

Importantly, these locationally flexible circumstances exist for the next renewable gas production facility, and the next, and the next.

Each new renewable gas production facility can choose between using an existing renewable gas pipeline or simply moving to a location with lower cost pipeline options.

So, we have the possibility of infinite new renewable gas pipeline routes competing with existing renewable gas pipelines, and that is the definition of effective competition.

While there is some value in providing guaranteed revenues for early renewable gas infrastructure development by considering these a part of an existing regulated asset, the future of wholesale renewable gas infrastructure may be to break the cycle of ever-increasing economic regulation of gas infrastructure – for renewable gas infrastructure at least.

The question then follows: if renewable gas infrastructure directly competes with natural gas infrastructure, does that remove the need for economic regulation of natural gas infrastructure?

This is an important question to ask in the years to come once renewable gas is effectively competing with natural gas.

Early, rapid investment in hydrogen and other renewable gases is key to achieving Australia’s lowest cost pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050.

This innovative industry should be given every possibility to succeed so that the nation can meet its emission targets. Instead, we risk tying it up in red tape, jeopardising the investment needed to succeed.

Range of potential competitive pathways for natural gas and CG pipelines. A new natural gas pipeline is constrained to the small purple area between a new natural gas field and the existing pipeline. A new renewable gas pipeline can exist anywhere in the blue area as the renewable gas production source chooses from unlimited potential locations.

Unlocking Australia’s hydrogen opportunity, Australian Hydrogen Council 2021 https://h2council.com.au/uploads/AHC_White_Paper_FINAL_28-Sep-21.pdf 2 Regulating gas pipelines under uncertainty Information paper, AER 2021 https://www.aer.gov.au/system/files/AER%20Information%20Paper%20-%20Regulating%20gas%20pipelines%20under%20uncertainty%20-%2015%20November%202021.pdf 1

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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

W O N K WE

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FUTURE FUELS CRC

Tackling corrosion with research

By David Norman, CEO of Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre new closed control system would be based on corrosion monitoring data from electrochemical probes that are unaffected by local soils.

Keyhole coating damage treatment is developing streamlined methods for local coating repair and treatment that do not require uncovering the pipe. The research focus is on the development of corrosion mitigation fluids and a delivery method to inject them near coating defects along the pipe without the need to excavate, thereby allowing for potential cost savings of coating defect repairs.

Validation of quality assurance tests for twopart epoxy coatings combines standard and non-standard coating testing methods to evaluate the likelihood of premature failure of two-part epoxy coatings, using techniques to speed up the process to give reliable results in shorter timeframes so we can develop our understanding of two-part epoxy coatings.

Future Fuels CRC CEO David Norman.

C

orrosion will always remain a key issue for the pipeline industry, as our highly engineered assets spend their service lives sitting in Australia’s ground or under our seas.

Future Fuels CRC is delivering the research to enable the decarbonisation of our energy networks and corrosion must always be a big part of our efforts to maintain the excellent safety record and asset integrity levels that our industry is globally recognised for.

Corrosion needs to be tackled in multiple ways with new knowledge from rigorous industry-led research and development and this is exactly what Future Fuels CRC delivers for our industry participants. Our research is driving forward this new knowledge.

Gas impurities can create electrically conductive deposits that have been found in some pipelines carrying coal seam gas that are impacting the cathodic protection operation of those pipelines.

Our research has already confirmed the nature of the deposits and developed potential solutions to reduce their extent and impact. This research has implications beyond just coal seam gas as we

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develop our understanding of electrically conductive deposits that may also apply to future fuels like biomethane and synthetic methane.

Corrosion under disbonded coatings (CUDC) is a prime corrosion issue in the pipeline industry in Australia. This type of corrosion cannot be mitigated by cathodic protection systems and cannot be detected by normal inspection means other than expensive and disruptive pigging and dig-up operations.

It is a critical need to develop technologies that could facilitate the detection, prediction and protection of CUDC. Our research is developing a novel technology that could be the first practical tool capable of CUDC control.

Closed-loop cathodic protection control systems can provide real-time adjustment of cathodic protection systems for pipelines that experience coating damage. The closed loop system considers the dynamic nature of the environment to which assets are exposed. This The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

Bi-directional potential excursions on cathodic protection is potentially an industrywide issue that needs our test program in order to better confirm and quantify the degree and the effect of cathodic transients under different conditions that can reduce the effectiveness of cathodic protection systems currently installed on Australian pipeline assets.

Alongside our corrosion research, our industry now faces a need to understand how new fuels like hydrogen and biomethane will affect the performance and service life of our assets as they pass through on their way to energy users. Hydrogen is already being blended into Australian distribution networks in projects in Adelaide and Sydney and biomethane blending will soon follow. Our research is deeply involved in understanding and mitigating any potential effects including embrittlement and permeation in both steel and plastic pipes.

This new knowledge is setting up Australia’s pipeline industry to protect its assets for the long term and to meet the future needs of our energy customers.

You can find the latest on all Future Fuels CRC research at www.futurefuelscrc.com

Australia’s leader in rehabilitation and repair PipeServ works alongside leading industry manufacturers to provide the highest quality repair and maintenance solutions for commercial pipelines in Australia, PNG, New Zealand and South East Asia.

CS|NRI COMPOSITE REPAIR WRAPS ClockSpring|NRI’s full suite of engineered composite repairs that now include Atlas carbon fibre wraps.

RAM PIPELINE REPAIR SLEEVES RAMFILL steel reinforcement sleeves providing permanent pipeline repairs.

OVOLIFTS PIPE LIFTING TOOLS Ovolifts pipe lifting systems enable the inspection or repair of pipeline touch points and pipe supports.

ROMACON REPAIR CLAMPS

DNV GROUTED TAPPING TEE

Romacon Petro split sleeves and leak repair clamps for both onshore and offshore pipelines.

DNV’s Grouted Tee is an alternative to welded hot-tap fittings suitable for standard and thin-wall pipelines.

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CORROSION

Laser corrosion and grease removal in action.

Erasing corrosion with the touch of light Precision Laser Cleaning (PLC) is changing the way the pipeline industry addresses corrosion issues in their everyday work.

P

recision Laser Cleaning was established in 2018 with a mission to provide the best innovation and experience to expertly clean, restore, preserve, and maintain a variety of surfaces and products with nothing more than the touch of light.

Its growing range of specialised laser cleaning equipment enables just the right level and area of laser light to clean precisely what is needed without damage, residue, or runoff.

General Manager Ben Threlfall tells The Australian Pipeliner that as a division of the Steamatic Group, which has been on the forefront of innovation in the restoration and specialist cleaning markets since 1986, PLC can serve up to 35 locations nationally, establishing the business as the biggest laser cleaning company and the preferred contractor for major commercial and civil projects around Australia.

“We came across this technology - laser cleaning - about five years ago and thought it would be a good fit within our restoration and insurance company,” Threlfall says. “We quickly realised there were lots of other avenues for this to be used outside of insurance and more of a need in the industrial space.

“PLC uses the world’s most advanced and state-of-the-art cleaning laser cleaners to provide

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highly controlled, damage-free solutions.”

Laser cleaning uses the fact that everything absorbs different wavelengths of light at different rates. PLC laser cleaners are calibrated to vaporise a predetermined contaminant and no

Precision Laser Cleaning onsite Hydro shutdown project.

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

other material, based on the factors that affect the rates that they absorb different wavelengths of light, including their colour and chemical composition.

Threlfall says the company tunes its laser

CORROSION

Cleaned surface post laser corrosion removal.

Rail axle being paint stripped for crack testing.

cleaners to vaporise only unwanted layers of material selectively and instantly.

“Providing there is a discrimination between the base substrate and the contaminant to be cleaned, our lasers will be tuned to remove the unwanted layer while having the base substrate simply reflect the calibrated laser light, resulting in zero damage,” he says.

“We are firing out infrared light – it can’t be seen by the human eye - and when that comes in contact with the surface in its focal range, it is at such high energy that it excites the molecules of the paint, corrosion or whatever the contaminant might be on the surface, and those molecules become so highly activated leading to rapid molecular expansion turning the contaminant it into gas without any physical force.”

Threlfall says where PLC finds this technology to be most beneficial is on critical valuable assets where damage is a key concern, in particular with non-destructive testing (NDT).

PLC’s laser cleaning can take away all the corrosion or paint and get it back to a perfect surface without touching the metal at all.

However, typical NDT testers will do a wire brush or sand blast of the surface before commencing their work, but Threlfall says they run the risk of damaging the weld because they are abrasively blasting it.

“Over time that will strip back the amount of metal on the surface. However, with laser cleaning we don’t touch the surface and keep it intact for longer,” he says.

“Our methodology doesn’t harm the environment at all. We only need electricity to conduct the laser work, which can be run off a generator. This is a huge advantage considering today’s focus on preserving the environment.”

Providing industrial projects with laser cleaning services for machinery cleaning, NDT surface

Precise cleaning with zero damage of weld.

preparation, injection mould cleaning, corrosion, and coating removal, Threlfall says their laser cleaners use a patented circular scan system, which are specifically designed for smooth, even circular laser cleaning.

“Since our laser cleaners continually move in a circular motion, they not only increase efficiency when cleaning, but can also get into textured and grooved surfaces that more basic line scan lasers cannot,” he says.

Industrial cleaning projects require efficient and non-disruptive cleaning techniques to perform effective cleaning without interrupting the productivity of the industrial site.

With PLC’s discreet and quick to set up lasers, the company is equipped for in situ cleaning, work from an elevated platform, vaporise contaminants The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

extremely quickly, and produce no media to clear after the industrial cleaning project is complete.

“Precision Laser Cleaning gets in quickly, cleans quickly, and gets out quickly with no need to shut down or slow down the site, saving you time and money,” Threlfall says. “Laser cleaning is chemicalfree and produces no secondary waste that sandblasting, high pressure water, scraping, detergent, or solvent cleaning produces. We can clean in situ or in our facility, with quick set up and pack up on sites across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA and TAS.”

For more information visit

www.precisionlasercleaning.com.au

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CORROSION

Anti-corrosion measures that are tailor-made for every solution The Winn & Coales International Group of companies has been creating bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions that provide enduring protection against corrosion and chemical attack.

Bore-Wrap is an abrasion resistant outer-wrap (ARO) specifically designed for trenchless applications with outstanding gouge, impact, shearing and impact resistance.

Viscotaq: Viscoelastic and self-healing protective coating and sealing technology.

D

enso (Australia), a subsidiary of Winn and Coales International, was founded in London in 1883 and is a leader in corrosion prevention and sealing technology. The Denso range of products has been used successfully for close to 100 years with a proven track record with verifiable case histories.

The Denso range comprises a variety of specialised pipeline, structural and marine protection systems. The company offers concrete and tank coatings, including tapes, brush and spray-applied liquid coatings, abrasion resistant outer-wraps (ARO), mastics, primers and sealants based on materials such as petrolatum, butyl rubber, bitumen, plastics and epoxy resins.

Systems are tailor-made for anti-corrosion and sealing problems developed with the realities of an on-site application in mind. The company’s extensive product range is suitable for use in a wide range of highly corrosive environments and operating temperatures.

The year 2021 has marked several exciting new additions to the Denso product range.

Protal 7700™ In January 2021, Denso launched Protal 7700: a state-of-the-art, solvent free high build epoxy.

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Protal 7700 is an environmentally friendly, fast cure coating that exhibits superior adhesion, gouge and impact resistance, as well as excellent cathodic disbondment, flexibility, electrical resistance properties and abrasion resistant characteristics.

Denso Bore-Wrap™ In March 2021, the company launched Denso Bore-Wrap - an abrasion resistant outer-wrap (ARO), with outstanding performance against shearing, abrasion, impact and gouging whilst maintaining outstanding flexural strength and fracture toughness. Bore-Wrap is non-shielding and works in harmony with CP systems.

Denso Bore-Wrap creates a superior sacrificial outer laminate layer, which protects both preapproved field joint coatings and mainline coatings (such as, liquid epoxy coatings, heat shrink sleeves, 3LPE, 3LPP and FBE coatings) from damage during pipeline installations, in difficult terrain or by means of trenchless installation methods, such as directional drilling, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) or boring.

Denso Bore-Wrap is easily applied in the field; there is no mixing required. It is simply wrapped over the existing pipeline coating and cured with The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

Protal 7700 is a state-of-the-art, solvent free high build epoxy.

water. Due to its flexibility and exceptional level of mechanical protection, Denso Bore-Wrap minimises the need for costly spot repairs or repulling pipe due to damage.

Viscotaq™ Acquisition May 2021, Winn & Coales (International) acquired the global business of Viscotaq™ including Amcorr Products & Services.

Amcorr Products & Services, based in San Antonio, USA, is the formulator and manufacturer of the viscoelastic and self-healing protective coating and sealing technology known in the marketplace as “Viscotaq”. The patented Viscotaq™ product range is used for corrosion prevention and sealing applications on vital infrastructure across a broad range of sectors.

The acquisition of Amcorr has been a major steppingstone for Denso, as the Viscotaq™ product line enhances and complements our existing range of coatings. Denso is now able to offer the complete range of corrosion prevention technologies to customers.

For more information visit www.densoaustralia.com.au

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CORROSION

How spacers can help with corrosion management Corrosion accelerates degradation and reduces the life of pipeline infrastructure, costing the industry millions of dollars in rehabilitation, rebuilding and down time. Having a corrosion management system in place can reduce these costs, and spacers are one of the ready tools available to help.

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ll pipelines are exposed to a range of physical, climatic and chemical elements that can cause corrosion. This is often exacerbated in harsh environments, such as coastal, tropical or desert areas, where pipelines are exposed to high salt levels or extreme temperatures that can accelerate the rate of decay.

According to a report by the Australasian Corrosion Association, titled 'Impact of Corrosion in Australasia', the cost of corrosion in the oil and gas industry can equate to more than $20 billion.

Ignoring the effects of corrosion can be costly for asset owners, and planning for corrosion control and mitigation has many advantages, including extending the life of an asset and reducing maintenance time and costs.

Stopping corrosion According to kwik-ZIP managing director Jason Linaker, an appropriate spacer system is one simple tool that asset owners can employ as part of their corrosion management system.

“Choosing an appropriate spacer system can help mitigate the effects of corrosion on new and rehabilitated pipelines,” says Linaker.

“Spacers made from inert materials such as

Kwik-ZIP HDX Series in pipe invert.

high-grade thermoplastic are the best choice for pipeline installations as they are resistant to the effects of corrosion.”

This is particularly important in harsh environments where spacers made from other materials such as metal do not hold up as well.

“For instance, some areas may have acid sulphate soils (ASS). A metallic spacer would be subject to severe corrosion if it were to come into contact with ASS. Even stainless steel is subject to

Kwik-ZIP HDX Series.

accelerated corrosion from such soil conditions.

“While corrosion can be transferred via the metallic spacer to the steel pipeline, inert nonmetallic pipe spacers are resistant to such conditions.”

Corrosion can also be transferred when a new pipe is inserted into an old pipe for rehabilitation.

This transfer can occur if the new pipe is made from steel, or if metallic spacers are used.

Even if the new pipe is not steel, corrosion can still breach the grout seal around the new pipe.

“Inert non-metallic spacers are resistant to the transfer of pre-existing corrosion, ensuring they remain intact throughout the life of the pipe,” Linaker adds.

The kwik-ZIP advantage kwik-ZIP spacers are the only Australian-owned spacer on the market. Designed and developed by drilling professionals, the kwik-ZIP range of spacers is manufactured from kwik-ZIP’s engineered thermoplastic blend, which is characterised by its high resistance to corrosion, even when in contact with organic substrates for long periods of time.

Although small relative to the entire pipeline infrastructure, kwik-ZIP spacers make a large difference in the overall success of pipeline installations and corrosion management.

For more information about kwik-ZIP’s corrosive-free spacer systems, go to kwik-zip.com

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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

POSITIVE PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS

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CORROSION

GreenAmp saves pipeline operators on greenhouse emissions Remote monitoring of cathodic protection allows pipeline operators to obtain cathodic protection data for their pipelines from their desktop computer, saving on emissions and transport costs.

GreenAmp diagram.

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hen it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Anode Engineering team recognised the costly outcomes from engineer travel times in the collection of cathodic protection (CP) data.

They also recognised that annual field surveys of CP provide only a small snapshot of the cathodic protection at that one moment in time.

By contrast, the GreenAmp® remote monitoring system is capable of providing hourly measurements of pipeline protection levels to an intuitive online portal or to an asset owner’s own systems. Available in single channel and four channel units, the four-channel version also offers the option of programming the timing for interruption to be initiated via a web-based portal.

GreenAmp is the patented technology of Anode Engineering, recognised experts in corrosion control engineering. This locally developed and manufactured product comes with a global potential to dramatically reduce greenhouse emissions for pipeline operating companies worldwide.

The GreenAmp DCD unit (single-channel daisy chain data) is designed for installation in a test point box, and typically recording a pipe to

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GreenAmp DCD 4+ unit connected to the termination box for a cathodic protection unit.

soil potential (CP level) once every hour. This interval can be remotely changed to suit operations staff requirements.

The greenhouse emission reduction potential is easy to see when recording can be initiated and data recorded remotely.

The GreenAmp 4 Plus unit (DCD4+) compliments the single channel units in locations that have impressed current cathodic protection units (ICCP), sacrificial anode beds (SACP), or foreign structures (FS). It has the following additional features: • Four channels of data such as ICCP unit output volts, current, pipe potential and a foreign structure potential The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

• It accepts active 4-20mA signals from sensors such as soil moisture meters, A.C. current transducers and other custom applications • An output contactor for synchronous switching of ICCP CP unit or sacrificial systems to generate instant off potentials. Removing the “IR” drop indicates the true polarised potential (protection level) of the pipe. All of this is achieved remotely, saving on emissions and associated travel costs.

The Anode Engineering team recognised early in development that a variety of communication protocols would be required to accommodate the many scenarios of the Australian outback.

GreenAmp primarily uses LTE, IoT (internet of things) protocols of Cat M1 and Narrow Band IoT (NB IOT) and Sigfox.

In areas that lack IoT coverage, the GreenAmp Daisy Chain Data (DCD) protocol wirelessly shares data from DCD unit to DCD along a pipeline. Each unit has a range of 5 km to the next and can link up to 10 units, offering 50 km of daisy chain coverage in such areas.

GreenAmp is also compatible with the latest low earth orbit satellite (LEOS) systems, which are specifically designed for IoT applications allowing economical and reliable coverage in the most remote locations. In 2023, LEOS comms will also be added to the communications stable.

The GreenAmp portal is an intuitive webbased interface featuring graphs of test point pipe potential data; configurable alarm states for out-of-range readings; scheduling of current interruptions with high resolution logging; geographic maps of a pipeline with the ability to interrogate individual points; and a range of easily interpreted customisable info-graphics.

A fully documented API allows GreenAmp data to be seamlessly integrated into existing I.T. systems if required. There have been a number of other non-pipeline implementations including monitoring of anode systems on marine structures, commercial ships and pontoons covering both steel and aluminium.

For more information visit www.greenampsystems.com.au

ST I C K TO P RO J E C T T I M E L I N E S.

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CORROSION

From little things big things grow As a specialist in the design, engineering and manufacturing of composite and advanced material technology solutions for the resources sector for over 20 years, Matrix Composites & Engineering has a range of products and services built to extend the life of key infrastructure with minimal disruption to operations.

Aerial shot of the Matrix facility at Henderson WA, located with the Australian Marine Complex.

A

dapting a new way of thinking - no steel, no concrete - Matrix uses the power of advanced materials to create a world of new possibilities where Australian resources’ businesses are protected and future proofed.

Chief Executive Officer Aaron Begley tells The Australian Pipeliner that the company started from humble beginnings in 1991 when he and his father set up business in a small shed the size of a garage. After seeing a gap in the market for deepwater floatation devices in the oil and gas industry, the pair manufactured a product known as syntactic foam.

“Since then, Matrix has gained a reputation as an industry leader in syntactic foam solutions and subsea buoyancy and has become a major exporter of Australian goods and services with customers located worldwide,” Begley says.

“Our head office in Henderson, Western Australia is home to Australia’s largest composite manufacturing facility with capabilities in epoxies, polyurethanes, and a wide range of engineering thermoplastics.”

The facility is ISO 9001 certified and boasts a large research and development office run by scientists and material engineers from a broad spectrum of high performing industry disciplines.

Coupled with highly automated processes and extensive in-house testing and deepwater simulation capabilities, Matrix consistently provides quality solutions to industries where safety and reliability are critical.

However, with the cyclical nature of the deepwater drilling market and offshore oil and gas

24

industry, Begley says the company started to look at different needs in other industries such as iron ore, LNG and alumina.

“We had all these skills and advancements we had grown over the last 20 years and knew these could be applied to the resources sector to build a sustainable income,” he says.

“Corrosion has always been a big issue, so we started to look at how we could apply our materials engineering and coatings knowledge to help minimise its effects.”

In late 2019 Matrix became a technology partner with Woodside, who were using a coating system called Humidur™.

Begley says Woodside were using the products extensively on its operations as the product could be applied a lot quicker than traditional coatings and had a longer life.

As a result, Matrix took on the exclusive distribution of Humidur in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Matrix then purchased specialised application equipment in June 2020 and has now been the Humidur distributer for 18 months.

“Not only has this created a new business line for us, but it has also created another channel to market,” Begley says. “It is not just the coating system we are offering but a whole range of solutions.

Humidur is a two-component solvent-free modified epoxy coating range designed to provide long-term corrosion resistance in highly aggressive and biological environments. Humidur can be used in all types of water (salt, brackish, fresh, drinking and wastewater) and in areas that utilise The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

aggressive chemicals.

Having established a proven track-record in extending the life of production facilities and assets, reducing maintenance costs and minimising operational downtime, Humidur is now being used by many of Australia’s leading LNG providers to successfully reduce the cost of corrosion control.

Begley says in 2018, Veolia was contracted by Matrix’s client Portland Aluminium to repaint its ducting tower 162YC at the Portland site in Victoria.

Veolia was tasked with blasting the entire tower with a grit blasting system and apply a three-coat painting system for corrosion protection.

“Our client was faced with strong cost reduction targets and was looking at minimising the budget for this scope of work, as well as the overall timeline to complete the painting,” Begley says.

“To deliver on our client’s cost reduction targets and reduce the project’s overall timeline, Veolia proposed Humidur coating (distributed by Matrix) for corrosion protection on Portland Aluminium’s 162YC ducting tower.

“Unlike the three-coat painting system that Veolia used to apply in the past, Humidur is an environmentally-friendly single layer protective coating system. Humidur can be applied straight onto the substrate after surface preparation, which saves on primers and creates less waste.”

Humidur is surface tolerant, which means that it requires less surface preparation, reducing time spent on tools for coating removal. The Humidur system is weather-resistant and can cure underwater and in freezing temperatures; this proved to be highly beneficial during the wet and colder months.

As a result of using Humidur, the client was able to reduce its costs by 13 per cent, reduce its overall timeline by two months and reduce waste production by 30 per cent.

Begley says it is important for Matrix to continue developing complimentary technologies which not only improve the uptime for customers, but also create a cleaner environment too.

For more information visit www.matrixengineered.com

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PIPELINES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA leading the way on gas reform The United Nations Climate Change Conference was hosted in Glasgow from late October to early November last year, and with that, the Australian Government released its ‘Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan’ to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Energy ministers agreed to reform the national gas regulatory framework to bring hydrogen blends, biomethane and other renewable gases within scope. The industry saw new technologies adopted on a larger scale, from green hydrogen production to carbon capture and storage, of which Western Australia has been at the forefront.

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unding for WA hydrogen hubs The McGowan has committed $117.5 million to progressing two hydrogen hubs in the Pilbara region in November 2021. Plans for the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub involve the development of a hydrogen or ammonia pipeline connecting the Maitland and Barrup strategic industrial areas.

The Mid West Hub proposal includes the construction of renewable energy infrastructure at the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area, as well as power and water connections and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

Premier Mark McGowan said the state is well positioned to take up hydrogen opportunities and hopes the Federal Government will follow suit in funding provisions for new infrastructure and production.

AGIG completes PNI pipeline In December 2021, the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) completed the 3.3 km Pluto Northwest Shelf Interconnector (PNI) pipeline. The pipeline connects the Woodsideoperated Pluto LNG plant to the NSW project’s Karratha Gas Plant (KGP).

AGIG will fill the PNI with nitrogen to preserve the pipeline in preparation for Woodside’s start of gas flows from the Pluto LNG Plant. Commissioning and operations are expected in early 2022.

According to AGIG, the PNI will initially transport about 250 terajoules/day of gas potentially rising to over 900 terajoules/day during its operations.

FID made on Woodside mega-deals Final investment decisions (FID) have been made, approving Woodside’s Western Australian Scarborough and Pluto Train 2 developments, including new domestic gas facilities and upgrades to Pluto Train 1.

The $16.5 billion LNG development will see gas from Scarborough processed at Woodside’s Pluto facility. Under the development, a second LNG train and new domestic gas facility at the Pluto site will be constructed.

Pluto Train 2 will be one of the lowest carbon intensity sources of LNG in north Asia, with first

26

Pilbara, Western Australia.

cargo anticipated in 2026. Woodside chief executive officer Meg O’Neill said approving the development of Scarborough is a landmark achievement for the company.

Construction is expected to commence on the Pluto site in 2022 and once operational will support another 600 jobs.

Mid West Blue Hydrogen and CCS Project Consortium APA Group has begun investigating opportunities in Western Australia to commercialise and deliver low-cost hydrogen as part of a newly established consortium.

Alongside Pilot Energy and Warrego Energy, APA’s Mid West Blue Hydrogen and CCS feasibility study will look at the viability of producing and distributing blue hydrogen while assessing the potential use of the Cliff Head oil project and other reservoirs across the broader Perth Basin to store the carbon dioxide.

APA executive Kevin Lester said the feasibility study will focus on technology, regional CCS potential and customer requirements.

“Gas will be vital to supporting renewables growth and Australia’s decarbonisation pathway, The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

but the industry also has decades of skills and capabilities in operating gas pipelines and gas power generation, which will be vital to safely and efficiently producing and transporting hydrogen and other clean molecules in the future,” says Lester.

The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, was the 26th conference of its kind, held in Glasgow.

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PIPELINES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Qube was contracted by BAO Australia in December 2020, who were contracted by APA to be the pipeline supplier for the Northern Goldfields Interconnect.

Maintaining efficiency amid COVID-19 Qube Energy is continuing to hit milestones for the APA Group’s Northern Goldfields Interconnect by providing supply logistics services for BAO Australia.

I

n November 2020, APA Group announced it would invest up to $460 million in the new Northern Goldfields Interconnect (NGI) – a 580 km, 12-inch (304 mm) pipeline that will connect emerging gas fields in the Perth Basin in Western Australia to the Goldfields region.

The new pipeline will connect to APA’s existing Goldfields Gas Pipeline (GGP), which in turn connects to APA’s Eastern Goldfields network, creating an interconnected gas pipeline system covering 2690 km which is expected to be operational by mid-2022.

Qube was contracted by BAO Australia in December 2020, who were contracted by APA

28

to be the pipeline supplier.

Project Manager Anthony Wells says the first arrival of pipe occurred on 26 May 2021, with the first deliveries to the laydown yards commencing on 10 June 2021.

“It is expected that all pipe will be delivered early this year (2022),” he says. “The project involves the delivery of approximately 584 kilometres of X60 Dual layer Fusion Bonded Epoxy line pipe. This equates to approximately 33,000 tonnes of steel and 32,414 pieces of pipe. The pipes are 18 meters in length.”

The pipe is being delivered into the Port of Geraldton in Western Australia.

Wells says once the vessel arrives, the pipe is The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

discharged from the vessel onto trucks and transported to Qube’s laydown yard for storage.

“The pipe is arriving in four shipments,” he says. “There will be on completion of the project 2500 truck movements from the wharf to our laydown yard which will have occurred.”

“Once the pipe has been stacked in Qube’s laydown yard it is then loaded onto double road trains to send out to four stockpiles in the towns of Pindar, Yalgoo, Mount Magnet and Sandstone with the furthest location being approximately 500 kilometres away.”

Wells says it will require approximately 1550 extendable trailer deliveries to complete the project which is about 775 double road trains.

PIPELINES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

APA has reported that the NGI will create new opportunities for the supply of natural gas for the resources industry and provide for other growth opportunities in the Goldfields region and beyond.

The pipeline will also provide greater access to existing and new natural gas supply fields supporting the region's processing and power generation growth requirements.

As part of the contract, Qube then handles all pipes from its trailers and stockpiles them in the final laydown yards before they are taken to the right of way for stringing.

Wells says the company is currently 50 per cent of the way through delivering all of the pipe.

“Every long project comes with its own unique set of challenges and this project has been no different, from COVID-19-related barriers restricting travel of personnel, extreme weather events, including very large amounts of rainfall, delayed berthing of vessels because of COVID-19, and weather combined,” he says.

As Australia’s largest integrated provider of import and export logistic services, Wells says Qube, a division of Qube Ports, supports more than 1000 rig supply vessels, barges and offshore construction vessels per annum at various locations throughout Australia.

The pipe for the NGI is being delivered into the Port of Geraldton in Western Australia before being taken to Qube’s laydown yards.

These include Ports at Darwin, Dampier, Melbourne/Geelong, Bell Bay, Portland, Fremantle and Barry Beach.

Qube also operates facilities and services for the oil and gas industry in South East Asia, in Singapore and Indonesia, linking with its Australian facilities and operations.

Well says the company acknowledges the importance of the oil and gas industry to the

Australian economy.

“The provision of logistics support to this market is consistent with the growth of our service offering over the last 10 years,” he says.

For more information visit www.qube.com.au

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REHAB & REPAIR

A hard arrest: optimising mechanical crack arrestor design to stop running crack failure Ductile fractures in pipelines occur when stresses exceed the normal tensile strength of the pipe material.

Mechanical crack arrestors are used to contain the fracture and stop pipeline failure – but what type is best?

PetroSleeve’s R. J. Smyth reviews a recent study that developed empirically based criteria to optimise the design of mechanical crack arrestors.

D

uctile fractures pose a risk for highenergy pipelines carrying sources such as rich natural gas or carbon dioxide (CO2). These fractures have the potential to run long distances in high-energy pipelines and occur when there is insufficient pipe toughness. Where an existing operating pipeline does not have sufficient toughness to arrest a running crack, mechanical crack arrestors may be needed.

Mechanical crack arrestors include valves, tees, heavy-wall installed fixtures, and full-encirclement sleeves that aim to contain the fracture and prevent the catastrophic failure of the pipeline. One method to arrest a running unstable crack is to install a PetroSleeve.

Optimising mechanical crack arrestor design For ductile material having sufficient toughness, experimental burst tests have revealed that the typical crack speed in the steel during ductile fracture propagation does not exceed 350 m/s (F. Van den Abeele, M, Di Biagio, J.F. Kennedylaan, 2004).

Since the acoustic velocity of gas (such as lean gas or rich methane) under usual operating conditions is in the range of 350–500 m/s, the decompression of the pipe is faster than the crack speed.

This implies that the driving force at the crack tip, over time, continues to decrease, becoming less than the initial driving force that caused the

rupture. Consequently, the “running crack” loses its driving force and stops.

For brittle fracture, the crack speed fracture is equal to or higher than the acoustic velocity of the gas. This means the crack tip experiences the full initial driving force as it propagates. Consequently, due to the difference in speeds, the crack becomes a live long running brittle fracture.

The design of a crack arrestor must be such that it prevents the crack from travelling past itself. The paper ‘How to Optimize the Design of Mechanical Crack Arrestors’ (G. Wilkowski, D. Rudland and B. Rothwell, 2006) reviews steel sleeve crack arrestors with different radial spacings (with and without grouting) and axial lengths that had the same thickness and strength as the mainline pipe.

Wilkowski, Rudland and Rothwell found that there are two arrestor conditions: ‘hard’ and ‘soft’.

For a hard arrest, the crack is stopped at the edge of the arrestor. For a soft arrest, the crack advances inside the arrestor but should not exit.

The PetroSleeve falls under the category of ‘hard arrestor’. To stop a running crack, the stress at the crack tip must be reduced. Increasing the effective pipe wall thickness decreases the stress at the crack tip. This can be accomplished by installing a steel sleeve. In addition, if the stress level under the steel sleeve is negative (as it is with a PetroSleeve), this would further decrease the stress at the crack tip.

Wilkowski et al. carried out modelling and testing on 152 and 304 mm (6 and 12 inch) diameter pipes pressurised with nitrogen, rich gas,

Hard crack arrest at edge of Petrosleeve.

and liquid CO2 that produced radically different crack-driving forces.

The tests measured the crack velocity as it entered a tight steel sleeve. The result was that the velocity reduced to zero within a very short distance in the steel sleeve. In the test, the pipe under the sleeve was in tension (the sleeve was “loose” on the pipe when it was installed). For the PetroSleeve case, the underlying steel would be in compression, further reducing the distance.

Various tests have been undertaken to determine the optimum design. The PetroSleve style, or ‘hard’ steel arrestors seemed to be superior to the steel loose sleeves, which leave a space between the pipe and steel arrestor.

PetroSleeve applicability For a PetroSleeve installation, the following is achieved: • The sleeve has equal to or greater pressure carrying capacity than the pipe; • The stress in the underlying pipe is negative; • The sleeve length is at least equal to the pipe diameter; • The epoxy between the sleeve and pipe prevents corrosion between the pipe and sleeve; and • The sleeve is easily installed while the pipeline is in operation.

The PetroSleeve technology was identified as having exceeded all the minimum requirements listed in the paper as being required to function as a crack arrestor.

20-inch Petrosleeve being heated prior to welding.

30

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

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PipeServ introduces ATEX-certified cutting and grinding tools In line with its mission to find innovative products and services which improve the safety and productivity of its clients, leading pipeline product supplier PipeServ has added a range of ATEX-certified cutting and grinding tools from, Norway’s Safety Tools Allmet, to its product range. petrochemical facilities, Safety Tools Allmet products can be used everywhere.

This includes weld removal, deck drilling projects, deck plate removal, topside pipe cutting, grating removal, pinhole corrosion, bolt removal, edge smoothing, valve corrosion, stuck bolts, paint removal, topcoat removal, material removal, and much more.

Unique design

One of the Safety Tools Allmet angle grinders fitted with a disc for paint removal.

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he range of tools – available exclusively through PipeServ – are used in many sectors, including energy, oil and gas, mining, marine and maritime. This proven technology can dramatically improve project costs by reducing setup time and delays in daily operations.

Safety Tools Allmet products have been safely used worldwide for over two decades, offering

substantial health, safety and environmental benefits. Manufactured in Norway, the cutting and grinding tools were originally developed to enable works to be performed offshore where safety is of the highest priority.

Conventional grinding and cutting tools generate excessive heat and sparks which can potentially create catastrophic accidents in Zone 1 and 2 classified areas at onshore and offshore

The range of cutters that is applicable to the tools.

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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

Approved by many operators around the world, the tools are already being used in the region as ‘cold works’ grinding and cutting tools. The agreement between Safety Tools Allmet and PipeServ means it's much easier to access this equipment in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

PipeServ Director Geoff Gardiner says changing traditional hot work cutting or grinding operations to a ‘cold work permit’ should be a simple process. He says what sets these tools apart from traditional products is their unique design.

“The secret lies with slower rotation speeds and its tungsten carbide cutting and milling profile which enables these tools to remove paint, coating and rust, and even metal rapidly and without creating sparks or generating excessive heat,” says Mr Gardiner.

REHAB & REPAIR

“The tools can be used for cutting and grinding most types of steel used in petrochemical industries and have also been tested and certified for use on titanium.”

The tools, with the range of interchangeable discs and cutters. The Safety Tools Allmet angle grinders fitted with a disc for paint removal.

Ensuring safe operations These tools address a significant demand from the industry, with asset owners and contractors often facing lengthy and costly delays in risk assessment and the implementation of hot work permits. Millions of dollars are spent every year to ensure that work procedures adhere to the highest safety standards.

Oil and gas operators hire the most proficient HSE personnel to regulate safety policies and assess better methods in performing works in an attempt to achieve ‘zero accidents’.

“Imagine what can be achieved if that same scope of work was able to be applied for and permitted under a cold work permit,” says Mr Gardiner.

“Hot work permits should be issued following stringent risk assessments and they should be avoided, if possible, to alleviate the probability of fire or explosive accidents. Many of these policies include banning entry of items that can generate heat and sparks that can potentially ignite a flammable source in classified areas.”

Items without ATEX-certification which are banned include mobile phones, matches or lighters, flashlights, cameras, electronic and electrical equipment. However, the use of gas cutting, welding, high speed grinding wheels are a common site in classified areas in these oil and gas facilities.

All these works come with ‘hot work permits’, which are governed by safety policies that include gas detection before work commencement, setting up safety radius and the assignment of an on-site fire watcher or safety

supervisor. On some facilities, or sites, a pressurised habitat must be erected and monitored at the site of any work that includes hot work such as cutting, grinding and welding.

Surface preparation is a vital step in so many projects to ensure the best possible adhesion of systems from paintwork through to engineered composite repair systems. Safety Tools Allmet ATEX-certified grinding tools provides a safer and more effective alternative to sandblasting for surface preparation.

Unfortunately, the places where such works are performed are often laden with tonnes of hydrocarbons and fuel, and all it takes is an

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

ignition source to potentially bring the whole plant/facility down. Allowing the use of any tools that generate sparks is placing the site at risk of a catastrophic incident, afterall more hot works means the potential for more accidents.

For more information visit www.pipeserv.com

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REHAB & REPAIR

PSSS lands SRJ weld-free solutions 2021 marked the year Piping Specialty Supply Services (PSSS) added the first of a range of weld-free repair and maintenance offerings from SRJ Technologies to its rental portfolio.

D

irector John Wilton leads a small, dedicated and committed team who are proud to be the go-to supplier for many of its clients.

PSSS is backed by the director’s combined 74 years’ experience in servicing and supporting the pipeline and construction industries.

“At PSSS we pride ourselves on providing both high quality products and service. We are always adding new and innovative solutions and products to meet our clients’ requirements,” Wilton says.

Following Wilton learning of SRJ Technology’s BoltEx® flange clamp, he jumped on the opportunity to address the ongoing challenge in piping repairs and maintenance.

BoltEx® ensures flange integrity during the bolt replacement under pressure, also known as hot bolting.

Proven to perform at 1.5 times the design pressure even with all flange bolts removed BoltEx® presents a robust and effective solution for ensuring bolted joint integrity.

With its optimised design and weight for efficient installation and handling, the product also eliminates the need for plant shutdown to rectify flange anomalies, prevents loss of containment on flanges and extends asset lifetime, and reduces maintenance costs.

Its innovative gasket protection system (GPS) also prevents over-compression or release of sealing pressure of flange gasket.

“BoltEx® bolts are pre-loaded against the GPS, with the compression load on the gasket maintained as the flange bolts are replaced,” says

SRJ Technology’s BoltEx® flange clamp which PSSS is now offering as part of its rental portfolio.

Wilton. “In case of flange bolt failure BoltEx® safely takes the load preserving joint integrity.”

SRJ Technologies provides specialised engineering services and containment management solutions, elevating customer’s integrity management performance.

In addition to BoltEx®, it also has a wider range of asset integrity consulting services that help customers to better understand the operational risks and where best to focus resource to minimise these risks.

SRJ’s range of industry accredited products are designed to maintain and assure the integrity of pressure containment systems and

For more information visit www.psssa.com.au

SRJ weld-free Pipe Coupling.

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therefore play an important role in the overall integrity of operating facilities.

SRJ Coupling enables weld-free spool replacement in a safe and time effective manner.

With multiple independent certifications, SRJ Coupling is approved as a permanent repair solution to pipes between 1.25-inch and 16inch in OD. SRJ Coupling is also suitable for Greenfield applications as it enables time efficient spool or modular tie in, especially where pressure testing is not practical.

As part of the other reusable, weld-free solutions, the company also provides the MultiShell Repair Clamp (MSRC).

SRJ’s MSRC is designed to arrest leaks on the piping systems, enabling a quick and effective leak sealing.

With availability at short notice and efficient installation and handling – complete installation in under 10 minutes - the MSRC supersedes conventional clamping technologies by its enhanced design and reusable functionality.

Wilton says PSSS supplies a range of pipeline products and equipment to the industry, with the company saying it prides itself on its commitment to both high quality products and services to clients at competitive prices.

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

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EXCAVATION EQUIPMENT

Pipeline Plant Hire provides flexible dry hire solutions for major contractors Pipeline Plant Hire (PPH) is a specialist provider of earthmoving equipment, hire excavators, vacuum lift sales, and hire pipe handling. Equipped to support remote projects, the company has built up a name for itself, delivering heavy plant hire and earthmoving services to even the most isolated corners of the country.

O

perating since 1991, Pipeline Plant Hire (PPH) has attained a high reputation for providing reliable services and quality machinery higher to major contractors and government agencies.

Gerard O’Brien is the Director of Pipeline Plant Hire.

“We’ve got 10 employees because we’re a dry hire company,” says O’Brien. “We’ve got 160odd pieces of machinery, but we don’t need many people because we’re not providing the operator. The team is made up of long-term employees who all pride themselves on helping customers using their industry knowledge and prompt responses.”

Headquartered in Sumner, Brisbane, with a head office and service depot, the company also has a workshop near Melbourne.

“Brisbane is your typical earth-moving yard, where we set up machinery. The engineering, design and manufacture is done in a separate workshop in Sunbury, outside of Melbourne.”

PPH has a fleet of the usual earthmoving machinery such as excavators, graders, loaders, bulldozers, as well as specialised pipeline equipment like padding machines and VacLifts,

“which are a big part of our repertoire,” says O’Brien. “We have the largest fleet of VacLifts and associated equipment in the country.”

The PPH fleet is made up of predominately Hitachi, John Deere and Caterpillar equipment, with excavators ranging between 8.5 and 69 t.

“The majority of our fleet is Hitachi. We are among their biggest clients in the civil space with a 30 year alliance,” O’Brien says.

Some of the company’s specialised equipment is Australian manufactured and designed, where other industry players are using only imported product in their fleets. This specialised fleet includes PPH’s VacLifts. By designing and manufacturing the equipment in Australia, PPH can assemble the right machine for the job, saving on travel time and import costs.

Most of the company’s work originates from gas infrastructure and water pipelines. PPH is currently embarking on a project in Western Australia for a new iron ore mine to create the largest slurry pipeline in the country.

According to O’Brien, the company’s strength lies in its specialty. “Pipelines are really our space: we don’t do much out in general civil space. Anywhere there’s a pipeline being

Machines on GLNG project.

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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

constructed, we’ll be there,” he says.

“We’re specialists, rather than generalists. The business has stuck to pipelines while other general hire companies that can hire to a pipeline job or road job or rail won’t necessarily have the experience or the combined capacity to service the job.”

O’Brien says the company’s main competitors in most cases are its own customers, who often have their own core fleet. “When they have a big project on in peak demand, we’re their additional fleet.”

“They come to us because we’ve got the right selection of attachments that go with the excavators that will suit a particular pipeline.

There’s no use digging a whole bigger than you need: imagine digging a pipeline that’s a couple of hundred kilometres long. If you dug it just a few millimetres wider than it needed to be, that’s a whole lot more earth you’ve got to move.”

O’Brien says the company’s other main attraction is its flexibility.

“Because we work with the main contractors, our equipment tends to be compatible with their own fleet, and that makes a difference. If you’ve got parts that will fit to the customers’,

EXCAVATION EQUIPMENT

Pipeline Plant Hire’s VacLift.

that’s easier on a project than having machines with special parts that can create challenges to the contractor,” he says.

As much of PPH’s work tends to be on remote locations, the universality of the equipment really pays off. Some pipelines will reach hundreds of kilometres in length, and for PPH, distance from the warehouse needn’t pose a threat to the efficiency of the project.

O’Brien says that one of the company’s major highlights to date has been works for Saipem on the GLNG gas pipeline that constituted one of the largest pipelines in the country for its time.

“When Australia constructed the three largest gas pipelines that have ever been constructed in

the country, from the back of Roma to Gladstone, we had machines on all three of those projects. On the GLNG specifically, we peaked at about 400 odd machines. We were there for two-and-a-half years, seven days a week, ten hours a day.”

As for the future, O’Brien expects their work will include pipeline infrastructure to support the emerging hydrogen economy as well as carbon capture, but these are is still embryonic.

“At best we will have some small demonstration-type hydrogen generation, putting into the existing gas network,” he says.

“Western Australia will see the majority of our fleet out for most of next year. There will be

Hitachi digger on GLNG project

continuing work out in Roma and remote South Australia, but most of the fleet for 2022 will be living in Western Australia.”

Despite the company’s expertise, O’Brien says there are always challenges to running a business.

“The challenge to any hire company is twofold: firstly, having what your customer is looking for. The other thing is having enough,” he explains. “Our aim is to have the right mix available to help the client, and to deliver something that’s reliable.”

PPH’s ability to come up with innovative solutions to problems has helped it to become a stand-out figure in the pipeline equipment rental space. O’Brien shared an example of a customer that was completing a job for Santos that required disassembling an overground pipeline.

“They wanted to disassemble a couple of these pipelines, requiring the dismantle of something that had been in place for a long time ,” he says.

“Between our engineer and the client, they came up with a solution in less than five weeks.

Because it was made in Australia, it was much quicker and cheaper than importing something from America. The solution did the job.”

PPH prides itself on its quick and flexible response to clients’ needs, with the company offering custom-designed attachments to suit specific project tasks for clients of varying size and scale.

For more information visit www.pipelineplanthire.com.au

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

37

PROJECTS

STATS fulfils contract in Asia Pacific STATS Group has completed the first ever piggable inline isolation carried out in Vietnam, marking the company’s growing influence in the Asia Pacific region.

S

TATS Group is a market leader in the supply of pressurised pipeline isolation, hot tapping and plugging services to the global energy industry. The company recently carried out a double-block isolation of a 20-inch gas pipeline operating at 125 bar in the South China Sea. “This successful pipeline isolation project marks a significant milestone for STATS as it’s the first time a piggable isolation plug has been used in Vietnam,” says STATS Regional Manager Asia Pacific Gareth Campbell. “The project was

completed successfully with no incidents and is testament to the planning, teamwork and communication between the operator, STATS and third-party companies.”

The isolation was used to provide the operator with safe worksite conditions to replace the shutdown valve (SDV) during a planned maintenance turnaround. The maintenance shutdown was the most extensive in the operator’s history and involved over 240 personnel and teams from 12 technical service companies to carry out significant maintenance activities during

Remote Tecno Plug Key Features.

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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

a 10-day schedule.

The replacement of the SDV was critical as this provides isolation to the platform from the export pipeline during an emergency. Using the Remote Tecno Plug® during the shutdown prevented the subsea isolation valve (SSIV) from being closed, which saved the operator considerable time and costs associated with chartering a vessel and using divers to manually close the valve.

In advance of the workscope, STATS conducted a site survey on the platform to gather critical information and complete a noise survey

PROJECTS

Remote Tecno Plug fleet.

to confirm there would be no interference with the plug communication system. The site survey information allowed STATS to produce a detailed engineering and piggability assessment. This confirmed the specification of the Remote Tecno Plug and identified the best possible isolation location.

Before deploying the equipment and personnel to the offshore platform, STATS conducted a full factory acceptance test (FAT) at their

LIGHTER

ST R O N G E R

headquarters in Aberdeenshire, in a purpose-built test-fixture. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strict travel restrictions, the FAT was conducted using STATS live remote monitoring system.

This system provided the client team a unique opportunity to witness the FAT without the need to attend STATS facilities in person. This was particularly beneficial to the client, who was based in Vietnam.

STATS offshore personnel were allowed to travel to Vietnam due to the critical nature of the work and the expert knowledge required to deploy and operate the isolation plug. However, a quarantine period was required, and all personnel had to be vaccinated and regularly tested.

Once the DNV type approved Remote Tecno Plug arrived on the platform, it was loaded into the pipeline launcher. The isolation plug was then pigged with nitrogen through the pressurised pipeline and tracked a distance of 45 m, through three 3D bends and one 5D bend, past the SDV to the exact set location.

Communication with the Tecno Plug is achieved using an extremely low frequency (ELF) inductive system for reliable tracking and accurate positioning.

At location, the Tecno Plug was hydraulically

set to activate the locks and dual seals. The dual seals of the Tecno Plug were then independently tested with full pipeline pressure in the correct direction to confirm leak-tight isolation and allow the pipeline to be bled down to ambient from the platform launcher to the rear of the Tecno Plug.

The annulus void between the Tecno Plug seals was then vented to ambient to create a zeroenergy zone. This was then subject to a 12-hour isolation stability hold period before the ‘Isolation Certificate’ was issued.

With the isolation in place and the double block and monitor isolation verified, the SDV was removed and replaced. A leak-test was performed against the rear of the set Remote Tecno Plug at 156 bar to confirm the integrity of the newly installed valve.

Throughout the workscope, the Tecno Plug was constantly monitored and remained stable for the full isolation period. With the workscope successfully completed, the pipeline pressure was equalised, and the Remote Tecno Plug was unset and pigged back to the launcher for demobilisation.

For more information visit www.statsgroup.com

S M A RT E R

PRESERVE, PROTECT & EXTEND SLASH YOUR MAINTENANCE BILLS WITH MATRIX Matrix’s product range now provides solutions to protect and repair steel structures, pipework and tanks from the damaging effects of extreme corrosion and fire.

Solutions for internal and external corrosion include Humidur™ solvent free epoxy coatings, Matrix MarineShield™ and Matrix Rotolining. Complementing these, is the Matrix developed Fibrenetic™ – a rapid installation, lightweight carbon fibre repair system to remediate corroded structures in lieu of traditional steel repair techniques and HumidurChar - an innovative single coat intumescent passive fire protection (PFP) coating solution.

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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

MATRIXENGINEERED.COM

39

PROJECTS

Greens Road level crossing removal project in Dandenong South which Moddex were involved with.

The lifetime cost of ownership Attention asset owners and developers – it is time to really consider the lifetime cost of ownership of your project.

"M

y budget is actually 25 per cent less than your quote.”

“We have no room to move, it’s all about price this time unfortunately.”

“I know you quoted at tender stage, but our estimators got it wrong for this trade.”

Sounds familiar?

All too familiar for those of us serving the tier 2 and 3 construction companies that could well be building your next asset.

It might seem obvious to point up, however the winning tenderer today is often the construction company that has made the biggest costing mistakes in their attempt to compete.

The fact that this is driving a culture of cornercutting and product substitution with “equivalents” to recover margins or come back from losses, is something that doesn’t get a lot of airtime.

In the case of most “cheaper equivalent” product and service providers, an AS/NZS standards compliance certificate is easily produced and never challenged even when the shortcomings are blindingly obvious.

The flipside to all this, is that the best product and service providers to the construction industry are often lightly passed off as overpriced.

The flow-on effects of under par materials or trades are not ultimately felt by the builder, who can use a 120+ page contract to transfer risk and manage errant contractors.

40

Once DLP is over, the subsequent product failures are worn by the Asset Owners – ultimately the same group that accepted the lowest bid in the first place.

And so the cycle completes a full turn, and the final result is back squarely on your plate.

Workmanship and products that make up your asset may last two or three years, but can rapidly decline after that.

A solution?

Asset owners need to understand the cycle of events set out above and run a tendering process that focuses less on contract price, and more on sustainability and asset lifetime.

Moddex completed the handrail solution for the upgrade of old bridges as part of the Katarapko flood plain region in SA.

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

Consider running your tendering process with your ultimate end game in mind – what are the lifetime costs of ownership?

Collaborate more with the tenderers, and understand the knock-on effects of a pressurized, ultra-competitive tendering process.

An attractive price now very likely means hidden maintenance and replacement costs later on…we all know it.

We need you to lead the change and break the cycle.

For more information visit www.moddex.com

Your complete pipeline logistics partner

Anthony Wells Project Manager

phone +61 434 728 980 email anthony.wells@qube.com.au

PE PIPELINES

Iplex’s Large Bore solution to assist the infrastructure and population boom Iplex is one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of locally produced, sustainable polyethylene pipeline systems and solutions to water authorities, rural and urban agriculture, residential, urban subdivision, civil and mining infrastructure markets.

I

plex has a customer-centric focus and its experienced team provide product leadership, unrivalled technical support, and training to help ensure the success of its customers' projects.

Iplex is experienced in project delivery on major pipeline infrastructure projects, from the design phase through to manufacturing and

installation advice.

Iplex has manufactured the well trusted brand of POLIplex® Large Bore and higher-pressure polyethylene pipes and fittings since the early eighties. While initially available in smaller diameters for industrial and agricultural applications, Iplex PE pipe and fittings are now

1200mm SDR11 POLIplex® pipes being welded in situ prior to floating across the Broadwater, Gold Coast, Australia.

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The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

available in diameters up to 2000mm.

Iplex Product Manager – PE Systems Luke Kennedy says while these Larger Bore sizes are not an everyday pipe, they are often required for significant infrastructure projects.

“The application is usually any project that requires large volumes of fluid, such as marine outfalls/inlets, bulk water transportation, dams and associated infrastructure, water diversions, trunk lines and culvert work”, he says.

“The 1200, 1400, and 1600-mm sizes are becoming common enquiries, while 1800 and 2000 mm are steadily gaining more interest with our customers”.

Kennedy says Iplex’s manufacturing capability can deliver these sizes to clients when requested.

POLIplex® pipes may look the same, however, the performance upgrades in the applied resins have seen significant technical evolution in recent years. This translates to mechanical and performances of POLIplex® Pipes exceeding the Australian standards.

Iplex manufactured plastic pipe systems are designed to last and are safe for people and the planet.

The excellent durability of polyethylene manufactured pipes means that very little pipe reaches the end of its useful life or finds its way into the waste stream.

As challenges arise in the management and planning of safe water security for our growing population, smarter and innovative solutions are required to ensure we are safeguarding our finite water resources. With over 80 years’ experience, Iplex has broad and proven capabilities and is firmly focused on the future to support Australia’s water industry to address the imminent water supply challenges.

“As innovative solutions start to emerge, most of these types of projects will require reliable and easily sourced larger pipe products as the interlinking lifelines. Thinking around storm water harvesting, dam linking, on-land network upgrades or emergency water diversions are already emerging” says Kennedy.

A future focused example was a project for the Gold Coast City Long Term Recycled Water Release Plan. The plan is a 20-year program which will see the city expand its existing recycling network.

PE PIPELINES

With a significant growth corridor expected in and around the Gold Coast, QLD region, significant infrastructure upgrades were planned and executed allowing for environmentally managed discharge of Recycled Water into the Gold Coast Seaway.

One section of the project required a 900-metre stretch of POLIplex® 1200mm SDR11 (PN16) Polyethylene Pipe to be welded into a continuous string. The string was then floated from Moondarewa Spit down the Broadwater to be appropriately positioned so that the single pipe

McElroy self-propelling Butt-Welder welding together two 1200mm SDR11 Lilac Large Bore POLIplex® pipes.

could be directional drilled from Southport to Main Beach.

“For this to occur, the pipe material had to be polyethylene in that it was the only materially capable of being welded on site in a continuous string, floated down the seaway into position, then also cope with the rigours of large bore directional drilling”, says Kennedy.

Kennedy says fortunately, the appropriate companies involved with the project all held significant experience in minimalising disruption, executing the project, and ensuring that all project markers were achieved.

“It was a tribute under the guidance of John Holland to see the Project executed so well with GEM Industrial, Dunstans Construction Group and Maritime Services all contributing. Iplex was a very proud supplier of POLIplex® Large Bore Thick Walled Polyethylene Pipes and fittings. We are looking forward to producing more pipes like this to support such initiatives in future,” he says.

Iplex continues to advocate for smarter innovative water solutions, today and into the future.

For more information visit www.iplex.com.au

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

43

RECRUITMENT

Ask an expert: Kate Cuic on employment in the gas and pipeline sector The pipeline and gas industry is facing a looming skilled workers shortage as the sector undergoes a period of dramatic change. The Australian Pipeliner talks to specialist recruiter at Peter Norman Personnel Kate Cuic about hiring trends, how work culture has changed under COVID-19, and how the global energy transition is impacting jobs in the industry.

P

eter Norman Personnel is a recruitment agency servicing the engineering and utilities sectors, with core markets across gas, water, electricity, communications, transport and manufacturing. Kate Cuic is a recruitment manager with specialist insider knowledge of pipeline projects and spaces.

Is there a looming skilled workers shortage?

According to Ms. Cuic, yes there is a looming skilled labour shortage. The demand for skilled engineers is climbing in the advanced manufacturing sector and national infrastructure projects are on the rise.

“STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is proving to be fundamental for the new jobs that are emerging,” she says.

“Engineering is in every aspect of our lives. As our needs evolve, these technical skills are of paramount importance for the future.”

University programs are evolving to meet those needs, blending the core disciplines and increasing flow to these key qualifications. But just one of the reasons for the shortage can be attributed to the lack of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Australia’s talent pool is limited by the underrepresentation of half its population in STEM education and careers. According to the Australian Government’s snapshot of disparity in STEM 2021, in Year 12, boys outnumber girls three to one in physics and two to one in advanced mathematics.

“In my time, the representation of women in engineering has changed, but not in leaps and bounds,” says Ms. Cuic. “It has been good in this particular niche more so than broader engineering, but we’re working with smaller numbers.”

According to a recent statistical overview by Engineers Australia, just 11 per cent of Australia’s engineering workforce is female.

“The visible female leadership has been wonderful. The emerging visibility - the stuff on the ground in terms of attending membership industry events - has been very, very slow. But we’re getting greater participation in the industry as a result of industry-focused efforts and APGA

44

Barry Wood, founder of Pipeliner, and Peter Norman, founder of PNP, on the Brooklyn -Altona pipelines

programs. That diversity has added a lot of value to the industry.”

According to Ms. Cuic, an engineering degree can be particularly valuable as not everyone with an engineering qualification will end up becoming an engineer.

“Especially when you consider how much engineering education has changed from the notion of the person who designs, builds, maintains engines, machines and structures,” she says.

“A generic qualification can provide tons of pathways into logistics, operations management, patent law, procurement, academia training, consulting, sales and more.”

Ms. Cuic herself is a mechanical engineer by trade. “My first job was in engineering consulting, working in various problem-solving projects across so many different industries. I created centralised material management systems for multiple concurrent pipeline projects - that’s logistics.”

Ms. Cuic said that her qualification has even proved useful for problem-solving hiring outcomes for their clients and the candidates, as well as in their own practice in processes, systems and operations.

How can the industry better appeal to young graduates?

Ms. Cuic says the industry is experiencing declining appeal among young people. One of the ways we might change this is in how we market pipeline engineering in tertiary spaces.

“It comes down to PR - it’s about marketing the industry. Because we don’t see it in our day-to-day The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

lives – it’s hidden, its underground – it’s not something that is regularly admired,” she says.

“We’ve got to get on the front foot as a community: that means people working in the pipeline industry, in schools, in mainstream media. It needs to be a lot more visible as something that’s beneficial for humankind.

Pipeline infrastructure is good for the future and it is worth investing in.”

Ms. Cuic also touches on reutilisation of pipelines for the clean energy transition. The pipeline and gas sector is steadily becoming a greener sector, and the appeal for some corners of the industry are on the decline.

“These are assets in the ground that can be repurposed for alternative delivery, rather than natural gas. We need to capitalise on that aspect we’re really at a crossroads,” she says.

One way to increase the appeal among young people is to offer more training, mentoring and retention programs in schools and in workplaces.

A renewed focus on the use of innovative engineering techniques, smart digital technologies and the pivot in the energy transition will also help to draw emerging graduates back into the sector.

“The quicker that we can make mainstream the message that gas and pipelines are positive thing, ultimately that is what’s going to contribute to our longevity.”

What are the most transferrable skills?

While industry trends come and go, Ms. Cuic says there are a few key capabilities that help ensure success in the industry.

“Because there has always been a shortage in this sector, clients are looking laterally at skills that are transferrable from other sectors within their own businesses. It is a good trend to be able to pull from outside, bring in and bring up through your talent pool and training programs,” says Ms. Cuic.

“Once employees get into pipelines, quite a few of them never leave. Actively within our recruitment space, we try to encourage that, because you do get peaks and troughs in terms of sectors.”

RECRUITMENT

From left to right: Peter Norman, Samantha Perera, Kate Cuic.

Ms. Cuic explains that engineering as a profession experiences ebbs and flows in certain sectors. Previously, areas like automotive had been high demand only to become oversaturated or lose relevance. When the baseline level skills are there, the opportunities for graduates can be varied.

“For example, our clients were willing to look at the automotive industry who worked to high compliance and quality assurance standards as their transferrable engineering skills would be perfectly relevant and applicable to the pipeline space.”

Ms. Cuic says that there are some essential skills that help guarantee security in the industry.

Firstly, there is communication. “With working remotely, working digitally, and the evolution of communication through all it’s different iterations, communication has always been a challenge,” she says.

“What we mean by communication skills is the ability to use different styles and techniques.

The more that graduates can understand different writing registers, speaking styles and listening skills, the better.”

The second is a mind for problem solving.

Ms. Cuic says from an engineering perspective, these things transcend any space: logical thinking, problem solving and strong numeracy.

“These are strongly desirable across any sector, and they’re the core thing engineers bring to the table.”

Workplace flexibility is here to say, at least for the foreseeable future.

Ms. Cuic says that new working arrangements imposed by COVID-19 have had varying effects on the sector. On the one hand, most of the industry is considered essential services, so the impact to work continuously has been minimal.

On the other hand, more and more people are working from home than ever before.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” she says. “There have been psychological risks, isolation, fatigue that have accompanied working from home.

There are the ergonomic risks, poor organisational change in a tech sense, job security.

Some may feel they’re not as well supported.

“On the other hand, it’s been a great leveller.

From an employment perspective, it’s had a positive impact on the culture and in many ways, it has humanised our work,” she says. “It’s been an opportunity to get to the core of what it means to do your job and how you can do it easier and manage it with your life.”

According to the Global Energy Talent Index report, 46 per cent of employees feel that events of 2021 have already resulted in a ‘new normal’ for their sector, with social distancing constituting the biggest new way of working.

Advice for people looking to secure work in the sector “Have a clear idea of what type of work you are capable of, then apply for the work that fits those The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

capabilities and aspirations,” says Ms. Cuic.

“Aligning your skills with your values and goals.”

Ms. Cuic suggests that attending conferences, seminars and networking opportunities in that sphere is a safe bet for improving your changes at employment in the industry. “Sign up to the association, join in the dialogue; even if you don’t have experience, showing interest is also a good thing.”

As resources, she recommends the APGA, Engineers Australia and industry-aligned branches like the Australasian Corrosion Association for prospective employees wanting to break into the pipeline and gas space.

“Corrosion is very specific. It comes from materials and chemical focus. Most people don’t know that it exists until they encounter it in their work. Materials, science, chemical engineering.”

According to Ms. Cuic, there are many opportunities within the pipelines and gas sector that might not seem immediately obvious. Not only are opportunities varied, but they are evolving to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. The pipeline space provides opportunities for architects of change and delivers the critical services we take for granted every day.

For more information visit www.peternorman.com.au

45

COMPANY NEWS

Valmec and Altrad technicians.

Valmec’s unique differentiator in a skill shortage economy One in five, or 27 per cent*, of businesses have reported experiencing difficulty finding suitably skilled or qualified staff. For asset owners, especially those operating in regional areas, tradespersons, STEM professionals and plant operators are critical to ensuring assets are maintained effectively and efficiently, and therefore a skills shortage, whether internally or in the supply chain, can have a detrimental impact to overall production and safe operations.

V

almec, a leading energy, resources and infrastructure services group, providing engineering, construction, commissioning and maintenance services, delivers quality results safely, with the goal of increasing asset life for their clients and lowering the total cost of ownership.

Gaining deep expertise through various acquisitions over the years, the Group provides a unique proposition for its clients through Valmec’s core capability in rotating equipment maintenance (including gas engines and compressors), asset integrity and reliability services such as inspection, condition monitoring, non-destructive testing (NDT), pressure safety valves (PSV) testing, as well as electrical, and mechanical expertise in onshore and offshore facilities, such as well sites and LNG plants.

Additionally, Valmec is an early player in the renewable energy transition, having constructed Australia’s first Hydrogen blending pilot plant in Adelaide, South Australia on behalf of Australian Gas Networks (AGN), part of the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG). Valmec is now

46

Valmec Managing Director Steve Dropulich with Altrad (APAC) CEO Neil Sadler.

actively sought out by clients for early contractor involvement on hydrogen projects, engaged to create asset management plans, and operate and maintain hydrogen plants across Australia.

Valmec’s unique differentiator includes its multidisciplined workforce, which is usually local to its customer base, who are cross trained in their The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

overall capabilities. Valmec’s distinctive approach drives immediate savings to its clients through an integrated solution, increasing reliability and availability, while reducing the interface and HSE risks associated with multiple contractors on site, delivering a seamless and accountable delivery model across all assets.

COMPANY NEWS

In addition, Valmec is able to work through the current skills shortage by utilising its trained and experienced talent whom exist within their current workforce, providing the right technical support to execute other services on-site.

In October 2021, Valmec was acquired by Altrad which is a global industrial services provider, specialising in integrated solutions from construction through to operations and into decommissioning covering scaffolding, rope access, insulation, protective coating, passive fire protection, industrial cleaning, structural

About Valmec Valmec is a multi-disciplinary contractor, delivering in-house and niche end-to-end solutions, covering design, construction, maintenance and asset integrity services to the energy, water and resources sectors.

The company’s vision is to be the most trusted specialist services group in the delivery of projects, operations and maintenance services, increasing asset life and lowering the total cost

remediation, asbestos management, training and assessment for the energy, mining, and defence sectors.

Managing Director Steve Dropulich will continue to lead Valmec following the acquisition, whilst also remaining a shareholder of the company.

“The transaction is a testament to the entire Valmec team and the work that has been undertaken to grow this company,” he said.

Altrad Services Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific Region) Neil Sadler added that the acquisition of Valmec marks another

of ownership for clients.

As an Australian operated company, Valmec is committed to fostering mutually beneficial Indigenous and traditional landowner partnerships, as well as sponsoring long-term employment opportunities with the communities in which it operates.

Altrad’s acquisition of Valmec aims to grow the company’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region following the

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

transformation in its Asia-Pacific business.

“We see enormous value and potential in combining Valmec’s highly professional team and their skills into Altrad’s industry leading capabilities, particularly in the construction, renewable energy, power and hydrogen sectors,” said Mr Sadler.

The acquisition complement Valmec’s existing capabilities, providing a truly unique service provider in Australia. *According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as of June 2021.

acquisition.

Altrad supplies industrial maintenance services to a range of clients and sectors, including oil and gas, energy, mining, and defence.

It employs around 42,000 people, including 1500 in Australia.

Altrad APAC: www.altradservices-apac.com Valmec: www.valmec.com.au

47

COMPANY NEWS

Pipe Tek Brisbane HQ opens its doors Pipe Tek has opened a new NATA-accredited testing facility, offering the highest quality testing services with the most advanced technology and practices.

Pipe Tek has developed its own custombuilt mobile pneumatic test rig that can be transported to gas fields for testing.

S

ince as early as the 1950s, Pipe Tek has been setting the standard for the pipeline integrity industry. In partnership with Enduro, the company is now the benchmark for quality in the inline inspection, pressure testing and calibration industries.

Pipe Tek is the exclusive provider of Enduro Pipeline Services’ extensive range of pipeline inspection technologies in Australasia. Enduro offers services and sales to assist clients in the oil and gas industry with their pipeline problems.

Pipeline regulations require operators to conduct integrity assessments on their pipelines.

These assessments are critical when pipes are carrying hazardous liquids and gases.

Pipe Tek offers National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) hydrostatic and pneumatic testing, as well as pipe cleaning, nitrogen purging and many other services.

Pipe Tek established its new headquarters in Brisbane around July 2021. Located just off the gateway opposite Nudgee golf course, the new site is at 3/24 Huntington Place in Banyo and is capable of receiving and testing up to 18 m spools undercover. All Enduro inline inspection tools will be rebuilt and calibrated on the new Brisbane site.

48

An Australian Gas Association (AGA) Certified Test Station, its pressure testing and recertification of gas cylinders.

Pipe Tek has also developed its own custombuilt mobile pneumatic test rig that can be transported to gas fields for testing. It is a selfcontained hydrostatic pressure testing station Spools sent to Pipe Tek for testing.

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

optimised for transport between sites for safe and efficient testing.

The company has pressure-tested and certified over 550 pipelines throughout Asia Pacific with diameters ranging from 1 to 70 inches. These pipes included steel, high-density polyethylene, fibreglass, concrete and more.

Pipe Tek uses the most advanced technology available with equipment capable of sending data immediately via the mobile network or via satellite for remote locations.

In the field of hydrostatic testing companies, Pipe Tek is one of the most versatile. The company can test pipelines to extremely highpressure rates on pipes with a range of compositions.

Pipe Tek’s other expertise include full turnkey solutions for inline inspection, dig-ups and verification with phase array; non-destructive testing including digital radiography and x-ray; leak detection; CCTV pipeline inspections and bulk storage tank calibration.

The company’s highly trained personnel are all Australia based with the drive to deliver quality services consistent with NATA, ISO and Australian standards. Their mission is to ensure pipeline operators can maintain an efficient, safe and debris-free pipeline that runs online at maximum efficiency.

For more information visit www.pipetek.com.au

COMPANY NEWS

Senior appointment at Vermeer Australia signals gas and pipeline focus Vermeer Australia has announced Nigel Dobier will take on management of key APGA accounts, in addition to his sales management role for Queensland, strengthening Vermeer’s efforts across the gas and pipeline sectors.

N

igel’s new role will see him responsible for the continued growth of the Vermeer brand within the pipeline industry.

Jeff Lawson, General Manager of Sales for Vermeer Australia, says Nigel’s appointment reflects Vermeer Australia and RDO Equipment’s increasing presence and confidence in their core sectors, and commitment to supporting key customers.

“We’ve been a Tier 1 partner with the APGA for over 20 years, and our experience in the sector speaks for itself,” Jeff said.

“We’ve been lucky enough to work with key pipeline contractors across many projects such as the Northern Gas Pipeline, OCLNG, APLNG and the Mt Isa Pipeline. Our Horizontal Directional Drills, Track Trenchers, Horizontal Grinders and Vacuum

Excavators have all played an integral part in many of these significant pipeline projects, and Nigel’s experience with these machines will see Vermeer strengthen our relationships and involvement in key projects,” Jeff said. Vermeer’s ability to bring the latest in pipeline equipment technology and knowledge from their partners at Vermeer Corp, and their worldwide network, places them in a good position to support new and existing customers on key projects over the coming years.

“This is also a reflection of RDO Equipment’s

strong focus on fostering career development and internal opportunities at Vermeer Australia, and Nigel is a great example of this.”

Vermeer Australia’s service and support capability has been strengthened over recent months, giving customers more access to products and expert service support in key regions on Australia’s east coast.

“We are also now utilising the wider RDO Equipment dealership network throughout NSW and Queensland, which means our customers have greater access to machines, parts, and service support in not only metro, but regional locations across our 29 dealerships,” Jeff said. “We’re looking forward to a strong start to 2022, and Nigel’s appointment signals we’re ready to meet our customers’ needs in this growing and strong sector.”

For more information about Vermeer Australia’s pipeline capabilities, head to https://vermeeraustralia.com.au/ equipment-range/pipeline-installation/

www.peternorman.com.au 1300 THE KEY (1300 843 539) pipework@peternorman.com.au

Placing & paying Pipeliners all over Australia since 1992 The Key to Personnel – delivering contract & permanent workforce placement & payroll solutions nationally

The team from APA won the Queensland YPF Trivia Night contest and relished being able to hold the trophy.

The team from Vacuworx got the wooden spoon.

Master of Ceremonies Matt Nash presents the prize to Vacuworx team drink fetcher and APGA Board Member Lou Guevara.

Some of the action at the 2021 WA YPF Barefoot Bowls.

This is what everyone is playing for - the WA Perpetual Barefoot Bowls Trophy with the 2021 winning team from APA. There were ten raffle prizes drawn during the night, one of which was this highly sought-after banana.

The Pipe Tek team won these spectacles in another raffle prize and enjoyed a rosecoloured evening.

A good crowd had an excellent time at the WA YPF Christmas Drinks in Perth on 26 November 2021.

50

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

Australian Pipelines and Gas Association 2022 Annual Convention and Exhibition Theme: Connect | Share | Discover 24 to 27 September 2022 Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Queensland •

The 2022 APGA Convention and Exhibition will be hosted at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

APGA Convention attendees at the 2019 Welcome Dinner.

T

he Australian pipeline industry’s nationally and internationally respected Annual Convention and Exhibition will be held from 24 to 27 September 2022 in Queensland at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Convention and Exhibition will showcase Australian expertise and highlight major developments across the industry and the nation. Participation by international companies and organisations further enhances information exchange.

The APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition is one of the most significant events in the energy and pipeline industries’ calendars, with many leading figures of the pipeline industry attending. APGA’s Convention provides a unique and important opportunity for discussion and debate about pipeline infrastructure and the critical role that the industry plays in meeting the nation’s water and energy needs.

training and skills development • operational and maintenance issues • Innovative products, services and technologies The Annual Exhibition is an integral part of the Convention, providing an excellent opportunity for participants to learn more about goods and services, while exhibitors can ensure that information about their products reaches all sectors of the industry. APGA will provide 85 exhibition stands for the Brisbane event.

The 2022 APGA Convention will continue the popular tradition of combining informative business sessions with a comprehensive social

APGA’s 2022 Convention will feature presentations and discussions that highlight the innovative and practical approach of Australia’s pipeline industry. Topics will include: • project updates • gas market policy • environmental sustainability • social governance including diversity • international developments • research, including developments that will improve performance and reliability • regulatory issues • health and safety

program including formal and informal dinners, a golf competition, tours and many other activities for all delegates, exhibitors and families. The functions demonstrate the close-knit nature of the Australian pipeline industry and set the event apart from all others.

APGA seeks industry sponsorship to support these events. For information about the sponsorship opportunities available to celebrate the 54th Convention, contact the APGA office.

The Call for Papers opened in November 2021 and closes on Friday, 18 February 2022.

Registration for the Convention will open in April 2022 via APGA’s website: apga.org.au

The APGA Annual Convention and Exhibition is one of the most significant events in the energy and pipeline industries’ calendars.

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

51

APGA EVENTS

Pipeliners out and about APGA were able to wrap up its 2021 festive season celebrations in Melbourne and Perth with the pipeline industry catching up for the annual Christmas lunch at the MCG and the South of Perth Yacht Club. Following another year of restrictions, APGA looks forward to seeing everyone in person again at events in 2022.

APGA Perth Christmas Lunch held at the South of Perth Yacht Club on Friday, 26 November 2021.

Max Imsungnoen (Zinfra), James Povey (Nacap) at Melbourne APGA Christmas.

Dean Bennett, APGA, addresses crowd at Melbourne Christmas event.

APGA 2021 Christmas Lunch at the MCG.

APGA 2021 Christmas Lunch at the MCG.

52

APGA Melbourne Christmas Lunch held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday 16 December 2021.

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

APGA EVENTS

Australasian Corrosion Association at Melbourne Christmas event

Austin Bennett (Universal Corrosion Coatings), Cara Robb (Jemena, Women’s Pipeline Association) at APGA 2021 Christmas Lunch at the MCG.

Melbourne APGA 2021 Christmas Lunch at the MCG.

Right, James Povey (Nacap), APGA 2021 Christmas Lunch at the MCG.

APGA Perth Christmas Lunch held at the South of Perth Yacht Club on Friday, 26 November 2021.

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

53

APGA MEMBERSHIP

Australian Pipelines and Gas Association Membership CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR Alltype Engineering Comdain Infrastructure Enscope Pty Ltd Global Engineering & Construction Pty Ltd HH Civil Pty Ltd Maxibor Australia McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd Michels Corporation Mitchell Water Australia Pty Ltd Moody Civil & Pipe Pty Ltd MPC Kinetic Nacap Pty Ltd National Australian Pipelines P and G Welding Pty Ltd Pipecraft Pipeline Plant Hire Pty Ltd Quanta Services Australia Pty Ltd Spiecapag Australia The Newham Group Trushape Engineering Pty Ltd Valmec Limited CONSULTANT ACIL Allen Consulting CNC Project Management DNV GL Australia Pty Limited Energy Matrix Group Pty Ltd EnergyQuest Pty Ltd Jiva Consulting JLL Infrastructure Advisory Pty Ltd Kleinfelder Australia Pty Ltd Land Access & Management Services Pty Ltd Metcalfe Engineering Consultants MVC Services Pty Ltd OC Project Services Pty Ltd Pipeline Engineering Consultants Plant & Platform Consultants Ltd Powered Sage Consulting Solutions Pty Ltd Sustech Engineering Pty Ltd Twycross and Partners Pty Ltd Veris ENERGY DISTRIBUTOR ATCO Gas Australia ENGINEERING/PROJECT MANAGER A J Stack Solutions Pty Ltd AFS Projects Pty Ltd Atteris Pty Ltd Bamser Holdings Pty Ltd Core Group Limited Fyfe GHD Pty Ltd GPA Engineering Pty Ltd Lidiar Group

Long Energy and Resources Pty Ltd Momentum Engineering OSD Pty Ltd Pipeline Drillers Group SPIE Plexal Worley Services Pty Ltd GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS/ REGULATORS Department for Energy and Mining Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Energy Safe Victoria Resources Safety and Health Queensland Water Corporation INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION Pipeline Research Council International, Inc PIPELINE OWNER/OPERATOR AGL Energy Limited Ampol Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd APA Group Arrow Energy Pty Ltd AusNet Services Australian Energy Market Operator Australian Gas Infrastructure Group Beach Energy Limited Brookfield Infrastructure Group Epic Energy SA Pty Ltd Esperance Pipeline Company Esso Australia Pty Ltd First Gas Ltd GB Energy Jemena Mobil New Zealand Oil Limited Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd Origin Energy Limited Papuan Oil Search Limited Power and Water Corporation Qenos Pty Ltd QGC Refining NZ Santos SEA Gas South Australian Water Corporation Tas Gas Holdings Pty Ltd Tasmanian Gas Pipeline Pty Ltd Viva Energy Australia Ltd WestSide Corporation Woodside Energy Ltd SERVICE PROVIDER ALS Industrial Pty Ltd Avmin Pty Ltd AXS Pty Ltd Baker Hughes Brooks Hire Service Pty Ltd

APGA New Membership Approvals CORPORATE MEMBERS Engineering/Project Manager Bamser Holdings Pty Ltd - Dimce Sijakovski

54

Brownline Australia Pty Ltd Bureau Veritas Asset Integrity and Reliability Services Pty Ltd Civil Geospatial Services Pty Ltd Cloudcon Pty Ltd Corrosion Control Engineering Pty Ltd Deaton Enterprises Pty Ltd trading as CST Hire Downer EDI Engineering Power Pty Ltd DSQ Pty Ltd EnerMech Pty Ltd ERIAS Group Pty Ltd IntelliGas ITI International LandPartners Pty Ltd Lochard Energy (Iona Operations) Pty Ltd Locusview Ltd LogiCamms Metropolis Services Pty Ltd Mipela GeoSolutions MST Global NDT Global Pty Ltd Oceaneering Australia Pty Ltd ORIX Commercial Peter Norman Personnel Pty Ltd Pipe Tek Pty Ltd Piping Specialty Supply Service Pty Ltd Prime Creative Media Pro Pipe Services Pty Ltd Project Communications Australia QIC Protective Coatings (Aust) Pty Ltd Qube Energy Pty Ltd Red Rock Oilfield Service ROSEN Australia Pty Ltd Scape Consulting Pty Ltd STATS Group T D Williamson Australia Pty Ltd TFG Group Pty Ltd Turbo Systems Australia Pty Ltd Viega Pty Ltd Wasco Energy Group WRAP Resources Australia Zinfra SUPPLIER OF EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS Aegis Pty Ltd Anode Engineering Pty Ltd Anti Corrosion Technology Pty Ltd AtlasGas Pty Ltd Austrack Equipment Sales and Rentals Australian Pipeline Valve Bao Australia Pty Ltd Delnorth Pty Ltd Denso (Australia) Pty Ltd EagleBurgmann Australasia Pty Ltd EDMI Gas Pty Ltd

Fast Fusion, LLC Future Fuels CRC Gasco Pty Ltd GF Piping Systems Hard Metal Industries Heath Pipeline Services Pty Ltd Herrenknecht AG Inductabend Pty Ltd iPipe Services Iplex Pipelines Australia Pty Ltd Jindal Saw Limited Laurini Officine Meccaniche Srl LFF Australia Lincoln Electric Company (Australia) Pty Ltd Man Industries India Ltd McElroy Australia Ozzie's Pipeline Padder Inc PAC Pipeline Equipment Rentals Pipeline Machinery International LP PipeServ PSAH Pty Ltd RAEDLINGER PRIMUS LINE PTY LTD RDO Equipment Pty Ltd Richmond Savcor Products Australia Pty Ltd Shawcor Pty Ltd Shipman King SICK Pty Ltd Solar Turbines Australia System Control Engineering Tapex Industrial Techrite Controls Australia Pty Ltd The Hills Rockslinger TIB Chemicals AG TRACTO-TECHNIK Australia Pty Ltd Tremco Pipeline Equipment Pty Ltd Universal Corrosion Coatings Pty Ltd Vacuworx Australia Vinidex Pty Ltd Vlentec Australia Pty Ltd Welspun Corp Limited Western Process Controls Worldpoly Pty Ltd Worldwide Group

Service Provider Project Communications Australia - Tim Atkinson TFG Group Pty Ltd - Norm MacKinnon

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Shaun Smith - Smith Environmental Consulting JP Fortin - Fortin Pipelines

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

APGA MEMBERSHIP

Body.

APGA would particularly like to acknowledge the generous support of its Owner Members • •

APA Group Australian Gas Infrastructure Group

• •

Epic Energy SA Pty Ltd Jemena

• •

SEA Gas Tasmanian Gas Pipeline Pty Ltd

APGA would also like to acknowledge the strong support of its Lead Members • • • • • •

AGL Energy Limited Esso Australia Pty Ltd McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd MPC Kinetic Nacap Pty Ltd OSD Pty Ltd

• • • • •

QGC Quanta Services Australia Pty Ltd Solar Turbines Australia Spiecapag Worley Services Pty Ltd

Honorary Life Members • • • • • •

Ken Barker David Curry Keith Fitzgerald* Leigh Fletcher D C Gore* Robert Gration

• • • • • •

Max Kimber Andy Lukas Tony Marletta Mick McCormack Stuart McDonald Jim McDonald*

• • • •

Allan Newham Stephen Ohl Mark Twycross Phil Venton *deceased

Individual Members • • • • • • • •

Dean Barker John Blain Bevan Boocock Grant Bowley Ken Cameron Chris Carter Andrew Cook Mark Cooper

• • • • • • • •

Geoff Cope John de Robillard Stephen Dykes John Fleming Kenneth Flowers JP Fortin Gretchen Gagel Chris Gatehouse

• • • • • • • •

Lynndon Harnell Mark Harris Chris Harvey Graeme Hogarth Justine Hyams Jeff Jones Ashley Kellett Steven Liddell

• • • • • • •

John Lott Cameron MacDiarmid Jason Mansfield Mick Murphy Trevor Nichols John Piper David Pollock

• • • • •

Brett Reay Shaun Smith Jasper Tieland Andrew Wood Howard Wright

Edwin De Prinse Jason de Ross Ross Demby Yuyu Fang Daniel Faulkner Matt Felvus John Ferguson Mike Flynn Tom Forde Mark Fothergill Paul Frederick Tess Gardner Jarrod Gilby Calvin Gordon Peter Harcus Geoff Harrison

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Chris Hewson Ian Israelsohn Hugo Kuhn Trent Leach Benjy Lee Keith Lenghaus David Levy Stephen Livens Paul May John Messent Paul Miller Stephen Mudge Matthew O'Connell Brian O'Sullivan Neil Parry Bob Paton

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Michael Peoples Jan Peric Janusz Podgorski Tawake Rakai Josh Row John Rutherford Craig Sheather Reynard Smith James Smith Robert Strong Colin Symonds Soheil Taherian Farrah Tan-Savva Warwick Tidswell Mark Turner Sean Ward

• • • • • •

Louise Watson Rob Wheals Paul Williamson Ben Wilson Alex Wong Michael Xanthopoulos

Employee Members • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Michelle Andersen Awais Ashraf Eric Bardy Geoff Barton Tony Bird Tom Bohacik Liz Brierley Peter Bucki Mark Bumpstead Ivan Byak Annette Cahill Geoff Callar Francis Carroll Philip Colvin Jeff Cooke Craig de Laine

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

55

APGA MEMBERSHIP

FULL MEMBERSHIP

(1)

OWNER MEMBER(2)(3)

LEAD MEMBER(4)

CORPORATE MEMBER

Category Applied for (please tick)

ORGANISATION NAME: ABN: POSTAL ADDRESS: SUBURB: STATE: POSTCODE: STREET ADDRESS: SUBURB: STATE: POSTCODE: PHONE: FAX: WEBSITE: APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE (5) NAME: POSITION: PHONE: FAX: MOBILE: EMAIL: ORGANISATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE (if different from above): NAME: TITLE: APGA POINT OF CONTACT – for distribution of APGA information within your organisation (if different from Appointed Representative) NAME: POSITION: POSTAL ADDRESS: SUBURB: STATE: POSTCODE: PHONE: FAX: MOBILE: EMAIL: ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT CONTACT: EMAIL: NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN ORGANISATION:

1-5

6-25

26-50

>51

ORGANISATION’S INTEREST IN THE PIPELINE INDUSTRY (Must tick ONE ONLY. If more than one applies, please tick the one most applicable to your business):

Adviser/Consultant

Construction Contractor

Energy Distributor

Engineering/Project Manager

Pipeline Owner/Operator

Service Provider

Manufacturer/Distributor of Equipment or Materials

Government Department/Regulator

Other Industry Association (Please Specify)

SECTOR Please indicate which of the following industry sectors you are primarily working in (please tick ONLY ONE box)

Gas

Water

Oil

Slurry

We hereby apply for Full Membership of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association in the Category and Interest Group indicated above and agree to abide by the Association’s Constitution and any By-laws set from time to time. We attach our payment for the appropriate portion of the first year’s subscription.

SIGNED: DATE: NOTE

(1)

Upon payment of the relevant fees, an organisation may hold more than one category of full membership.

(2)

The appointed representative of an Owner Member should be the Chief Executive.

(3)

All Owner Members are entitled to nominate up to ten Employee Members without additional subscription.

(4)

All Lead members are entitled to nominate up to three Employee Members without additional subscription.

(5)

56

All correspondence will be sent to the appointed representative, who will hold the member’s voting rights. A member’s appointed representative may be changed at any time by advising the Association’s Secretary in writing.

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

APGA MEMBERSHIP

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP/EMPLOYEE MEMBERSHIP

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP(1)

EMPLOYEE MEMBERSHIP

APPLICANT’S NAME: ORGANISATION: POSITION: POSTAL ADDRESS: SUBURB: STATE: POSTCODE: STREET ADDRESS: SUBURB: STATE: POSTCODE: PHONE: FAX: MOBILE: EMAIL: INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION: I hereby apply for Individual Membership of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association and agree to abide by the Company’s Constitution and any By-laws set from time to time. Payment for the appropriate portion of the first year’s subscription is attached. NOTE (1): Open to any individual consultant with an interest in the pipeline or gas industries. This membership category is designed to accommodate the one-man consultants working within the pipeline and gas industries and will not be open to consulting organisations consisting of more than one person. Employees of a company will not be accepted as an Individual Member of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association unless the company employing that person is a Full Member of APGA. E MPLOYEE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION: (Open to employees of full members of APGA) I hereby apply for Employee Membership of the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association and agree to abide by the Association’s Constitution and any By-laws set from time to time. Payment for the appropriate portion of the first year’s subscription is attached.

SIGNED: DATE: SUBSCRIPTION RATES (2021/2022 Membership year 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022)

AUSTRALIA Membership year 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

OWNER Applicable to owners only – fee upon application

LEAD $11,780 (incl. GST)

CORPORATE 1-5 Employees 6-25 Employees 26-50 Employees >51 Employees (incl. GST)

AUD AUD AUD AUD

INDIVIDUAL $630 (incl. GST)

$2,360 $3,160 $3,980 $5,100

EMPLOYEE $230 (incl. GST)

New members joining after 1 October 2021, please contact APGA to discuss the appropriate pro-rate subscription rate.

(All applications received after 15 May 2022 will be issued with an invoice for the 2021/2022 membership year).

ALL PRICES QUOTED FOR AUSTRALIAN MEMBERS INCLUDE 10% GST.

INTERNATIONAL Membership year 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

OWNER Applicable to owners only – fee upon application

LEAD AUD $10,710

CORPORATE 1-5 Employees 6-25 Employees 26-50 Employes >51 Employees (incl. GST)

AUD AUD AUD AUD

INDIVIDUAL AUD $580

$2,140 $2,880 $3,620 $4,640

EMPLOYEE AUD $220

New members joining after 1 October 2021, please contact APGA to discuss the appropriate pro-rate subscription rate.

(All applications received after 15 May 2022 will be issued with an invoice for the 2021/2022 membership year).

ALL PRICES ARE IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS. A TAX INVOICE WILL BE ISSUED.

PAYMENT

EFT Bank Westpac Banking Corporation, Swift/ABA/Routing# WPACAU2S. IBAN No. 032729162756.

BSB: 032-729. Account No: 16-2756.

I enclose my cheque made payable to The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association, or APGA.

Please debit my credit card (please tick)

Amex

Visa

MasterCard

Credit card processing fee applies.

CARD NUMBER:

EXPIRY DATE:

TOTAL AMOUNT AUD$

CARDHOLDER’S NAME: SIGNATURE: Please return completed form with payment to: AUSTRALIAN PIPELINES AND GAS ASSOCIATION (ABN: 29 098 754 324) PO BOX 5416, KINGSTON ACT 2604 | PHONE: 02 6273 0577 | FAX: 02 6273 0588 EMAIL: apga@apga.org.au | WEBSITE: www.apga.org.au The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

57

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Advertisers' index Anode Engineering Austrack Equipment Corrosion Control Engineering Denso Australia Iplex Pipelines kwik-ZIP Matrix MODDEX Pipe Tek Pipeline Plant Hire Pipeline Specialty Supply Services

21 25 11 31 IFC 35 39 23 13 19 27

Picarro PipeServ Peter Norman Personnel Precision Laser Cleaning Qube Energy ROSEN STATS Group Tremco Pipeline Equipment Vacuworx Australia Valmec Vermeer Australia

Here's what's coming up in the next edition:

FEATURES

Future Fuels & Emissions Reduction Pipeline Padders Cathodic Protection Rehabilitation & Repair Trenchless Construction Line Pipe Flow, Level & Pressure Sensors

REGIONAL FOCUS

NSW

DISTRIBUTION

APGA functions

DEADLINE

April 2022

Features and deadlines are subject to change.

58

The Australian Pipeliner | January 2022

4-5 15 49 29 41 7 3 9 43 47 OBC

JOIN APGA APGA is the peak body representing Australasia’s pipeline infrastructure. While many members have a focus on gas transmission they are active in all aspects of the industry including transportation of other products, such as oil, water and slurry. Our members include constructors, owners, operators, advisers, engineering companies and suppliers of pipeline products and services.

ADVANTAGES OF MEMBERSHIP •

Discounts on all APGA networking, technical and other events: up to 30 events a year.

•

Free subscription to The Australian Pipeliner, the official publication of APGA

•

Discount on exhibition stands at seminars and the APGA Annual Convention

•

Free listing in the APGA Members Directory (print and online) and the ability to advertise

•

Access to Members Only material on the APGA website.

WANT TO BECOME A MEMBER? Visit www.apga.org.au for more information and to sign up.

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