Presentations at the Convention outlined the challenges and opportunities for pipeline development in Australia and the surrounding region. These challenges included the increase in Australia’s population, projected to grow to 36 million by 2050, and the subsequent encroachment on pipeline easements. New developments were also noted as set to influence current and future pipeline infrastructure in the country, fluctuating loads, technology issues (increasing transportation of CO2 and slurries), and the fact that gas must remain affordable.

CSG development

The development of a burgeoning coal seam gas (CSG) industry has spurred the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) to establish a CSG Working Group to develop a CSG gathering system code of practice for polyethylene (PE) pipe. At the Convention, Working Group Chairman Hugh Luckhurst-Smith of Fyfe Pty Ltd, and Mark Heathcote of the Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia outlined that the Working Group’s recommendations will include the retraining of skilled electrofusion personnel in large diameter pipelines; and, as there are no consistent pressure-testing methodologies currently available, the new code will recommend a minimum regime based on risk assessment for the use of this material.

There are numerous CSG to LNG projects proposed for development in Australia’s northeast. These developments include significant pipeline components. AJ Lucas’ Ben Cooper highlighted the significant differences between the construction of these proposed larger diameter pipelines than those previously constructed in Australia. Other speakers attested to the fact that the industry will need to make considerable changes in its approach once these projects come to fruition.

Other non-conventional gas opportunities were discussed, with Paul Beukelman of OSD Pipelines describing the various types of gas in this category and the issues to do with their extraction. “CSG developments will continue as a first priority, with further consideration of shale and tight gas projects. There will be many pipeline opportunities to connect [these reserves] to the existing mainlines,” Mr Beukelman said.

Research and training: a key focus

Energy Pipelines Co-operative Research Centre (EPCRC) Chief Executive Officer Professor Valerie Linton described the EPCRC’s approach to research. She stipulated that the centre’s outputs include “upskilling and increasing the number of competent people within the [pipeline] industry”, and its programmes cover the more efficient use of materials, extending the life of pipelines, advanced design and construction, and public safety and security of supply.

Chris Harvey continued the theme of training with a comprehensive review of APIA’s newly-introduced competency-based training initiative. Mr Harvey described APIA’s proposed remedies: “Competency-based training is recognised as the fastest and most efficient process to meet the demands of [Australian pipeline standard] AS2885.”

New technology

Delegates heard a number of presentations on new technologies, including the replacement of an offshore valve, girt-weld inspection and direct drilling for pipe installation.

TD Williamson’s Rolf Lie described how his company’s Smart Plug technology has been used to replace an emergency shutdown valve on Shell’s Malampaya Pipeline in the Philippines. The system allows a plug to be remotely installed and precisely controlled, at differential pressures up to 20,000 kPa.

Jan van der Ent of Applus RTD provided a review of the present and future status of automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) of girth welds. The company is currently developing ‘advanced’ AUT and future developments include its Inverse Wave-field Extrapolation (IWEX) which produces a 3D seismic approach to girth-weld imagery.

Herrenknecht’s René von Rautenkranz showed examples of the direct drill method of pipe installation, which is suitable for lengths up to 800 m and pipe diameters up to 56 inches.

In addition to presentations on new technology, delegates could get hands-on with the latest products and services at the APIA Exhibition, held in conjunction with the Conference.

The 2011 APIA Convention and Exhibition will be held in Sydney, Australia, from 22 – 25 October 2011.