APA Group’s T74 licensed pipeline runs between the Wollert Compressor Station and the Euroa City Gate in Victoria. Comdain was selected to upgrade the maximum allowable operational pressure (MAOP) from 7.4 MPa to 8.8 MPa.

The upgrade was initiated by the installation of two new solar compressors at the existing Wollert Compressor Station, which made the increased MAOP to 8.8 MPa possible.

Overview of works

Comdain was responsible for the supply and installation of the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation works associated with the upgrade. The company also provided all labour, materials, supervision, consumables, risk assessments and work procedures for the safe and efficient execution of the works.

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The main works included the fabrication and installation of all main process gas piping, valves and fittings. Comdain ensured delivery of all pipe work, piping skids, piping supports and all structural steelwork.

The project required the collection of site measurements and surveys, and documentation including construction, safety and environmental management plans. Comdain lead all inspection, examination and testing of material and the documentation of all welding and testing records.

Challenges

The greatest challenge throughout these works was to ensure that there was no disruption to the gas supply north, toward New South Wales. In order to maintain the supply, Comdain fabricated and installed a bypass around the site to enable continuous supply while the civil works were underway onsite.

Another big challenge involved the fabrication of a valve assembly of this size in the Comdain workshop and then delivering it to site, which involved careful planning and precision across the project.

The exceptionally cold weather that was experienced in Victoria during the winter months of 2010 forced a greater demand on gas and therefore increased potential risks associated with any gas works. Risk was contained by careful forward planning and the completion of a risk assessment with APA GasNet and the Australian Energy Market Operator.

A co-operative approach

The Comdain team performed this job without incident, within budget and timings.

Speaking of Comdain’s work, APA Group Project Manager David Thek said “The timing of works at both Euroa and Wandong were impacted by regulatory and operational requirements. The co-operative approach between Comdain and APA on the project has allowed the impacts to be minimised, with Comdain able to react to changes and reschedule works in consultation with APA. This co-operative approach has ensured that APA had the ability to deal with operators and regulators with confidence and has helped to mitigate the impact of operational delays to the project.”

Comdain has a history of successfully constructing city gates, regulator stations and pressure upgrades. The company said that this particular project gave Comdain the opportunity to demonstrate its proven capabilities in workshop fabrication and delivery to site of an installation this size.