Jemena’s Phil Colvin began the day, speaking about the inspection of the Sydney Primary Main, a pipeline that had previously been deemed unpiggable due to features such as mitre bends. Mr Colvin explained that Jemena had implemented a program of ‘dig-ups’ to inspect the pipe, which he said are expensive but necessary as the recent San Bruno incident in the United States has shown.

Also on the topic of pipeline inspection, David Penter from DBP described the first phase of the in-line inspection program developed for the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP), explaining the detailed planning, and possible scenarios taken into consideration.

Next, APA Group’s Jeff Emmett spoke about the relocation of the Marsden Compressor Station, which APA has moved from Young to Marsden, New South Wales, to increase the pressure at the point where the Moomba to Sydney Pipeline feeds gas into the Central West Pipeline. Mr Emmett outlined the process of relocation and challenges involved.

Following morning tea, Epic Energy’s Tom Forde spoke about the impact of the QSN 3 project construction on the existing South West Queensland Pipeline, and the measures that had to be taken to protect the existing pipeline, and upgrade existing pigging and communication systems.

APA Networks’ Ada Cinaglia explained the importance of easement management on operating pipelines, with particular reference to APA’s distribution lines. She said that it was important to be aware of the current legislation, environmental management plan requirements, and take into account third-party issues and vegetation management.

Consultant Peter Tuft then took the stand to explain the importance of understanding external loads on pipelines, such as backfill, trench reaction and vehicles. He outlined the need to be aware of the failure criteria of pipe, as a pipe under a maximum load can fail or have a serviceability issue due to ovality, fatigue failure, or at worst rupture.

After lunch, Mike Peoples from OSD Pipelines gave an update on the revision of AS2885.3. He said that much experience has been gained since the standard’s initial development ten years ago, and the process of the revision is currently concluding.

Next, APA’s Craig Connor spoke about operating the Mondarra Gas Storage facility, located in Western Australia, and the challenges involved. He said that APA will be focusing on a ramp up of the reservoir pressure, and will reach its goal of 2,500 psi by 2013.

Also from WA, DBP’s Allan Butler outlined the upgrade process of the DBNGP’s master station, including considerations for system limitations, data and data import. The upgrade is to come online in November this year.

Andre Base from APA operations shared with attendees a study on the reliability of the company’s delivery stations in Queensland during the recent floods. He said that while metering and communications stopped, the delivery stations continued to maintain pressure, even while submerged in flood.

EIM’s Brett Shalders introduced the issue of maintaining station equipment when faced with coal seam gas sulphur de-sublimation. Mr Shalders discussed the short and long-term maintenance strategies, as well as the risks that sulphur de-sublimation can cause to equipment, including partial blockage, resources cost, handling toxic substances and the potential to affect downstream users.

The last presentation of the day was Chris Harvey, who updated the seminar on APIA’s pipeline engineering training initiative. Mr Harvey said that the program has entered Stage 2, which involves explaining the competency matrix's ose as a guide for skills development, raising the profile of the program and providing support to member companies, and developing a policy for the training process.

Dining on pipeline opportunities in the La Trobe Valley

Following the Pipeline Operations Group (POG) Seminar, 86 attendees gathered for the Melbourne Dinner, which was sponsored by Jemena and CNC Project Management. APIA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright said a few words of welcome, congratulating those involved on a successful POG Seminar and also reminding companies to support and encourage the support of their younger staff in the YPF.

During the dinner, attendees heard from Exergen Chief Executive Officer Jack Hamilton who gave a presentation entitled ‘New opportunities for pipeliners in LaTrobe Valley’. Mr Hamilton described a new technology that Exergen has formulated which can transform brown coal into a black coal equivalent that produces less CO₂ emissions when burnt.

Mr Hamilton explained that Exergen, in collaboration with CSIRO, was researching the application of the technology in the La Trobe Valley, as Victoria has the largest brown coal resource in the world.

Due to the fact that part of the process involves the product in slurry form, Mr Hamilton said there was potential for the pipeline industry to be involved, explaining that pipelines would solve the logistical problem of transporting the product as transportation by rail was not a viable option.

The presentation generated much conversation amongst attendees for the remainder of their meal, and the night of delicious food and successful networking proved an enjoyable conclusion to a long but informative day.