The event ensured that the young pipeliners in South Australia had access to the latest pipeline research being undertaken by the Energy Pipelines CRC, as well as insight into a stress corrosion cracking (SCC) research project currently being undertaken by the CRC.
While some young pipeliners were familiar with the Energy Pipelines CRC, many attendees had not been exposed to the group’s work, highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for exposure to research.
It was a reminder of the excellent work completed by the research body, with results that young pipeline engineers can apply directly to their work.
Erwin Gamboa from the University of Adelaide commenced the night with a short lesson on “˜classical’ high pH SCC fundamentals, and an update on his research into the challenging nature of assessing inclined SCC cracking, which has been observed on an Australian pipeline.
Providing the attendees with an overview of the basic SCC principles, Mr Gamboa outlined the key factors that influence its occurrence, the lifecycle of crack initiation, growth, dormancy and final rupture, and how SCC can be managed.
Energy Pipelines CRC CEO Professor Linton concluded the event by providing an update on current and past Energy Pipelines CRC research, including projects focused on new Digital Image Correlation Systems for strain measurement, venting of pipeline temperature modelling, pipeline drilling damage and the development of a coating test facility at Deakin University in Geelong, Victoria.
Overall the night was a great success with approximately 25 attendees.
The South Australian YPF would like to thank the Energy Pipelines CRC for sponsoring the event, and Professor Linton and Mr Gamboa for presenting on the night.
