A pressure management regime has been established for the 2004 winter months for the Moomba to Sydney Natural Gas Pipeline (MSP).
Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) has been identified on the MSP in a remote area of South Australia. Repairs have been effected on the pipeline in 5 locations by the installation of steel sleeves to restore pipeline integrity. Further investigative work is planned for next summer. This work may include the insertion of an “Intelligent Pig” which travels in the gas stream and records irregularities in the steel wall of the pipe.
“Because we are unsure whether further irregularities exist it is prudent for us to limit the pressure in the affected area, and we are altering the configuration of our compressors at Bulla Park to enable us to do so.” The Managing Director of Australian Pipeline Trust, Mr Jim McDonald, said today.
The work on the compressor station involves re-configuring valving and pipework to permit the compressors to run in series, thereby reducing upstream pressure. APA expects the work will be completed by early July.
“Based upon our previous winter throughput, and provided no extended periods of cold weather affect all of south-east Australia, delivery of gas supply to the ACT and NSW should not be impacted by the pressure management regime,” Mr McDonald said.
Attach. Stress Corrosion Cracking

JK McDonald
Managing Director