When a gas pipe runs near electrical power lines, they are electrical hazards to the population. At PowerEarth, we consider several factors when assessing electrical risks on the pipelines – both inductive and conductive. Inductive influences are those related to electromagnetic fields like lightning and powerlines. A conductive electrical risk is associated with the flow of an electric current through a conductive medium.
Our Partner – APA Group
APA Group engaged PowerEarth to assess the hazards associated with the main transmission of 13 pipes that supply natural gas to the east coast of NSW.
APA has over 15,000 kilometres of natural gas pipelines across mainland Australia. PowerEarth has worked collaboratively with the APA Group on many projects since 2015.
The Project
PowerEarth’s role in this project included thoroughly assessing more than 3,500 km of pipelines working to the Australian Standard 4835 (AS 4835) and then closely with APA to develop an asset based comprehensive risk management plan. AS4853 is an important standard for asset owners to manage maintenance and emergency works risk, the Levels 1 assessments performed as part of this project are an important first step. Companies like APA Group contact PowerEarth not only to ensure the current safety of critical infrastructure but also to advise on any future infrastructure.
One of the core challenges addressed in this project was mitigating the risk posed by strong electromagnetic fields near gas pipelines. When strong electromagnetic fields are too close to gas pipelines, they can create voltage and corrosion hazards to the pipeline; voltage hazards are relevant to workers whilst corrosion hazards can affect the pipeline itself. Our study helps to ensure that the pipeline is safe from these influences and remains strong with no leaks.
