Energy Pipelines CRC recognised for excellence in innovation

Australia’s Energy Pipelines CRC has been awarded an Excellence in Innovation Award by the Cooperative Research Centres Association for its research into fracture control of gas pipelines. The aim of the company is to provide the Australian energy pipeline industry with the technology necessary to extend the life of the existing natural gas transmission network, and to build better, cheaper networks necessary to support increased demand for energy.

The award was presented at the Cooperative Research Centres Association National Conference, which was held in Perth from 20^th - 21^st May. The conference was attended by staff from a number of cooperative research centres and provided opportunities for discussion regarding the future of innovation in Australia and its relationship with Asia.

The CRC research team was drawn from the University of Wollongong, as well as industry advisors from the APIA Research and Standards Committee. The team carried out research that provides a deeper understanding of fracture in gas pipelines and developed design tools that ensure that pipelines are resistant to a major fracture incident. Furthermore, the research produced new software, which improves the process of fracture prediction in the pipeline design phase and also allows the appropriate steel to be selected.

Professor Valerie Linton, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Pipelines CRC, said: “The research into fracture control of gas pipelines is essential in ensuring the safety and stability of our crucial national pipeline infrastructure. I am very proud of the research team responsible and they show the effectiveness of CRC funding. They were able to take a long term challenge of the Australian pipeline industry and find an effective solution.”

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/29052014/energy_pipelines_crc_recognised_for_excellence_in_innovation_430/