Research
Program 3 Network Lifecycle Management
Research Program 3 addresses advances in design, construction, and operations-related factors relevant to Australian energy infrastructure, extending the life of existing infrastructure and enabling safe and efficient delivery of existing and future fuels. Our research will exploit developments in allied disciplines, such as big data integration, new materials and additive manufacturing to enhance current asset management practices.
Vital components of the energy transfer infrastructure are studied from concept to end of life. Research addresses novel materials, design, installation, operations and maintenance, and repurposing or decommissioning requirements. The program provides solutions to asset owners on the suitability of metallic and polymer pipe materials for the transport and storage of existing and new fuels.
Research Program 3 research outcomes include:
- New and improved materials for effective and safe transport and storage of existing and future fuels.
- Effective design standards and operating procedures for transport and storage of fuels in new and existing pipeline systems.
- Opportunities to extend the life of existing infrastructure through repurposing existing networks and facilities to support the transportation of low carbon fuels.
- Reduced capital costs of new energy transportation infrastructure, and reduced operating and maintenance cost of infrastructure.
- More accurate, real-time assessment of the condition of metallic and plastic pipes through cost-effective sensing technology for detection, monitoring and evaluation of pipe degradation.
- Enhanced asset management decision-making through advanced detection technologies, data analytics and service life time prediction models covering a wide range of fuels and materials.
Key Program Areas
Material properties and performance (RP3.1)
Learn MoreSafe and efficient design, construction and operation of an integrated fuels infrastructure (RP3.2)
Learn MoreSmart monitoring, data management and asset condition prediction (RP3.3)
Learn MoreAdvanced infrastructure repair and protection systems (RP3.4)
Learn MoreProjects
- RP3.1-01: Review of future fuels transport and storage technologies
- RP3.1-02: Atom Probe Tomography for hydrogen interactions with steel pipes
- RP3.1-03: Future proofing plastic pipes
- RP3.1-04: Multi-channel hydrostatic pressure test kit
- RP3.1-05: Compatibility of plastic piping with future fuels
- RP3.1-06: Hydrogen permeation through the pipe wall
- RP3.1-07: Hydrogen test bed – plastic pipe network
- RP3.1-08: Full-scale fracture initiation test programme –Phase 1: Project execution plan
- RP3.1-09: Deployment of the SAFE(TI) Lab for characterising the mechanical properties of linepipe steels
- RP3.1-10: Hydrogen embrittlement of pipeline steels, subcritical and critical crack growth
- RP3.1-11: Thermite Welded Electrical Conductor to Gas Pipeline
- RP3.1-12: Characterising Representative Australian Transmission Pipelines in High-Pressure Hydrogen Gas
- RP3.1-13: Feasibility of the use of gas phase inhibition of hydrogen embrittlement in gas transmission pipelines carrying hydrogen
- RP3.10-01: Molecular dynamics investigations of hydrogen-induced plastic deformation and failure
- RP3.10-02: Hydrogen and pipeline steels: orientation dependence of fracture toughness
- RP3.10-03: Development of a ductile damage-based fracture initiation model for natural gas and hydrogen transmission pipelines
- RP3.2-01: Proximity and ventilation requirements for fuel networks
- RP3.2-02: Assessment of future fuel decompression behaviour
- RP3.2-03: The online AS 2885 handbook
- RP3.2-04: Deposition of Cohesive Gas Impurities in pipelines carrying coal seam gas
- RP3.2-04B: Cohesive Gas Impurities – Phase 2
- RP3.2-05A: Pipeline Tensile strain capacity – Project 1 Literature review
- RP3.2-05B: Pipeline Tensile strain capacity – Project 2 Experimental evaluation
- RP3.2-05C: Pipeline Tensile strain capacity – Project 3 Predictive Tool
- RP3.2-06: Development of a New Fracture Propagation Model
- RP3.2-07: Metering and gas quality monitoring of future fuel blends
- RP3.2-08: Development of efficient and effective methodologies for the abandonment of pipelines
- RP3.2-09: Biomethane Impurities
- RP3.2-10: Hydrogen Pipeline Code of Practice: Design, Construction and Operation
- RP3.2-11: Fitness for Service assessment of repurposed pipelines to Hydrogen
- RP3.3-01: Gap analysis of smart monitoring and data analytics networks
- RP3.3-02: Performance review of inspection techniques for unpiggable pipelines
- RP3.3-04: Smart Sign Technology for Continuous Easement Interference Monitoring
- RP3.3-05: Prototyping and demonstrating a new pipeline corrosion control technology
- RP3.4-01: Retrofitting pipelines by in situ coating
- RP3.4-02: Closed-loop CP control system for fuel networks
- RP3.4-03: Centre of excellence for third party pipeline damage control
- RP3.4-04: Keyhole coating damage treatment
- RP3.4-05: Validation of quality assurance tests for two-part epoxy coatings
- RP3.4-07: Supplementary tests on the effect of bi-directional potential excursions on cathodic protection
- RP3.4-09: Performance review and survey of trenchless technologies and materials for pipeline rehabilitation and repurposing for future fuels
- RP3.4-03B: Understanding damage to pipeline due to HDD equipment – Phase 2