PNP is looking for an Energy Education and Research Projects Innovation Executive on behalf of the organisation, which represents both public and private sector engagement in the energy industry.
The executive will administer and implement a strategic plan determined by the board to deliver value driven education and research activities to the energy industry.
The organisation is looking for a candidate with experience in project management in energy and/or resources, stakeholder management and industry engagement knowledge, tertiary qualifications and an entrepreneurial mindset.
The successful candidate will be supported by the group’s Canberra-based secretariat, with flexibility to work from home nationally.
More information on this new role is available at the following links:
FACCI is a leading French-Australian business network, aimed at promoting strong bilateral and economic relations between the two countries.
Comprising of more than 500 corporate members, the FACCI’s main mission is to promote its members and help French and Australian companies succeed through information, networking and business support services.
When founded in 1899, Australia’s trade relations with France were almost solely dependent on the export of wool; however, more than a century later, this relationship now spans many different industries – including trenchless construction.
Rob Carr is specialised in the construction of water, wastewater, power, and energy infrastructure via conventional and trenchless techniques, providing a unique skill set with its in-house capabilities.
With its expertise in microtunnelling, pipeline installation, caisson construction, pump station delivery and working with services, the Chamber says Rob Carr will be a valued corporate member.
The most recent quarterly update for the trenchless technology industry in Australasia is now available to view online.
This edition showcases how Trenchless Australasia is staying current alongside industry developments, with a modern look and a digitally interactive edition for the ease of readers.
The June edition includes:
An article on New South Wales’ extended construction hours and the benefits to the no-dig sector.
A positive news feature, highlighting local trenchless businesses and contractors who are staying busy during COVID-19.
An overview of the City of Logan’s longest horizontal directional drilling bore.
And much more!
We love to see people enjoying the magazine from the comfort of their own homes; please feel free to send through images of yourself reading the June edition, which we will feature online.
Click here to view the digital edition of magazine; if you share it online, don’t forget to tag our Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn social media handles so we can like and share your post!
The reaction of bentonite when mixed with water is what makes it an effective component of a drilling fluid, earning it the title of “miracle mud” throughout the industry.
However, in an article published on LinkedIn, Mr Bilton said bentonites are classified into several types – such as calcium, sodium and potassium – although sodium bentonite it the most common choice in the drilling industry.
“While they are composed of the same fundamental building blocks, calcium bentonite does not exhibit the same desirable properties as its sodium cousin,” said Mr Bilton.
“These major differences in swelling, suspension and thixotropy can affect your drilling fluid (mud) and the ‘functions of the drilling fluid’ which in turn can have a significant impact on and the overall success and profitability of your project.
“Untreated calcium bentonite is not suitable for drilling fluid, so it is typically treated (beneficiated) during the milling process by adding sodium carbonate (soda ash), long-chain synthetic polymers, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), starch or polyphosphates.”
Contrarily, Mr Bilton explains the structure and chemical composition of sodium bentonite means when the clay is mixed in water, the dry stacks of platelets begin to hydrate and swell as the water is attracted to both the negative clay surface and the positively charged ions in between the layers.
“As the individual platelets separate (disperse) in the water, their surface area and colloidal activity increases producing a viscous fluid that can suspend solids and seal up the bore/well bore,” said Mr Bilton.
“Sodium bentonite swells through a process of osmotic and crystalline swelling providing a 20-fold increase in volume. Calcium bentonite on the other hand undergoes crystalline swelling only resulting in a 2-fold increase in volume.
“Better swelling (hydration) means increased surface area and colloidal activity which translates into improve viscosity, better suspension capability, superior gel strengths, greater filtration control and higher yield.”
Mr Bilton said an intelligently designed and maintained drilling fluid is a critical component of a drilling operation and a good bentonite is often a critical component of that drilling fluid.
“When you consider all the functions of a drilling fluid, and how those functions impact the success or failure of the drilling operation, sodium bentonite outperforms all other products on the market.”
BRP Industries offers a range of specialised solutions and credits the Ditch Witch AT30 directional drill, which it purchased from ELB Equipment, to its ongoing drilling success.
BRP Industries Owner and Director Brad Phillips says the company used to operate a JT20 but, once more rock work projects became available, the team wanted something more versatile – such as the all-terrain.
Fit for any terrain
Mr Phillips purchased BRP Industries’ first AT30 four years ago due to its capabilities in any ground condition, allowing the company to work all over Australia.
“The 30’s are good for anywhere from the sand we drill in Western Australia to the bluestone rock we drill in Canberra,” says Mr Phillips. “Currently, we’re drilling in basalt at the moment in Nerang on the Gold Coast.”
“It’s the right technology that suits the work that we do.”
Mr Phillips says BRP Industries continually has all three drills in use for a range of NBN, power, water and gas projects all over the country.
Due to the small footprint of the machine, Mr Phillips says its quick to set up, get the work done and then quick to pack up, making the compact drill suitable for all kinds of work.
“The ground can change quickly from hard rock and soft rock in a matter of metres, so the all-terrain system allows you to always keep going.”
A competitive market
When choosing a supplier, Mr Phillips says the initial decision to use ELB Equipment was because other competitors did not have the right technology.
“The Ditch Witch technology was superior for what we were doing as opposed to other things that were on the market,” says Mr Phillips.
Now, BRP Industries continues using ELB Equipment not only for its supply of forefront technology, but its impeccable service.
“The service is unmatched with anything that we do,” says Mr Phillips.
“The guys who are specialised in this equipment, you give them a call and they are more than happy to help. They will talk the guys down on the field through it or, alternatively to that, they’ll get a crew out as soon as possible to fix the equipment.”
Mr Phillips says ELB Equipment is always there to supply technical knowledge of the machine and supply any additional things BRP Industries may need for the drill.
This article was featured in the June 2020 edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.
Wollongong St – Drainage Easement Asset Renewal and Upgrade Issued by: Shell Harbour City Council Closing date: 9 June 2020 Location: New South Wales Description: Shellharbour City Council invites submissions from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for the construction of stormwater drainage upgrade and associated works at 15 Wollongong Street, Shellharbour.
District Wide 3 Water Connections Issued by: Tararua District Council Closing date: 10June 2020 Location: New Zealand Description: Tararua Alliance would be looking to have multiple approved contractors in this field to provide the community with options when looking to have three water service connections.
Stormwater Relining Project Issued by: Hinchinbrook Shire Council (HSC) Closing date: 10 June 2020 Location: Queensland Description: HSC is currently seeking tenders from suitably qualified contractors to undertake stormwater relining in various locations as described in more detail in Part 5 Scope of Works. Council has allocated funding to this project however the funding is limited and will not include any overages or additional works. A final scope will be agreed to upon awarding of contract.
TCDC Contract C19/06 Bond Road and SH26 Watermain Renewal Issued by: Thames-Coromandel District Council Closing date: 11 June 2020 Location: New Zealand Description: The contract works involves the replacement of existing and new watermains in Matatoki located south of Thames. The contract includes the supply all plant, labour, and materials required to install approximately 2,690 m of DN 180 PN10 PE100, plus all associated fittings, valves, road crossings, connections, testing and verification.
Elizabeth Street Foul Sewer Renewal Issued by: Invercargill City Council Closing date: 12 June 2020 Location: New Zealand Description: This contract is for the supply of all plant, labour and materials necessary for the renewal of 862 m of foul sewer mains and lateral connections on Elizabeth Street (Invercargill) between Bluff Highway (SH 1) and Elles Road. This includes all associated structures, fittings, fixtures and connections required to complete the works.
Provision of Drainage Maintenance Services Issued by: Yarra City Council Closing date: 12 June 2020 Location: Victoria Description: The contractor will be responsible for the care and maintenance of all Council Drainage Assets included in the contract to ensure that they are operating at the required level of service, and carry out maintenance works on the stormwater system within the City of Yarra. Preventative maintenance includes: pipe cleaning, CCTV inspections and reporting and waste disposal.
Issued by: Yarra Valley Water Closing date: 22 June 2020 Location: Victoria Description: In order to assess the performance of YVW’s assets, it is required to monitor the key hydraulic parameters associated with water and sewer networks. This project brief is to seek a suitably qualified contractor/contractors to provide monitoring services in YVW’s water and sewer networks.
Nagambie Sewer Pump Station Number 4 Conversion and Sewer Pipeline Rail Crossing Issued by: Goulburn Valley Water Closing date: 23 June 2020 Location: Victoria Description: Scope of works include the design and construct of the Nagambie SPS04 conversion and sewer pipeline rail crossing; upgrade of sewage pump station 04 (SPS04) in Nash Street through the installation of larger capacity submersible pumps and conversion of the dry well to a wet well; and completion of V/Line site access application and construction of a new sewer pipe under the VicTrack rail reserve.
Each fortnightly edition of the Trenchless Australasia e-newsletter includes a list of tenders relevant to no-dig contractors, suppliers and manufacturers.
The information is provided by Australian Tenders, which is renowned for being an Australia-wide locally owned and operated tender notification service.
Australian Tenders is also offering readers of Trenchless Australasia an extra three months on their subscription plans.
While many Australians are staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic, those working in essential services like water and wastewater are out in the field ensuring community needs are met.
The site operations have changed dramatically in an effort to keep employees safe and ensure business continuity, and while a lot of companies are in uncharted territory as they deal with COVID-19, adaptability and communication have emerged as the best way forward.
Water infrastructure specialist Interflow has adapted its operations to ensure it can continue to help solve customers’ problems in the field while also taking the necessary steps to protect its people.
Interflow Executive Manager for Health Safety and Environment Adrian Smith explained the company was putting enterprise risk management plans in place for COVID-19 in February.
“COVID-19 has created significant changes to the way we work,” said Mr Smith.
“We’ve implemented a Business Continuity Plan with five response teams to identify and resolve critical issues around workforce protection, supply chain stabilisation, customer engagement, operational lead and lag management, and stress testing financials.”
By using similar parameters within its current health and safety strategy Harm 2 Zero (H2O), Interflow’s response teams meet twice a week to discuss any necessary issues and actions.
These additional safety and procedural policies include implementing social distancing; reinforcing hygiene as a top consideration; providing COVID-19 appropriate level of PPE for workers; ensuring up-to-date signage across all sites; and giving teams the right information so they are across all new company procedures.
“We’re currently developing a second communication pack for workers, with updated rules of engagement, and every week our Managing Director creates a video message to all employees,” said Mr Smith.
“In this current situation, we are classed as essential and the most important thing is having our field teams across the details of what we are doing to manage this crisis.”
Open communication has been key to Interflow’s response, with a focus on using appropriate channels to disseminate updates.
The business also ensures information not only cascades down to all frontline workers, but also any issues from work sites filter back up to management.
With a workforce spanning Australia and New Zealand, Interflow has also been keeping on top of all health and government changes on a national and regional level to ensure the business remains compliant.
“Our clients see us as a valuable business partner – as an essential function to assist with their continuity,” said Mr Smith.
“We’re here to solve our customers’ problems, we’re able to adapt, and our response to COVID-19 has allowed us to connect as one team quickly and efficiently.”
Interflow will conduct a post-implementation review once operations return to normal to capture key information of what worked and what didn’t, which will provide vital learnings for the future.
The Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology’s (ASTT) has launched the first of its 2020 Australia and New Zealand technical forum series, taking place in March and April.
This Summer, Australia faced devastation from harsh weather conditions after experiencing some of the worst bushfires on record, extreme dust storms across New South Wales, flash flooding in Queensland and long periods of drought. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported temperatures could rise by 1.7°C by the end of the 2100 and sea levels could continue to rise globally – changes and impacts to the environment that must be seriously considered.
The climate is changing Australian soil
Contaminated soil is a key contributor to hazardous waste in Australia, yet the full extent of soil contamination is not yet fully known due to varying accounts between districts and a lack of historical reporting.
Due to high temperatures and recent bushfires, the subsequent increase in soil temperatures has led to increased soil toxicity and greater bioavailability as well as having devastating effects on Australian soils.
These weather patterns will additionally unearth years of historical contamination, considering CRC Care research shows Australia’s average soil erosion has grown to an estimated 70–300 t per hectare compared to a previous 60–80 t per hectare.
With this increased level of soil erosion, dust storms will accelerate the spread of toxic pollutants in exposed soil. These contaminants – including lead, mercury and arsenic – can then enter the air and water before finally settling into the soil again.
Devastating health and environmental risks arise from this movement, including the contaminants entering the food chain and being ingested by humans or breathing in harmful toxins that are present in the air.
CDEnviro’s solution
Mr Wong says that CDEnviro’s bespoke soil washing solutions utilise a suite of mechanical, chemical and biological processes for recovering washed solids such as sand and aggregates. Contaminants are transferred into the water phase, which are effectively treated to produce recycled water for reuse within the process.
“Our bespoke solutions can be tailored based on tonnage and level of contaminants to ensure maximum efficiency within every project we deliver,” says Mr Wong.
“Our systems provide savings on landfill charges, prevent extra investment in waste storage equipment, and introduce new materials for reuse. We can no longer ignore soil contamination; we must utilise remediation technology to help us eliminate potential risk to human health and to protect the world around us.”
Mr Wong says that many industry professionals will argue that the contaminated soil sites urgently requiring remediation are those surrounding waterways and agriculture lands, with peers of CDEnviro in the waste industry and local government determined to clean up years of contamination – though more need to join on board to try and make Australian soil safe again.
Adelaide-based Cooper Utilities understands that having the right equipment is key to avoiding these consequences and considers Vermeer to be “the best on the market”.
An NDD solutions partner
To suit any non-destructive digging (NDD) and liquid waste management applications, Vermeer truck-mounted vacuum excavators feature spoil tank capacities ranging from 1,000 to 11,400 L, a variety of configurations and a modular skid design offering flexibility to optimise weight distribution.
The largest Vermeer Vac-Ex unit is the VX200 truck-mounted excavator that comes with 3,028 L of fresh water and a 6 inch (153 mm) hose diameter with a 3,200 CFM blower. The excavator additionally features a 149.1 kW John Deere Diesel power pack, a water pump with 38 LPM at 300 psi and a wireless remote-control hydraulic boom.
The tank, power pack and water system – which all feature a modular design – can be mounted on either a new or a repurposed truck chassis while a Magnetek Telemotive Mini-MBT radio remote controls all machine functions and displays vital machine information.
Vermeer also offers trailer-mounted vacuum excavators that provide great flexibility in applications where lower volumes of spoil are expected and enable the use of existing vehicle fleet. These units have the durability of larger units yet come with a portability and flexibility that enables them to take on a diverse range of tasks.
The trailer-mounted VX30-250 demonstrates this as it offers a low-cost, highly portable system for potholing, valve box clean-out and a range of NDD tasks including water, gas and fibre installation. Its integrated silencing system provides for quieter operation, benefiting jobsite communication and neighbour relations, and the dual tank shut-off system protects the blower, aiding machine longevity.
Customer satisfaction
Specialising in gas mains and service replacement, Cooper Utilities works regularly with Australian Gas Networks (AGN) and APA Asset Management to ensure the safe operation and longevity of AGN’s gas distribution and transmission assets.
Currently, AGN is undertaking a large and extensive Mains Renewal Program (MRP) across networks in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland that involve replacing old cast iron pipes and unprotected steel mains with polyethylene pipes.
Cooper Utilities Managing Director Kevin Cooper says having the right equipment is key to achieving successful outcomes on projects involving high-pressure gas pipelines. Originally purchasing Vermeer’s VX30-250 trailer-mounted vacuum excavator, Mr Cooper continues to grow his fleet of Vermeer excavators.
“I consider Vermeer to be the best on the market. Their equipment has increased our excavation rate and ensured we have had no asset strikes,” says Mr Cooper, who says he has had a great experience with the manufacturer throughout the sale process and beyond.
“I will continue to purchase Vermeer equipment because it is well built and a trusted brand. We have benefited from our investment in Vermeer machinery through increased growth, profits and contracts for upcoming works.
“I like to keep up with the latest technologies in excavation and pipe laying equipment – I believe hydro excavation is the way forward in non-destructive digging. Vermeer kept me well informed from start to finish.”
According to Mr Cooper, having a relationship with Vermeer has been imperative to helping the Cooper Utilities business move forward.
Kobus is a pipe replacement expert known for its innovative pipe pulling techniques and equipment that is applicable across the water, gas and other service pipe sectors. Originally a UK company with a recently opened facility in Michigan, US, Kobus is now offering its Pipe Puller product range to customers in Australia and New Zealand.
Ageing water infrastructure is a challenge faced by countless cities across the world, with a rise in leakage and failing pipes creating difficulty for water companies to consistently deliver a clean, quality resource. Although leak detection is a growing field, pipe rehabilitation is a necessary solution when infrastructure begins to fail and Kobus Inc. has continued to develop its high-value methods in this area.
Why pipe pulling?
Trenchless pipe pulling approaches aren’t new, but they do offer some major new advantages, and the technology offers utility companies innovation that is demanded, as well as reduced cost compared to other methods such as open cut excavation. Pipe pulling also minimises the risk of utility strikes as it extracts an existing pipe and then tows the new pipe in along the borehole created by the extracted pipe.
Using the pathway of the old pipe as described creates less overall impact on the surrounding ground conditions and the technique can be adopted in very soft or rocky ground, as well as inclines, offering an alternative when moling is less effective. Additionally, by pulling the decommissioned pipe from the ground the potential for environmental waste is eliminated, while the old pipe can potentially be recycled or sold for scrap.
In an area where operations need to be as condensed as possible, such as a residential or high-density metropolitan zone, pipe can be pulled in space as small as 0.5 by 0.5 m. This further reduces costs as well as the impacts on the day-to-day lives of citizens.
The Kobus Pipe Puller
The KPP400 has been very well received in North America since it debuted, with the company now supplying the product to Australia and New Zealand based customers.
The product is an all-in-one unit specifically designed for ease when moving around the job site. The machine can be mounted on most types of 35/45 series compact excavators including Bobcat, John Deere and CAT, and the puller generates 27,000 kg driven from the auxiliary hydraulics of the excavator.
The KPP400 can replace lead, galvanised iron, copper or poly pipe and can tow in new copper or polyethylene pipe in a single operation. The Pipe Puller is relatively inexpensive in capital equipment terms and, while a machine such as this does require consumables on each pipe replacement, maintenance costs are kept to a minimum as the design is largely maintenance free.
With a huge number of pipe repairs required throughout major cities along with the time, disruption and cost of traditional methods, equipment users will save significant amounts of money and effort per replacement, allowing for quicker returns on any machinery investments.
This article was featured in the December edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet, or mobile device, click here.
The final ASTT Auckland New Zealand forum of 2019 took place at the ELB Equipment showroom in Auckland on 4 December 2019.
The forum offered insight into the latest trenchless
equipment and the opportunity to network with industry professionals as well as
live demonstrations.
The demonstrations comprised working Ditch Witch horizontal directional drilling rigs and vacuum excavators, with mini skid steers and trenchers also on display, which ASTT New Zealand Councillor Blair Telfer deemed a ‘’great success”.
“If ELB continue to support in allowing us to their
premises, or if another party wishes to offer their space, then I will
definitely be hosting another ‘live demo day’ again next year,” said Mr Telfer.
Additionally, ELB and CETCO performed on-site mud school and demonstration for guests with Interflow, PipeWorks and Reline NZ providing demonstrations on pipelining systems.
The future dates for ASTT Technical Forums throughout
Australia and New Zealand for 2020 are yet to be confirmed.
Trenchless sewer repairs Issued by: South East Water Corporation Closing date: 5 December 2019 Location: Victoria Description: Trenchless repair services and activities include, but are not limited to:
programmed spot repair of a failed or failing sewer asset
installation of approved South East Water patches, quick locks, top hats and lateral connection liners
flow management from task award to task completion – appropriate bypass pumping and diversion and flow control during patching operations is to be carried out including flow control of the services specifications and flow management plans to be approved by South East Water prior to commencement of works
CCTV inspection of assets both before and after repair
cleaning of the sewer asset pre commencement of repair
potential emergency call-out for after-hours repair
rehabilitation or sealing of property connection junctions.
Sydney Metro Tunnelling – engineering and construction specialist services Issued by: Sydney Metro Closing date: 9 December 2019 Location: New South Wales Description: Sydney Metro is seeking to engage a service provider responsible for providing a tunnelling – engineering and construction specialist services for relevant work streams. Expected mobilisation is March 2020 for a period of two years on a part-time basis of three days per week.
Elliott Heads sewer pipeline Issued by: Bundaberg Regional Council Closing date: 10 December 2019 Location: Queensland Description: The customer requires a contractor to supply and installation of DN 150 sewer pressure main. The earthworks include, but are not limited to trench excavation, pipe installation, placement of embedment and trench backfill material, disposal of surplus material and acceptance testing requirements associated with the earthwork activities.
Sewer main renewals Issued by: Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Closing date: 12 December 2019 Location: Victoria Description: GWMWater invites tender submissions for Sewer Main Renewals Program 2019–20. This contract includes two separable portions of works located throughout its operational region, with scope of works including relining of approximately 5,880 m of mains and relining of approximately 51 HCBs.
Supply and construction of sewer rising main 71 Issued by: Port Macquarie Hastings Council Closing date: 19 December 2019 Location: New South Wales Description: Port Macquarie Hastings Council is seeking tender submissions from suitably experienced firms or persons for the provision of supply and installation of approximately 2 km of DN 375 ductile iron pipes (DICL) and polyethylene (PE) pipe from Greenmeadows to John Fraser Place Port Macquarie.
Each fortnightly edition of the Trenchless Australasia e-newsletter
includes a list of tenders relevant to no-dig contractors, suppliers and manufacturers.
The information is provided by Australian Tenders, which is renowned for being an Australia-wide locally owned and operated tender notification service.
Australian Tenders is also offering readers of Trenchless Australasia an
extra three months on their subscription plans. Email support@australiantenders.com.au for more information.
Each machine in the new R&R McClure vacuum truck range now includes cassette or boom operation, pressure water and air spade, high flow wash down water and hydraulics for tools and pumps.
Additionally,
the trucks are suitable for heavy liquid, wet or dry non-destructive digging
(NDD), deep pits and level control with open air or confined space entry.
NDD is a
safer way for excavating around gas lines, water pipes, tree roots and phone or
electrical cables; by using a high-pressure lance, NDD breaks up soil, clay and
other malleable earth products to then remove waste with a powerful vacuum unit.
The last ASTT Auckland New Zealand forum of 2019 will take place at the ELB Equipment showroom in Auckland, New Zealand on 4 December 2019.
The forum will offer trenchless equipment demonstrations and
the opportunity to network with industry professionals as well as live
demonstrations of working Ditch Witch horizontal directional drilling rigs and
vacuum excavators, with mini skid steers and trenchers also on display.
Additionally, ELB and CETCO will be performing an on-site
mud school and demonstration for guests with Interflow, PipeWorks and Reline NZ providing
demonstrations on pipelining systems.
The event will be hosted by ASTT New Zealand Councillor
Blair Telfer and supported by ELB Equipment.
If you have an event you would like featured in Trenchless
Australasia contact Managing Editor Chloe Jenkins to discuss
promotional opportunities at cjenkins@gs-press.com.au
The third and final ASTT Auckland New Zealand forum of 2019 will take place at the ELB Equipment showroom, offering live trenchless equipment demonstrations and the opportunity to network with industry professionals.
The event will feature live demonstrations of working Ditch Witch horizontal directional drilling rigs and vacuum excavators, with mini skid steers and trenchers on display.
Additionally, ELB and CETCO will be performing an on-site mud school and demonstration for guests with Interflow, PipeWorks and Reline NZ providing demonstrations on pipelining systems.
The event
will be hosted by ASTT New Zealand Councillor Blair Telfer and supported by ELB
Equipment.
If you have an event you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Managing Editor Chloe Jenkins to discuss promotional opportunities at cjenkins@gs-press.com.au
APA contracted Diona Civil Engineering Contractors, with
additional support from Coe Drilling, for the pipeline installation, completed at a depth of 10
m below the river, as part of the Murarrie Looping Project.
The horizontal directional
drill (HDD) and pipe pull involved a 500 t drill rig, two franna cranes and six
excavators, completed over 24 hours using 70 workers.
During installation, 905 m of
DN 300 gas pipe was pulled under the Brisbane river with detailed planning in
design and methodology required to ensure accuracy of the alignment
installation.
The new 300 mm high-pressure
steel pipeline is a duplication of the Murarrie Pipeline, which provides gas to
more than 88,000 customers.
