The Western Outer Ring Main (WORM) project is a high-pressure, buried gas transmission pipeline, approximately 51km long. kwik-ZIP’s has been involved in supporting the project at various points along the pipeline route.
The gas transmission pipeline aims to provide a new connection between existing pipelines at Plumpton in Melbourne’s west and Wollert in the north.
Several different kwik-ZIP spacers – HDX-38’s, HDX-125 and HDXT-63’s – were utilised on different cased crossings along the pipeline route.
The pipeline will address a key capacity constraint in the Victorian Transmission System (VTS) by providing a new high-pressure connection between existing sources of natural gas supply in Victoria.
Addressing this missing link will deliver improved network reliability by increasing the amount of gas that can be stored for times of peak demand.
It will also ensure sufficient volumes of gas can be moved where it is needed most.
Importantly, without the project being delivered, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has forecast that some parts Victoria may soon face natural gas shortages.
The pipeline is being constructed from high-strength steel line pipe with an external epoxy coating and be buried for its entire length to a minimum depth of 900 millimetres.
As well as assisting with the slip lining process because of the spacer runner system having a very low co-efficient of friction, kwik-ZIP’s all thermoplastic design ensured that the pipes protective coating would not be damaged during installation, thanks to the runners ensuring that the pipe wouldn’t make contact with the enveloper during and after installation.
“Because the pipeline has utilised a combination of existing and new infrastructure for the project route, the range of different products provided by kwik-ZIP enabled the most appropriate solution for each cased crossing to be provided irrespective of different project constraints,” said General Manager at kwik-ZIP Paul Jeffreys.
“kwik-ZIP was the right choice for the WORM project, as the company’s large range of spacers cater for a wide range of carrier and casing pipe size combinations as well as providing flexibility to deal with different project requirements.
“kwik-ZIP is proud to be associated with such a high-profile project, one that will provide security of supply to gas users today, as well as providing for future requirements as a result of new growth suburbs on Melbourne’s urban fringe.”
kwik-ZIP’s HDXT & HDX Series spacers have been successfully appraised by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) with both products the only casing spacers on the market that have been approved as compliant by WSAA.
The WSA PS-324 Product Specification prescribes casings spacer requirements for correct protection of carrier pipes when installed inside casings.
WORM also includes an upgrade to the existing compressor station at Wollert. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete mid-2023.
This article featured in the August edition of Trenchless Australasia.
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