SECWA Dampier to Perth Gas Pipeline

Fluor assisted the State Energy Commission of Western Australia (SECWA) with the development of the Dampier to Perth Gas Pipeline. Fluor's project management services included detailed design and engineering, procurement and logistic support, material inspection, construction management, quality assurance, training, and commissioning.

Client's Challenge

When SECWA decided to bring natural gas from the state's North-West Shelf to Perth, it faced a 1,500-kilometre challenge. The gas was to come ashore at Dampier, travel across some of the world's hottest and most remote territory to Perth, and on to Bunbury. Lateral pipelines were to supply the Pilbara, Kwinana and the Wagerup alumina refineries.

Fluor's Solution

Fluor's scope included confirmation of the route, pipeline design and optimization, cathodic protection, compressor stations, metering, odorizing, communications, support facilities, fire protection and gas detection. Such a long pipeline demanded tight scheduling.

When the commission decided to move the program forward, Fluor responded with an accelerated program for materials supply, pipe-coating and haulage to stockpiles. Additional staff moved to Perth to increase the engineering effort and everybody quickly blended into an expanded team to meet the new deadline

Conclusion

The pipe was strung, welded, lowered in and back-filled. The line was completed 80 days ahead of schedule. Incorporating the latest technology, the pipes were made from high-strength carbon steel which allowed thinner than usual pipe walls and reduced overall tonnage and cost.

Every section had a computer-recorded history. Gas flow was regulated by five compressor stations. Each of the 50 or more mainline valves was controlled from Perth by a computer system that could monitor 10,000 readings every ten seconds.