Code of Practice Upstream Polyethylene Gathering Networks – CSG Industry

We are excited to announce the launch of the revised APGA Code of Practice for Upstream Polyethylene Gathering Networks in the Coal Seam Gas (CSG) Industry. This updated version encapsulates the latest safety protocols, design practices, and industry learnings to ensure a comprehensive, best-practice framework for the safe and efficient operation of gathering networks.

The revised code is available online via request. Dive into this essential resource to stay aligned with industry standards and promote safety within your operations.

Please note that as part of the Queensland legislation, there is a time period of 6 months in which to adopt the latest update. 

1. Section added to explain acceptable pipe surface damage. Being easier to identify the defects via photos, a new Companion Paper will be introduced in conjunction with V6 covering this topic, which includes visual aids;
2. Separation distances of pipes re-written. Focus made on compaction under pipe haunches. Previous CoP minimum separation distances deleted;
3. Re-writing of the pipe external load section. Alternative references for guidance for loading calculations offered;
4. Clarification of “Open Path Design”, permitting (in certain circumstances) impact of hydraulic head during blockages to be neglected. The result is significant reduction in wall thickness (especially for the water network);
5. Increased the range of options to confirm integrity of Golden Welds;
6. Introduced energy in 8 pipe diameters of pipe as per latest version of ASME PCC-2. In addition, introduced reference to using AS/NZS 2885.5 projectile distances;
7. Strength testing temperature versus design temperature allowances clarified. Now linked to permitted hoop stress with application worked examples;
8. Emphasis placed on safe purging methods, as a response to industry learnings; and
9. Review and consolidation of key document review and activity execution intervals.

A suite of companion papers is being developed to be used in conjunction with Version 6 of the APGA Code of Practice for Upstream PE Gathering Networks – CSG Industry as a means to document technical information, procedures and guidelines for good industry practice in the coal seam gas (CSG) industry.

These documents form part of the suite of documents together with the Code and are intended to:

• be used in the design, construction and operation of upstream PE gathering networks
• provide an authoritative source of important principles and practical guidelines for use by responsible and competent persons or organisations.

These documents should be read in conjunction with the requirements of the Code to ensure sound principles and practices are followed. These documents do not supersede or take precedence over any of the requirements of the Code.

Feedback on the companion papers is encouraged and can be provided via this online form.

Companion papers are available in the resources below if they are available. Remaining Companion Papers are expected to be published in 2024/25

The provision of clean energy is of vital interest to all members of the Australian community. Gas-fired power generation is widely acknowledged as a significant part of the solution to meeting carbon pollution reduction guidelines as the emissions released from modern gas-fired power stations are much less than those from coal-fired power generation and gas fired generation provides network stability with the growing influence of renewables.

During the past decade, sufficient coal seam gas (CSG) reserves have been identified and developed to support a CSG to liquefied natural gas (LNG) export industry as well as supplying the domestic market.

Polyethylene (PE) has been used widely throughout Australia for several decades in water reticulation and in metropolitan gas distribution networks. Within the CSG industry, PE has been used as the material of choice for gas Gathering Networks upstream of field compression stations and for CSG water networks. It provides a cost-effective solution with a long service life and is not subject to corrosion.

For the initial decade of CSG field development, common industry practice, based on various water and gas industry standards and codes, was followed for installing the Gathering Networks throughout the predominantly rural environment of the CSG fields. However, as the industry matured and larger diameter PE Gathering Networks were installed, requirements of the existing standards were inappropriate and the need for this Code arose.

Most importantly, several safety incidents were recorded during PE pressure testing and commissioning, and the industry jointly recognised that further guidance was needed.

This Code has been developed to provide guidance to all industry participants. It is intended to encapsulate the best techniques and methods currently available to provide safe and reliable Gathering Networks and is cross-referenced against relevant Australian and international standards wherever possible.

This sixth version is intended to capture learning’s as a result of the industry’s development and allow less prescriptive approaches to pipe design practices. Significant changes in this Version 6.0 include the following:

1. Section added to explain acceptable pipe surface damage. Being easier to identify the defects via photos, a new Companion Paper will be introduced in conjunction with V6 covering this topic, which included visual aids;
2. Separation distances of pipes re-written. Focus made on compaction under pipe haunches. Previous CoP minimum separation distances deleted;
3. Re-writing of the pipe external load section. Alternative references for guidance for loading calculations offered;
4. Clarification of “Open Path Design”, permitting (in certain circumstances) where impact of hydraulic head during blockages to be neglected. The result is significant reduction in wall thickness (especially for the water network);
5. Increased the range of options to confirm integrity of Golden Welds;
6. Introduced energy in 8 pipe diameters of pipe as per latest version of ASME PCC-2. In addition, introduced reference to using AS/NZS 2885.5 projectile distances;
7. Emphasis placed on safe purging methods, as a response to industry learnings; and
8. Review and consolidation of key document review and activity execution intervals.

It is an evolving document, and APGA proposes that reviews of the Code occur on an as required basis pending any significant industry learning’s or issues. Companion Papers will be updated more frequently as best practice evolves and develops.

This Code has been developed by APGA in consultation with its membership, PIPA, the gas industry and regulatory authorities, particularly those in Australian jurisdictions with a current CSG industry. APGA members in all States are encouraged to adopt this Code and to provide feedback on its application. Other interested parties are also invited to provide feedback on this initiative. Feedback forms are available on the APGA web site.

If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback on version 6 please do so by following this link and populating the form.