Numerous gas pipeline failures have been reported outside Australia in the last few decades. It is, however, only recently that failures have occurred within Australia. The Australian Mineral Development Laboratories (AMDEL) have examined several pipe failures to determine the nature and causes of the failures. Investigations have resulted in the conclusion that the failures were caused by externally initiated stress corrosion cracking. It is likely that these failures will continue to occur if no remedial action is taken. The options available for reducing the susceptibility of pipelines to failure are discussed.
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