Maintaining thousands of metres of vital pipeline infrastructure is no easy feat, but that has been Pipe Tek’s mission since it was established in 2015.
Any given mine site has thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of metres of pipeline that move water, slurry, gas and other resources vital for operations. Maintaining this infrastructure is a complex task, and one Australian company has stepped up to meet the challenge.
Founded in 2015, Pipe Tek has grown into one of Australia’s most trusted providers of pipeline integrity services. But its origins stretch back to 1953, when it operated under the name Tank Calibrators.
The company initially focused its abilities on the gas sector, which was familiar to founders Myles Brannelly and Taddam Farrant; however, as Pipe Tek has matured, the company has diversified into other industries where its services are required, including mining and resources.
“Pipe Tek started in 2015 with a simple goal: to provide reliable, specialised pipeline-testing services that met the strict standards of critical infrastructure projects,” Farrant, now Pipe Tek’s chief operating officer, told Australian Mining.
“Early on, we recognised a gap in the market for a service provider that could deliver not just testing but full pipeline integrity solutions – from cleaning and gauging through to pressure testing and certification.
“Over the past decade, we’ve steadily grown our footprint, particularly in the mining sector, by focusing on quality, responsiveness and long-term relationships.”
The company is proud to have tested and certified more than 800 pipelines across Australia and the Pacific.
Pipe Tek managing director Brannelly said the company has built its reputation by being more than a contractor.
“Mining environments are some of the most challenging; remote locations, harsh conditions and tight schedules are the norm,” he said. “What sets Pipe Tek apart is our ability to deliver highly specialised services with flexibility and efficiency.
“We’re not just a contractor; we’re a partner that works closely with clients to tailor solutions to their infrastructure and operational needs.”
Pipe Tek’s services begin with one of the simplest yet most revealing on-site tasks: pipeline cleaning.
Using customised pigs designed to fit exact diameters, the company clears out debris before deploying intelligent inline inspection (ILI) tools that map out the internal condition of each pipeline. This results in an integrity report on the internal condition of the pipeline, identifying any current or future issues, which asset owners can use to plan for the operation of these vital pieces of infrastructure.
Farrant said Pipe Tek offers clients a comprehensive solution, which is essential in reducing downtime and identifying issues before they impact on transmission and productivity, ultimately saving costs.
“Our clients don’t just want one piece of the puzzle – they want a service provider who can manage the full integrity cycle of their pipeline assets,” he said.
“That’s why we’ve built our business around delivering end-to-end solutions, from pigging and hydrostatic testing to NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities)-certified reporting and long-term maintenance programs.
“This approach reduces risk, simplifies communication, and ultimately provides better outcomes for our clients.”
Pipe Tek is also bringing new technology to Australia through partnerships with global heavyweights like Enduro Pipeline Services and SatVUE.
“We see technology as a force multiplier,” Brannelly said.
“Our collaboration with SatVUE, for example, enables real-time data collection and environmental monitoring during pressure testing – adding a layer of transparency and environmental compliance that’s becoming increasingly important.”
Enduro’s inspection and cleaning tools are sourced from the US for Pipe Tek’s exclusive use in Australia and the Pacific. The company’s skilled technicians can operate this pipeline technology for asset owners, or Pipe Tek can also supply companies with equipment for their own use.
“Working with Enduro Pipeline Services gives us access to world-class pigging and inspection tools, including custom-designed cleaning pigs and inline inspection technologies,” Brannelly said.
“These partnerships allow us to deliver cutting-edge services while maintaining the flexibility to customise solutions for each project.”
Safety and sustainability are at the core of everything Pipe Tek does. This includes its testing methods, which are designed to meet the highest safety standards while minimising environmental impact.
“We often use water recovered on site for hydrotesting, and we incorporate leak detection and flow monitoring to prevent losses or contamination,” Farrant said.
“By maintaining pipeline integrity, we’re also supporting sustainable operations – reducing the risk of failures that could lead to environmental damage or unplanned shutdowns.”
Pipe Tek recently expanded its operations into Western Australia, including a new facility in Perth.
This increased reach is important amid growing demand in the resources industry. According to Geoscience Australia, there are more than 350 mining developments across the country, representing a lot of pipeline that needs to be in service to ensure operations run smoothly.
This insight has shaped Pipe Tek’s direction, supporting not only mining but also decarbonisation and water reuse projects.
“We’re looking ahead to further growth in both the mining and infrastructure sectors, particularly in supporting decarbonisation and water reuse projects,” Brannelly said.
“We’re also expanding our technology offering, including more advanced diagnostic tools and real-time data platforms to support predictive maintenance.
“Internally, we’re continuing to invest in our team and operations so we can scale sustainably and maintain the level of service our clients expect.”
For Brannelly and Farrant, who both admit they wear their hearts on their sleeves, Pipe Tek’s journey so far has been a personal one.
“We’re proud of the journey so far – from a small start-up to a trusted name in pipeline integrity,” Farrant said.
“It’s been built on the back of strong relationships, quality work and a team that genuinely cares about what we do. We’re excited about what the future holds for the business and the challenges that lay ahead.”
This feature appeared in the September edition of Australian Mining.
