Presentations and speakers

Keynote presentation

Where Codes End and Judgement Begins

Presenter: Charles (Chuck) Becht
Company: Becht - Engineering Consultants

Abstract

In this keynote, Dr. Charles “Chuck” Becht IV reflects on more than four decades of engineering practice to explore the essential role of professional judgement in areas where codes and standards provide guidance but not complete answers. Drawing on real examples from his extensive career in pressure equipment, piping, elevated‑temperature design, mechanical integrity, and failure analysis, Chuck illustrates how even the most robust ASME codes cannot anticipate every scenario encountered in the field.

As a long‑serving contributor to ASME Codes and Standards — including chairing five committees and leading the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code — Chuck offers a unique perspective on the intent, limitations, and practical application of engineering rules. His presentation encourages attendees to think beyond compliance, consider system‑level behaviour, and recognise when sound engineering judgement must bridge the gap between written requirements and real‑world conditions.

Delivered as a prerecorded session followed by live Q&A, this talk aims to challenge assumptions, broaden perspective, and reinforce the importance of thoughtful, experience‑based decision‑making in modern engineering practice.

Bio

Chuck (Charles) Becht IV, PhD, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Becht, a global engineering consultancy based in the US. His background spans more than 40 years in pressure equipment, piping, elevated‑temperature design, mechanical integrity, troubleshooting, and failure analysis. He has served on 14 ASME Codes and Standards committees, chairing five of them, including the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code.

Industry presentations

Development of a risk model for pressure equipment

Presenter: Steve Holm
Company: Aurecon

Abstract

Pressure equipment compliance in New Zealand has been driven by the standard AS 4343 Pressure Equipment - Hazard Levels since 1999. This standard uses a simplified risk classification method which provides an easy-to-use system to guide the design and fabrication of new pressure equipment. In practice however, the hazard level classification often does not provide an accurate representation of the actual risks presented by an industrial plant containing pressure equipment. External factors such as the design of the plant and number of people in proximity etc are not considered and hence often result in over or under representation of the actual risk. This is a particular issue for legacy pressure equipment which was not grandfathered into the Pressure Equipment, Cranes and Passenger Ropeways Regulations. For such equipment, a retrospective assessment will frequently find minor issues however, the cost of achieving retroactive compliance is often cost prohibitive and therefore leaves asset owners with a significant dilemma.
A new risk-based assessment methodology was developed for the purpose of quantifying the actual risk so that remediation work and on-going inspection work can be prioritised, whilst meeting the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act. The method uses a two-stage process, i.e., a qualitative assessment screening process followed by a simplified quantitative assessment which determines individual risk. The method currently only assesses health and safety risk but could be extended to also include assessment of operational and environmental risks.

Bio

Steve Holm is Lead Engineer, Industrial Mechanical at Aurecon

From Fabrication Anomalies to Fatigue Cracking in PSA Vessels

Presenter: Annette Karstensen* and Thomas Archbold
Company: SEQUENCE Computational Engineering Ltd

Abstract

Pressure swing absorbers (PSAs) operate under frequent pressure cycling in a hydrogen environment, which can significantly influence the fatigue performance of pressure vessels. Many PSA vessels currently in operation were fabricated without attention to fabrication controls. As a result, geometric imperfections such as weld peaking, out-of-roundness, or misalignment may be present in the longitudinal seam welds. These fabrication anomalies can introduce additional bending stresses that are not captured in conventional stress analyses based on idealized vessel geometry and may therefore influence the fatigue life of the vessel.
During integrity assessments of PSA vessels, finite element analysis (FEA) is commonly used to identify regions of high stress. While such analyses often indicate elevated stresses at inlet and outlet nozzle connections, experience from field investigations has shown that longitudinal seam welds can represent a more significant fatigue concern when weld peaking or shell deformation is present.
This assessment addresses the influence of weld peaking and shell deformation on the fatigue performance of a PSA vessel operating in cyclic service. The vessel geometry captured using three-dimensional laser scanning provides the actual deformation of the shell and seam weld region. The measured geometry are then incorporated into a finite element model to determine the resulting membrane and bending stresses associated with the deformation.
The results show that the stresses associated with global deformation and weld peaking can be significantly higher than those specified from original manufacture tolerances or predicted using simplified analytical approaches or local template measurements. A fatigue assessment based on the resulting stress ranges indicates that these fabrication imperfections can govern the fatigue life of the vessel. The work highlights the importance of accurately characterizing geometric imperfections when performing fatigue assessments and demonstrates how laser scanning combined with fracture mechanics–based analysis can support the development of risk-based inspection and life management strategies for PSA vessels operating in cyclic hydrogen service.

Bio

Dr Annette Karstensen is an experienced fitness-for-service and fracture mechanics specialist with extensive expertise in structural integrity and remaining-life assessments across the power generation, oil and gas, petrochemical, and pipeline industries. She is a Chartered Engineer with the UK Engineering Council, a Fellow of the Welding Institute (UK), and has over 30 years of practical experience.
Her expertise includes high-temperature life assessment and the application of crack assessment procedures such as BS 7910 and API 579 to determine allowable crack sizes and/or time to failure of components subjected to cyclic loading and/or high temperatures. For several years, she has also been involved in teaching fitness-for-service of pressure equipment and fracture mechanics courses in Australia and internationally through recognised professional training organisations.
Dr. Thomas Archbold is a highly accomplished engineer with a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where he specialised in computational mechanics, design, and analysis. His doctoral research made significant advancements in applying sophisticated machine learning (ML) techniques such as variational Bayes, Gaussian processes, and dimensionality reduction — to tackle uncertainties in load, material properties, and geometry within complex finite element analysis (FEA) models. This work enhanced the efficiency of parametric studies using FEA and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.
Prior to his PhD, Thomas led structural design analyses, performed CFD simulations, and developed analytical tools for load calculations and fatigue life assessments. He has also designed and patented innovative engineering solutions, including a cutting blade with superior performance. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing engineering practices by integrating cutting-edge technology with innovative design methodologies.

Using In-Service Performance to Optimise Pressure Relief Device Inspection Intervals

Presenter: Rijo Yohannan
Company: Fedelmesi Inspection Solutions Ltd

Abstract

Pressure relief devices (PRDs) are a critical barrier for pressure equipment integrity. In many plants the inspection and test intervals for PRDs are still based on fixed calendar periods taken directly from standards or historical practice. While this approach is conservative, it can lead to unnecessary testing of well-behaved valves and, at the same time, does not always highlight poor performers that need closer attention.
This presentation proposes a simple, practical method to optimise PRD inspection intervals using actual in-service performance data. The approach uses information already collected during routine test and overhaul activities “As-found” set pressure, leak tightness, service conditions, and failure modes and organises it into a performance database. PRDs are then grouped by service, duty, and design, and assigned performance categories (good, average, poor) based on their historical behaviour.
For well-performing groups, documented engineering assessment can support safely extending test intervals within the bounds of relevant standards and local regulatory requirements. For poor-performing groups, the method drives shorter intervals, focused investigations, and corrective actions such as redesign, change of materials, or improved operating practices.
The case study will illustrate how this data-driven approach can reduce outage hours and maintenance cost, while improving focus on true “bad actor” PRDs and supporting risk-based discussions with plant owners and regulators. The method is intended to be transparent, auditable, and practical for small teams working in operating plants.

Bio

Rijo Yohannan is an Asset Integrity Inspector with Fedelmesi Inspection Solutions Ltd in New Zealand. He has several years of experience in pressure equipment inspection, risk-based inspection (RBI), and integrity management across oil & gas and pulp & paper facilities. Rijo is certified to API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector and API 580 RBI and is particularly interested in practical methods that link inspection data to reliability and risk-based decision making

Process flow related forces on geothermal piping and equipment

Presenter: Tom Misa
Company: Contact Energy

Abstract

The forces related to two phase and flashing flows in geothermal piping systems can be very significant. To build a successful and safe system requires a combination of collaborative work between process design, mechanical design and operational experience. Some typical design features to satisfy piping code flexibility and expansion requirements, may cause serious unintended consequences in these types of systems.
High levels of vibration from process conditions can cause stresses and fatigue, resulting in material cracking or other equipment damage. Slugging and hammer can cause severe displacement of pipework and potential loss of containment. Sometimes these conditions are unavoidable as part of the process, other times they are a result of the piping and equipment design. Real examples of these forces in action are discussed, along with measures to avoid or minimise their effects.

Bio

Tom Misa is Lead Mechanical engineer at Contact Energy’s Geothermal operations based in Taupo. Tom has over 19 years of work experience in operation, maintenance, and development of geothermal power stations and steamfields across Contact’s Wairakei, Ohaaki and Tauhara fields. He is part of the owners team for Te Mihi power station project from start to finish including design, construction, and commissioning. Tom has experience in operation, inspection and overhaul of geothermal power station and steamfield plant (steam and binary cycles).

Assessing Brittle Fracture Risk in an Ageing Pressure Vessel

Presenter: Annette Karstensen* and Sean Norburn
Company: SEQUENCE Computational Engineering Ltd

Abstract

Pressure vessels fabricated from vintage carbon steels can present integrity challenges when operated at low temperatures, particularly where requirement to toughness were not considered in the original design. Many such vessels remain in service in the process industries, and concerns may arise when subsequent testing reveals poor material toughness relative to modern standards. In these cases, brittle fracture can become a real integrity risk, especially when combined with residual stresses from welded modifications and low-temperature operating conditions.
This study evaluates the brittle fracture risk of a storage vessel constructed in the 1960s from carbon steel plate. Recent Charpy testing indicated that the original plate material exhibits relatively low fracture toughness, with transition behaviour occurring near ambient temperature. Additional concern arises from nozzle modifications that were installed without post-weld heat treatment, resulting in the presence of high residual stresses in the welded regions.
To assess the structural integrity of the vessel, a fracture mechanics–based approach was employed to determine the minimum pressurisation temperature (MPT). Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to determine local stress distributions in the region surrounding the modified nozzles, and the resulting stresses were combined with assumed flaw sizes consistent with inspection capability. The assessment was carried out using procedures consistent with API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 and WRC 562, employing both the Master Curve fracture toughness relationship and a conservative lower-bound toughness model.
The results demonstrate that, despite the relatively poor toughness of the vintage steel, the calculated MPT remains above the product pressure–temperature envelope when realistic flaw sizes are considered. Consequently, the likelihood of brittle fracture during normal operation is low. The study illustrates how fracture mechanics–based assessment can be applied to manage brittle fracture risk in ageing pressure vessels fabricated from lowtoughness materials.

Bio

Dr Annette Karstensen is an experienced fitness-for-service and fracture mechanics specialist with extensive expertise in structural integrity and remaining-life assessments across the power generation, oil and gas, petrochemical, and pipeline industries. She is a Chartered Engineer with the UK Engineering Council, a Fellow of the Welding Institute (UK), and has over 30 years of practical experience.
Her expertise includes high-temperature life assessment and the application of crack assessment procedures such as BS 7910 and API 579 to determine allowable crack sizes and/or time to failure of components subjected to cyclic loading and/or high temperatures. For several years, she has also been involved in teaching fitness-for-service of pressure equipment and fracture mechanics courses in Australia and internationally through recognised professional training organisations.
Dr. Sean Norburn is a Chartered Engineer (RPEQ) with over 25 years of international experience in the structural and mechanical integrity assessment of critical industrial equipment. He specialises in advanced finite element analysis (FEA), high-temperature design, creep-fatigue interaction, fracture mechanics, and fitness-for-service evaluations in line with API 579, ASME VIII Div 2, and BS 7910. Sean holds a Ph.D. in the theory and application of FEA, and his consulting background spans the petrochemical, energy, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. He has held senior technical and leadership roles, consistently delivering complex assessments for gas turbines, steam turbines, pressure vessels, and other high-risk assets.

Te Mihi Rotors NDT

Presenter: Chris Morris
Company: Contact Energy

Abstract

There was an unpublicised engineering scandal in Japan: falsified QA documents over decades at a major forging works where the components were used where their integrity was critical. The Te Mihi turbine/ generator rotors were made there during that period. Even if the original NDT reports were correct, it was not done to best practice standards even for that time. There have been destructive turbine failures from unidentified rotor manufacturing flaws so it was a real low probability, high consequence risk. A rotor for new Tauhara Power Station was rejected by the turbine OEM because of a manufacturing defect which gave the issue visibility, Station staff, in conjunction with specialised expert contractor, devised a comprehensive NDT programme for assembled rotors to try to give the assurance the original documentation did not. Indications were found in most of the rotors during the testing, but only one was deemed significant. It was a surface breaking defect in a rotor that had just been made. Analysis showed it fortunately wasn’t a risk. Contact now knows that the rotors don’t have buried defects which could limit continued operation.

Bio

Chris Morris is a mechanical engineer for Contact Energy Geothermal Group, based at Wairakei. For the last twenty-five years, his primary focus has been the continued operation and maintenance of the pressure vessels, steam and binary plant turbine generators at the Contact stations.

Managing Corrosion Under Insulation and Casing: Lessons Learned from Boiler Assets Across New Zealand

Presenter: Anita Zunker, PEI Group Ltd and Armand du Randt, Fonterra
Company: PEI, Fonterra

Abstract

Throughout Fonterra's boiler fleet, there are a number of issues arising as the asset age. One significant item is external boiler tube corrosion under insulation and under casings. Factors such as installation outdoors without any rain cover, annual shutdown periods, have influenced the susceptibility of these assets to external boiler tube corrosion. This presentation will outline some of the experiences, including methodology for evaluation and repair applied to extend asset life.

Bio

Anita Zunker is the Engineering Manager of PEI Group Ltd. She is a mechanical engineer with experience from concept design through to fabrication, commissioning, in-service inspection and asset integrity, originating in the power generation industry and expanding into oil and gas and other industries. She developed specific Gr91 integrity expertise whilst troubleshooting several installations which led her into the asset integrity pathway. She leads of team of engineers and inspectors specialising in inspection and asset integrity programmes.
Armand du Randt is the Integrity Engineer in Fonterra’s Asset Management team. He started his career in the power generation industry as a mechanical engineer and later became part of the Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) team. He subsequently obtained an honours degree in metallurgical engineering, which is a key qualification for an integrity engineer involved in deploying RBI programs. Armand joined Fonterra three years ago as part of the Asset Management team responsible for utility assets across all manufacturing sites in New Zealand, with a primary focus on asset integrity.

AS/NZS 3788:2024 Updates and Their Practical Impact on Inspection and Compliance

Presenter: Anita Zunker
Company: PEI

Abstract

In 2024 an update to the In-Service Inspection code for pressure equipment was released. This included a number of updates and refinements to requirements compared to the previous issue. This presentation will summarise the changes between the versions of the standards. It will also share some industry feedback on the implications of the revision to inspections carried out in New Zealand.

Bio

Anita Zunker is the Engineering Manager of PEI Group Ltd and has worked with pressure equipment since the start of her career as a Mechanical Engineer. She is the Technical Manager of the PEI Inspection Body, an ISO17025 accredited, Worksafe recognised Inspection Body under the PECPR Regulations. She had some involvement in the standards committee during rewriting of the standard, and has sought feedback from various other users of the standard throughout New Zealand to compile this presentation.

Strain-Based Assessment of a Buried Pipeline in Highly Liquefiable Reclaimed Land

Presenter: Reuben Audley
Company: Aurecon

Abstract

Designing and installing buried pipelines in highly liquefiable soils can be challenging, as these conditions can generate large permanent ground displacements under design seismic events. Due to the large ground movements, it is typically not possible to confirm design compliance with working stress based analysis methodology. In such instances, the pipeline may be assessed using a strain based analysis, and the AS2885.6 risk assessment framework.
We present a specific project, the Hutt City fuel importation industry wharfline, where the design route traverses highly liquefiable reclaimed land in Wellington. We discuss the assessment of this design using strain based analysis and the implications of this assessment on the final design and installation requirements.

Bio

Reuben is a mechanical engineer with varied experience in the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors. He has design experience focused primarily on general mechanical stress analysis and the design of piping systems, pressure equipment and their supports. Specific experience includes the design of wharflines in New Zealand, testing and design of fixed fire systems for bulk fuel storage terminals, code-based design of piping systems such as thermal oil heating systems, heated pipelines, compliance of legacy piping systems to PECPR regulations.

Engineering Truth from Land & Sky: High‑Definition Reality Capture of Remote Fuel Assets

Presenter: Zwerus Evers
Company: Evers Engineering

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of combined aerial photogrammetry and terrestrial LiDAR scanning undertaken across fuel terminals in Port Moresby, Lae, and Madang, Papua New Guinea. These facilities function as Major Hazard Facilities (MHF), storing large volumes of diesel and unleaded petrol, with fuel transferred through extensive pressurized piping systems. The objective of the work was to acquire high‑fidelity, inspection‑grade reality capture data to support asset integrity assessment, regulatory inspections, long‑term maintenance planning, and the development of reliable as‑built documentation in remote locations where such information is often incomplete or unavailable. Operating drones within hazardous fuel environments required rigorous safety planning, including aviation approvals, licensing compliance, structured risk assessments, and fume‑management controls during close‑proximity flights. AI‑assisted mission planning and automated workflows within intelligent drone software enabled automated route selection, optimized image overlap, and remote mission preparation, significantly reducing time spent on site and minimizing exposure to hazardous conditions.
The paper compares the photogrammetry and LiDAR workflows applied during the project, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each method with respect to data capturing time, processing requirements, and engineering suitability. Photogrammetry offered rapid acquisition and produced high‑definition imagery capable of supporting detailed visual inspections and traceable evidence for asset condition assessments. LiDAR provided reliable geometry, faster and more predictable post‑processing, and robust point clouds suitable for engineering design and modelling. This work forms part of an ongoing evaluation of whether advances in photogrammetry could eventually surpass LiDAR in certain inspection applications, or whether a hybrid approach remains the optimal solution. The paper concludes by reinforcing our continuing mission to support asset owners, with improved technology, in better understanding, inspecting, documenting, and maintaining their facilities particularly in remote regions where achieving complete and accurate as‑built records has traditionally been a major challenge

Bio

Zwerus Evers is a Chartered Professional Mechanical Engineer and founder of Evers Engineering, specializing in piping design, asset integrity, and industrial facility assessment across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific. He has extensive experience in heavy industrial and infrastructure sectors, including oil and gas, mining, pulp and paper, chemical fertilizer, and water and wastewater, with expertise in plant layout design, piping design, pipe stress analysis, and seismic conformance. Zwerus has recently led major reality‑capture projects using photogrammetry, LiDAR, and drone‑based inspection workflows, including recent work at remote Major Hazard Facilities in Papua New Guinea. He is passionate about digitalization, Industry 4.0 best practices, and improving how asset owners understand, document, and manage their facilities

Key Learnings from the StayLive Guidance Documents on Hammer and Slug Flow

Presenter: Bruce Wyllie
Company: Contact Energy

Abstract

This presentation will share key learnings from two guidance documents published on the StayLive platform, each addressing the engineering and operational challenges associated with hammer events and slug flow in pressure pipes and vessels. The session will introduce these two distinct transient phenomena and follow a consistent framework designed to support practical application across design, operation, and asset‑integrity management.
The guidance outlines methods for identifying risk conditions, examines the process‑engineering and mechanical‑engineering factors that contribute to the formation of hammer and slug events, and highlights operational practices that can either mitigate or exacerbate these transients. Each document also presents approaches for estimating the forces generated during hammer or slug incidents and discusses the potential consequences for piping systems, supports, and connected equipment.

Bio

Bruce Wyllie is Principal Engineer - Mechanical at Contact Energy.

Assessment of Low-Pressure, High-Hazard Piping and Equipment – Risk, Code Intent, and Practical Application

Presenter: Gwen Hamilton and Louis March*
Company: Worley NZ

Abstract

Low operating pressure is often assumed to imply low engineering risk; however, this assumption can be misleading where hazardous fluids, elevated pipework, seismic actions, or significant interaction with existing assets are present. This presentation examines the appropriate extent of assessment for low pressure, high hazard piping and pressure equipment, with emphasis on regulatory intent, consequence based risk, and practical engineering judgement.
The discussion is framed around ACOPPE and PECPR requirements and is illustrated through a project example involving Hazard Level E, low pressure piping spanning between existing buildings and new pipe rack structures. Although pressure containment was not governing, seismic actions, differential displacement, and settlement between structures became the primary design drivers. Stress analysis to ASME B31.3 was undertaken to verify system flexibility, displacement stress range compliance, and to provide support loads for verification of both new and existing civil and structural assets. The assessment also addressed the impact of new piping on existing systems and support capacity, highlighting the importance of interface management in brownfield environments.
A second case study explores the regulatory boundary between PECPR exempt pressure equipment, demonstrating how short duration changes in service fluid can trigger PECPR applicability. The case highlights challenges in hazard classification where standards provide limited guidance on fluid concentration, often resulting in conservative worst case assumptions.
The presentation concludes that risk and consequence, rather than pressure alone, should determine assessment depth, and that transparent, defensible engineering judgement is essential when applying codes to complex, real world scenarios.

Bio

Gwen Hamilton is a Chartered Professional Mechanical Engineer with 15 years’ experience across engineering, project delivery, and people leadership in industrial and manufacturing sectors. She is currently the Mechanical Engineering Department Manager for Worley New Zealand, managing a nationwide team of engineers and designers and providing technical governance to projects. Frequently working as a project or design manager, Gwen has led and delivered complex, multidisciplinary engineering projects ranging from consultancy to scale up first-of-a-kind processes to detail design of major plant upgrades in existing facilities.
Louis Marsh is a Chartered Professional Mechanical Engineer with over 16 years’ experience in mechanical and piping engineering, having contributed to the delivery of major projects across geothermal energy, biogas, water infrastructure, oil and gas, LNG, and petrochemical facilities. Louis is a Design Verifier (Pressure Piping) registered with Engineering New Zealand, and performs independent design verification of process piping systems in accordance with PECPR and ACOPPE requirements. Louis has led mechanical and piping teams to deliver complex engineering projects from concept through to detailed design phases, and has extensive experience with high hazard piping systems.

Fitness-for-Service Assessment on Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers

Presenter: Yikun Wang
Company: Baker Hughes (Quest Integrity)

Abstract

Quest Integrity supported an industrial operators 2025 turnaround through an approach combining finite element analysis (FEA) and API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 Level 3 Fitness‑for‑Service (FFS) assessments across 14 pressure vessels and 17 heat exchangers. To streamline inspection planning and focus engineering resources where they deliver the most value, Quest Integrity’s advanced engineering team developed an analytical solution‑based screening methodology to prioritize equipment. This approach integrated Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) reserve factors for main shell sections with nozzle stress‑concentration indices, enabling rapid identification of assets most susceptible to structural vulnerability. The screening process selected two reactor vessels and one heat exchanger as the highest‑priority candidates for detailed Level 3 evaluation.
High‑fidelity linear elastic FEA models were subsequently developed using Abaqus for the selected equipment, capturing full geometric detail, including shells, heads, nozzles, skirts, flanges, and bolt‑preloaded connections. Temperature‑dependent material properties from WRC 503 and ASME BPVC Section II‑D were applied to model realistic behavior under operating conditions for vessel A and vessel B, and dual‑side design and hydrostatic test conditions for heat exchanger C. Vessel A will be used as an example in this presentation. Through‑thickness crack‑opening stresses were extracted at representative welds—including head‑to‑shell welds, axial and girth seams, and nozzle intersections—to support failure assessments. Limiting flaw size and maximum allowable flaw size curves were generated, accounting for mechanical, thermal, and welding‑residual stresses, alongside a conservative assumption of Startup/shutdown‑like cycles per year. The limiting flaw‑size curve enables rapid evaluation of observed defects, whereas the maximum allowable flaw‑size curve provides an estimate of the structure’s projected integrity over the four‑year operating period given the identified flaws.
The screening assessment created a risk-ranked approach that quantifies the criticality of equipment, FEA modelling on the selected equipment and subsequent FFS assessment provides operator a quantified remaining crack tolerance to distinguish repair-required flaws from monitorable conditions. These methods provide an approach for managing aging pressure equipment in high temperature and cyclic-service environments.

Bio

Yikun Wang is a structural integrity engineer with over 10 years of experience in structural analysis, finite element modelling, and engineering computation. He has extensive modelling expertise across a wide range of industries, including biomedical, automotive, oil and gas, and power and process sectors.

Storage Tanks – Always a Challenge

Presenter: Geo Grobellar
Company: Worley NZ

Abstract

Geo will share a few examples of Worley’s world, mainly in the maintenance and upkeep of storage tanks and the challenges encountered and highlight some of the tools and resources available when aiming for practical solutions for customer’s operations and maintenance staff and management. Storage Tanks remain an important asset to New Zealand energy infrastructure particularly since the closure of the Marsden Point Refinery which has now become a storage terminal operated by Channel Infrastructure. Whilst Storage Tanks may not fully sit in the space of pressure equipment, they nevertheless host a positive static head of pressure which requires robust primary containment as well as secondary containment under the HSAW (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 and the ensuing compliance certification.

Bio

Geo is an experienced Project Manager with 19+ years in the hydrocarbons industry, holding degrees in industrial engineering and engineering management. His background includes extensive expertise in contract management, portfolio management, project management, project controls, and engineering management across large and complex projects.

Geo has managed various large-scale projects including tank maintenance and VOC abatement projects with demonstrated leadership in portfolio and contract management within the hydrocarbons sector. He also has experience in supply chain design, simulation modelling, inventory management, optimisation of systems, and financial modelling.

Currently, Geo leads the Worley New Zealand team to deliver the New Zealand Oil Services Limited project portfolio of maintenance and improvement projects, as well as similar projects for Channel Infrastructure. This involves the management of project and engineering teams across the various Worley New Zaland office locations to support projects at various terminals around New Zealand.

Geo also leads the Worley Tanks and Terminals sector for Worley New Zealand. This includes maintaining a global workgroup of Worley tanks and terminals professionals from around the world to share knowledge and provide support.

Vacuum chamber development and certification

Presenter: t.b.c
Company: Openstar

Abstract

Certification of reactor vacuum chamber - full details to be confirmed

Flanges - unsung heros or troublesome children?

Presenter: Jonny Williamson
Company: FiveD

Abstract

To be confirmed

Bio

With over 25 years in the oil and gas, chemical, and aerospace sectors, Jonny specialises in pressure equipment design, assessment, and repair. He has delivered hundreds of Fitness For Service assessments using API 579-1 and ASME PCC-2, and brings over 20 years of experience with detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA), primarily using ANSYS. He also oversees the design of pressure vessels, piping systems, and heat exchangers in line with ASME standards.

Industry bodies

Advancing Professional Practice: CPEng Changes and Graduate Programme Development

Presenter: Martin Pratchet
Company: Engineering NZ

Abstract

This presentation will outline the upcoming changes to the Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) system and introduce the graduate training programmes currently being developed by Engineering New Zealand. The session will provide an overview of the key drivers for change, the intended improvements to competence assessment and professional development pathways, and the implications for engineers, employers, and the wider profession. It will also highlight the structure and purpose of the new graduate programmes, including how they aim to support early‑career engineers in building capability, confidence, and readiness for professional registration. Together, these initiatives represent a significant step toward strengthening engineering practice and ensuring a robust, future‑focused competence framework for Aotearoa.

Bio

Martin Pratchett is the Engineering Practice Manager at Engineering New Zealand, where he leads work on professional standards, competence frameworks, and pathways that support engineers throughout their careers. A Chartered Professional Engineer, he is currently overseeing updates to the CPEng system and the development of new graduate training programmes designed to strengthen capability and support the next generation of engineers.

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