EMAIL

Quest Integrity NZL Limited

69 Gracefield Road

PO Box 38-096
Reference: 102274.08 Vector document 1166
Lower Hutt : New Zealand 5045

T +64 4 978 6630

Attention: A. Woodger, M. Webb, G. Wilson
F +64 4 978 9930

Organisation: Vector Gas Limited E info@QuestIntegrity.com

Private Bag
New Plymouth

Confidentiality: Confidential to Vector

E-Mail Address: Andrew Woodger [Andrew.Woodger@vector.co.nz]

Mark Webb [Mark.Webb@vector.co.nz]
Grant Wilson [Grant.Wilson@vector.co.nz]

From: David Firth

Checked by: Stephen Rowbotham

Date: 26 March 2012

Subject: UT inspection for plate lamination on sample supplied from Maui pipeline
failure at White Cliffs

1. Introduction

Quest Integrity NZL Limited (Quest Integrity) have been asked to provide Vector Gas Limited
(Vector) with expert advice concerning a linepipe which failed in service, in particular the
metallurgical properties of the linepipe, in order that Vector can assess the cause of the damage to
the pipeline. This work forms part of information being gathered by Vector and Maui Development
Limited (MDL).

Three samples of pipeline were supplied by Vector on 21 December 2011 for examination. The
three sections supplied were part of the samples removed from the failure of the Maui pipeline at
White Cliffs.

The pipe was reported to have been purchased in accordance with API 5LX for Grade X65

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 Ultrasonic Inspection

(19th Edition) with the additional requirements of Ministry of Works and Development (MWD)
specification “Maui Project Oaonui to Auckland pipeline supply of High test line pipe - Pipe
specification” section A530 “Ultrasonic Examination of Plate”.

API 5LX (20th Edition) covers the inspection for lamination in the areas adjacent to the ends of the
line pipe. It states in section 8.7 a “Laminations extending into the face or bevel of the pipe and
having a transverse dimension exceeding 1/4 in (6,35mm) are considered injurious defects.” The
inspection process is not defined.

Clause A530 of MWD specification covers ultrasonic examination of plate for laminations next to
the longitudinal edges prior to welding. This deemed the plate acceptable if there are no
laminations present > 15mm in length or width next to the longitudinal edge or no laminations away
from the longitudinal edge with a length >200mm or width >15mm.

A series of inspection and test plans were agreed, see Vector Document 1147. This report covers
the ultrasonic testing of the pipe base material for laminations as originally required by the MWD
specification.

2. Ultrasonic testing procedure and personnel

The following was used to complete the ultrasonic testing:

 Panametric 36DL Plus UT thickness tester with A Scan.

 Probe D790 SM 50MHZ 30/36 – 90 degrees to the surface.

The testing was completed on 19 March 2012, by David Firth (B Met). David has 30 years
experience as a consultant metallurgist.

3 Results of inspection

Two bands about 100-150mm wide along the length of the failed sample (1500 to 2100mm) were
scanned. These bands were either side of the seam weld in locations away from the buckled
region.

The possible presence of significant laminations in the pipe material was assessed by viewing the
“A” scan and detecting ultrasonic reflections other than “normal” back wall echo. No evidence of
any laminations was detected. As a result the section of line pipe examined met the requirements
of the MWD specification and the limits of the API 5LX code related to laminations.

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