Feasibility of Using Plastic Pipe for Ethanol Low Stress Lines

Project Categories

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• Ethanol
• Pipeline Design/Construction
• Pipeline Materials

Main Objective

This research project will address the non-metallic issues associated with use and conversion of existing pipelines for ethanol/biofuel transport, as well as develop low-cost options for new non-metallic pipelines. Evaluating effects of ethanol/biofuel blends on non-metallic pipeline components and relevant pipe lining applications are included for existing pipelines. For new pipelines, GTI will research new materials as potential low cost alternatives to specially designed metallic pipelines.

Public Abstract

This Gas Technology Institute (GTI) research project will address the non-metallic issues associated with utilizing and converting existing pipelines for ethanol transport as well as developing low-cost options for new non-metallic pipelines. This research program will include participation and guidance from Archer Daniels Midland, Renewable Fuels Association, and Williams Pipeline. For the existing pipeline network, GTI will first perform a comprehensive national and international study to assess the effects of ethanol blends on non-metallic pipeline components, as well as eliminate corrosion issues by developing options to re-line pipes with durable, corrosion-resistant polymeric materials. GTI has more than 20 years experience researching and developing low-cost methods for retrofitting, relining, and repairing pipelines with materials such as polyethylene and others. These techniques can be applied in-situ, avoiding the need for expensive and disruptive excavation. Further, the cost of re-lining an existing pipeline is typically significantly less than of the cost of a new steel pipeline. For new pipelines, GTI proposes to research new materials, both polymeric and composites, as potential low cost alternatives to specially designed metallic pipelines. Utilizing non-metallic materials compatible with various ethanol blends will eliminate potential corrosion concerns such as stress corrosion cracking to provide a generational technology "leap"� in ethanol transportation. The research will provide a foundation for the safe and secure pipeline transport of ethanol and other new liquid fuels, which is directly in accordance with the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's goals and mission statement.

Other Files

Interim project report

Ethanol_Project_DTPH56-08-T-000021_Interim_Report.pdf (395,853 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

Quarterly Status Reports

1st Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

EthanolProjectDTPH56-08-T-000021_01QTRPUBLICReport.pdf (279,854 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

2nd Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

EthanolProjectDTPH56-08-T-000021_02QTRPUBLICDraftReport.pdf (762,356 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

3rd Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

EthanolProjectDTPH56-08-T-000021_03QTRPublicReport.pdf (805,584 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

4th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

EthanolProjectDTPH56-08-T-000021_04QTRPUBLICReport.pdf (830,172 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]