Selection of Pipe Repair Methods

Overview

Main Objective

Perform Long-term pressure and shear strength tests on composite repair materials. Evaluate their durability in lab degradation tests, and determine long-term cathodic disbondment. Communicate with material manufacturers and work with ASME Sub-Committee PCC-2 on Non-Metallic Composite Repair System to establish comprehensive evaluation tests and procedures for long-term performance of composite repairs.

Public Abstract

The research project will establish procedures and perform long-term tests to evaluate the performance of metallic and composite pipe repair methods, improve the selection and installation of the repair methods, and ultimately reduce the risks associated with faulty or ineffective repairs. This will be achieved by:

a) Establishing and modifying testing protocols to evaluate long-term properties of the repair systems, b) Working with the suppliers and service providers to test and evaluate the performance of the repair systems available in the market, c) Working with the ASME PCC 2 Subcommittee on Post-Construction Repair and Testing in developing and modifying the standards for testing and qualification of repair systems, and d) Providing the pipeline operators with guidelines for evaluating and selecting the appropriate repair method based on pipe characteristics, damage criteria, and performance of the repair. The results will allow operators to properly select repair systems based on sound engineering tests. Working with the manufacturers will accelerate the implementation of the results that the industry needs regarding the products' long-term reliability. The work will benefit industries with transmission lines as well as utility distribution lines. The benefit of the results will not only be useful for the natural gas industry but will extend to cover liquid transmission pipes.

Status History

AOTR TBD: James Merritt, Program MGR, interim. ml -10/2/2010

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