Phmsa Triskelion Logo United States Department of Transportation

Feasibility of Using Alternative-Steel and Composite Material in Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Systems

Overview

Fast Facts

Project No. 951
Contract No. 693JK32110009POTA
Research Award Recipient Gas Technology Institute dba GTI Energy 1700 South Mount Prospect Road Des Plaines, IL 60018-1804
AOR/TTI Robert Smith Steve Nanney Andrea Ceartin Nusnin Akter Alexandria Colletti
Researcher Contact Info Khalid Farrag, Ph.D., P.E. Phone: 847-344-9200 Fax: 847-768-0501 kfarrag@gti.energy

Financial and Status Data

Project Status Completed
Start Fiscal Year 2021 (09/30/2021)
End Fiscal Year 2025 (03/31/2025)
PHMSA $$ Budgeted $945,270.00

Main Objective

Establish design qualifications, requirements, inspection procedures, and a roadmap for using alternative-steel and non-steel composite systems. The project is designed to map the requirements under 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195 and the special permits issued under 49 CFR 190.341. The project objective is to identify and address the gaps in implementing qualification process for non-steel and alternative-steel composites similar to the ones currently used for steel pipes.

Public Abstract

The project provides a framework of the feasibility and requirements for the installation, inspection, and integrity management of alternative-steel and non-steel composite systems in natural gas and hazardous liquid gathering and transmission pipelines. The study addresses: 1) material testing, 2) construction requirements, 3) damage and assessment of defects, 4) degradation of the pipe material, and 5) inspection and maintenance activities to ensure the integrity of these systems for safe and reliable implementation. The research approach includes the following:

  • Analyze research data, laboratory tests, and field monitoring results provided by systems manufacturers, pipeline operators, regulators, and academic and other research organizations to establish design qualifications requirements, inspection procedures, and a roadmap for the risk assessment of these systems.

  • Develop additional laboratory testing and field monitoring procedures in areas where there is a need to fill-in gaps in the performance evaluation.

  • Map the design, installation, and integrity management requirements for steel pipes in 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195 to set similar conditions for the acceptance of these systems and identify additional provisions for the qualification of these systems in gathering and transmission lines.

Anticipated result: The project will provide a framework of the feasibility and requirements for the installation, inspection, and integrity management of alternative-steel and non-steel composite systems in natural gas and hazardous liquid gathering and transmission pipelines. Design qualifications, requirements, inspection procedures, and a roadmap for using alternative-steel and non-steel composite systems will be established.

Potential Impact on Safety: The establishment of clear guidelines for the use of alternative materials will encourage the adoption of their use in a safe and reliable manner.

Relevant Files & Links

Quarterly/Annual Status Reports

1st Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_1st Quarterly_Report_12-2021.pdf

2nd Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_2nd Quarterly_Report_03-2022.pdf

3rd Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_3rd Quarterly_Report_06-2022.pdf

4th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_4th Quarterly_Report_09-2022.pdf

5th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_5th Quarterly_Report_12-2022.pdf

6th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_6th Quarterly_Report_03-2023.pdf

7th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_7th Quarterly_Report_06-2023.pdf

8th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_8th Quarterly_Report_09-2023.pdf

9th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_9th Quarterly_Report_12-2023.pdf

10th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_10th Quarterly_Report_03-2024.pdf

11th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_11th Quarterly_Report_06-2024.pdf

12th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public Report_12th Quarterly_Report_09-2024.pdf