Selection and Development of Safer Polymer and Composite Pipeline Liners through Microstructural and Macroscopic Study of Materials and Designs

Overview

Fast Facts
Project No.	989
Contract No.	693JK32250001CAAP
Research Award Recipient	Brown University 75 Waterman St Providence, RI 02912
AOR/TTI	Joe Pishnery Nusnin Akter
Researcher Contact Info	Dr. Vikas Srivastava, Assistant Professor of Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, 184 Hope St, Box D, Providence, RI 02912 (401) 863-2863, vikas_srivastava@brown.edu

Financial and Status Data
Project Status	Active
Start Fiscal Year	2023 (04/01/2023)
End Fiscal Year	2026 (03/27/2026)
PHMSA $$ Budgeted	$1,000,000.00

Main Objective

The project will evaluate and document chemo-mechanical, morphological, and microstructural changes as well as the degradation and mechanical response of various liner materials under hydrocarbon and pressurized environments. Additionally, the researcher will develop models for liner materials that consider pipeline operational, chemical, and loading conditions. Furthermore, the project will analyze the structural integrity of liner-rehabilitated cast-iron and steel pipelines, as well as develop guidelines for structural liner material selection.

Public Abstract

The proposed work will study and document the chemo-mechanical morphological and microstructural changes, degradation and mechanical response of various liner materials (HDPE, polyamides, polyvinylidene difluoride and cured-in-place glass-fiber epoxy composites) under hydrocarbon and pressure environments. Models for the liner materials will be developed considering the pipeline operating chemical and loading conditions. Analysis will be conducted to evaluate structural integrity of liner rehabilitated cast-iron and steel pipelines. Based on the experimental and modeling studies, microstructures and mechanical response databases for liner materials, and a guideline for liner material selection and mechanical design for safe rehabilitation of natural gas pipelines will be developed.

Anticipated Results: The project will develop an understanding and database of various liner materials' morphological, microstructural and mechanical responses under natural gas pipeline operating conditions. One of the deliverables will be guidelines for safer liner material selection and mechanical design criteria for cast iron and steel pipeline liner rehabilitation.

Potential Impact on Safety: The fundamental understanding of liner materials' response, materials database, and material and design guidelines obtained through three years of collaborative research will lead to safer use of liners for natural gas pipeline applications. The successful outcome of this study, which is the proper rehabilitation of aging natural gas pipelines by using optimum liners, will significantly increase the safety of the environment and people.