The Role of Composite Repair Technology in Rehabilitating Piping and Pipelines

Abstract

Composite materials have been used to repair high pressure pipelines and piping for the better part of 20 years. The initial aim of composite repair technology was focused on reinforcing corrosion. However, composite materials are now used to reinforce a wide array of anomalies and features including dents, mechanical damage, vintage girth and seam welds, wrinkle bends, elbows, tees, branch connections, and even cracks.</jats:p> <jats:p>In this paper the author provides an industry overview including results and insights from multiple research programs sponsored by composite repair manufacturers, pipeline operators, and the Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. Discussions will also be included regarding the important role that the ASME PCC-2 and ISO 24817 composite repair standards have in ensuring that quality control measures are in place. The ongoing focus of these efforts has been to demonstrate to industry the capabilities that composite repair systems have to provide long-term solutions for reinforcing damaged equipment.