Evaluation and Method for Qualification of Fiber Reinforced Composite Repair Techniques for Transmission and/or Distribution Pipelines

Main Objective

The objective of the proposed project is to develop a method for qualification of fiber reinforced composite repairs while simultaneously evaluating the products that are currently available for operators. There is no existing standard for the application and use of composite repairs and field trials are limited to the existing conditions during the repair. In addition, a lack of published data increases the risk for improper installation and use of composite repairs under inappropriate conditions, such as exceedingly wet soils, over-protection with cathodic protection systems, and pipelines susceptible to mechanical damage. Thus a guideline for appropriate use, proper preparation, and compatible conditions must be developed. The end result would be a "buyer's guide" for operators and a reference manual providing data concerning appropriate usage, application, and conditions for the use of composite repair patches.

Public Abstract

Recent innovations in fiber reinforced composite repairs have led to their increased usage in the field, though there is a lack of data regarding long term performance and reliability. A composite repair offers an alternative to welding as the strength is claimed to be comparable. While there has been extensive work to qualify composite repairs for mechanical reinforcement, there is much less emphasis on other material degradation factors that affect pipeline performance, such as mechanical damage, water uptake, cathodic protection, and possible cathodic disbondment of non-metal adhesives on the pipeline exterior. There is a need to address if and when it is safe and appropriate to use a composite patch over a sleeve, and in addition to that, performance of composite materials in environments specific to pipelines should be investigated. Cathodically protected substrates, wet or moist conditions, and the possible introduction of defects due to mechanical damage, abrasion, or wear affect the overall performance of the product, and testing with these variables is to be performed. The objective of the proposed project is to develop a method for qualification of fiber reinforced composite repairs using available products as a basis.

Final Report

This final report describes work conducting in 2008-2009 investigating qualification methods for composite repairs on cathodically protected metallic pipelines.

Report_2009-9332_Method_for_Qualification_of_Composite_Repairs_for_Pipelines_D_Hill_-_DNV_-_Final_DTPH56-08-T-000016.pdf (3,398,824 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

Draft Final Report

This is the final draft report, formatted as an internal DNV document, summarizes the work performed for PHMSA contract DTPH56-08-T-00016, and outlines completed publications, project activities, and transition plans for this R&D into DNV services.

Final_DTPH56-08-T-000016_Draft_DHill.doc (5,848,576 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

Quarterly Status Reports

1st Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public_Page_09-30-2008_final.doc (36,864 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

2nd Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public_Page_12-31-2008_final.doc (34,304 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

3rd Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public_Page_3-31-2008_final.doc (36,352 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

4th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public_Page_7-15-09_final.doc (34,304 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

5th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

Public_Page_10-15-09_final.doc (34,304 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]