What Are Composite Wrap Materials, and Why are they being used for Pipeline Repairs?

June 4, 2025

By Icarus Composites | ISO 24817 & ASME PCC-2 Certified Composite Wrap Specialists

Composite wrap technology is transforming how industries repair and extend the life of pipelines and critical process infrastructure. At Icarus Composites, we design, supply, and apply engineered composite wrap systems for corroded, eroded, and damaged pipework in some ofthe world’s harshest environments — from offshore platforms to petrochemical plants.

In this article, we introduce the fundamentals of composite materials, explain how composite wraps work, and outline why they are the preferred choice for non-intrusive pipeline repairs under ISO 24817 and ASME PCC-2.

What Is a Composite Material?

A composite material is formed by combining two or more materials to achieve superior performance. In pipe repair applications, this typically means combining:

  • Fibre Reinforcement – usually E-glass, carbon fibre, or aramid, providingtensile strength.
  • Polymer Resin Matrix – usually an epoxy or polyurethane resin that binds thefibres and provides chemical and environmental resistance.

Together, these elements form a composite wrap system that is lightweight,high-strength, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for restoring structuralintegrity to damaged pipelines.

Composite wrap systems combine the strength of fibres with the protection of resin matrices


Why Use Composite Wraps for Pipeline Repairs?

At Icarus Composites, we engineer composite wrap repair solutions that deliver:

✅ Non-Intrusive Installation

Our composite wraps can be installed without shutdowns and hot work permits — making them ideal for live, pressurised systems.


✅ Standards-Compliant Solutions

All our composite wrap repairs are fully designed to ISO 24817 and ASME PCC-2, the international standards for non-metallic reinforcement of pipes.


✅ Superior Mechanical Strength

Composite wrap systems restore or exceed the original pressure-retaining capacity of pipelines suffering from corrosion or erosion damage.


✅ Chemical and Environmental Resistance

With tailored resin systems, composite wraps resist hydrocarbons, saltwater, acids, and process chemicals.


✅ Cost-Effective Deployment

Fast to install and requiring minimal site access, composite wrap repairs offer significant savings over replacement or welding.

Composite wrap applied to corroded pipework by Icarus Composites

What Types of Pipe Defects Can Composite Wraps Repair?

Icarus Composites provides engineeredcomposite wrap systems for the repair of:

  • External corrosion and wall thinning
  • Erosion from abrasive media
  • Mechanical impact, dents, and gouges
  • Through-wall defects (with live leak sealing methods)
  • CUI (corrosion under insulation)
  • Support corrosion and pitting

Common defects repaired using ISO 24817 compliant composite wrap systems include severe CUI as shown above.

Composite Wrap Systems Offered by Icarus Composites

We manufacture and apply a range of high-performance composite wrap systems:

 

 

Icarus Composites offers a portfolio of ISO 24817 & ASME PCC-2 certified composite wrap systems.

What Is ISO 24817 and ASME PCC-2, and Why Do They Matter?

ISO 24817 and ASME PCC-2 (Part 4) define the global requirements for the design, testing, and application of compositewrap systems used to repair metallic pipework.

At Icarus Composites, every repair is designed using parameters from these standards, including:

  • Pipe dimensions and defect geometry
  • Operating and design pressures
  • Temperatures and environmental exposure
  • Required design lifetime
  • Calculation of wrap thickness, stress limits, and repair length

We support everycomposite wrap repair with:

  • Full engineering calculations
  • Surface preparation records
  • QA/QC documentation
  • Cure verification data
  • Post-installation inspection reports

 

Composite wrap systems from Icarus Composites are tested to ISO 24817 & ASME PCC-2 standards.

Composite Wraps in Action: Field-Proven and Trusted

From live leak sealing to large-diameter main repairs, composite wraps have proven their performance across:

  • Oil & Gas pipelines
  • Marine fuel systems
  • Chemical processing plants
  • Water infrastructure
  • Power generation cooling lines

Composite wrap repair completed under live leak conditions—no shutdown required.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Pipeline Repair Is Composite

Composite wraps offer a fully engineered, standards-compliant, and cost-effective repair option.

As the industry increasingly moves away from intrusive methods, Icarus Composites remains at the forefront of innovation in composite wrap repair solutions. We are committed to helping asset owners extend the life of their infrastructure safely, sustainably, and without disruption.

Need a repair ? Icarus Composites offers free feasibility assessments with every enquiry.

Request a Free Repair Feasibility Assessment

Contact us at contact@icarusgroup.co.uk or visit www.icaruscomposites.co.uk to speak with our technical team and learn whether a composite wrap system is right for your pipeline or asset.

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