Pipelines and pipework are widely utilised in Heavy Industry for production, transportation and refining of liquids and gases.
To highlight the difference between pipelines and pipework, definitions of each have been put below.
As of 2014, there were more than 2 million miles of pipelines in 120 countries around the world (Central Intelligence Agency, 2013).This figure doesn’t include pipework.
These pipelines and pipework are subject to deterioration and therefore present a huge maintenance challenge to the companies andgovernment agencies who operate them.
The cause of significant incidents to Oil & Gas transmission pipelines have been listed below (Reza Pourazizi, 2020).
The proportion of significant incidents that each of these causes could be attributed to are shown in Figure 1 below. This graphic shows that 63% of significant Oil & Gas transmission incidents have been as a result of corrosion.
If left unmanaged, corrosion will result in pipelines and pipework being put out of service due to premature failure, leakage or forced shutdown (W. S. Sum, 2016). The global cost of corrosion was estimated in 2016 to be USD$2.5 trillion, equivalent to 3.4% of global GDP in 2013 (Koch, 2017). In the USA in 2007, the average annual corrosion related cost of monitoring, replacing and maintaining gas and liquid transmission pipelines was USD$7billion. Of this USD$7 billion, 80% was attributable to the maintenance and operation of corrosion related problems (United States Department of Transport,2007). This percentage indicates that effectively managing corrosion of pipelines and pipework is the key challenge faced by heavy industry to operate more safely and cost effectively.
When identified, defects are assessed by the operator. Anassessment will then be made to establish whether a repair is necessary toensure that safe operation of the pipeline or pipework is continued. There are two main types of repair techniques available to pipeline and pipework operators (K.S. Lim, 2016). These have been listed below, and broken down into the specific repair systems.
Analysis comparing conventional steel repair techniques and composite overwrap systems shows that, on average, composite wrap systems are 24% cheaper than welded steel sleeve repairs and 73% cheaper than replacing the damaged section of the pipe completely (Koch, 2017). Further advantages of composite wrap repair systems over conventional steel repair techniques are listed below (W. S. Sum, 2016).
At Icarus Composites, our mission is to alleviate the burden of corrosion on Heavy Industry using Sustainable Composite Wraps.
We offer a comprehensive suite of goods and services centred around Engineered Composite Wraps for the repair and reinforcement of leaking and corroded pipelines. Composite wraps are versatile repair methods which allows Icarus Composites to offer a broad range of repair services.
Repairing pipes using Composite Wraps has a number ofadvantages over using Conventional Steel Repair techniques such as steel sleeves, steel repair clamps and like-for-like replacement.
At Icarus Composites, our personnel have years of experience designing and applying composite wraps, and sealing leaks live to prevent costly downtime. We deliver high-quality, ISO 24817 and ASME PCC-2 compliant composite wrap repairs, minimising downtime through efficient application and live leak sealing techniques. We have a strong focus on extending asset lifespan and a 24/7 support system, Icarus Composites ensures that companies receive tailored solutions and expert assistance, optimising operational efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
At Icarus Composites, we know your operations don’t stop. Our team is available 24/7 to ensure you have an expert on hand to contact. Please find our contact details below – we’d love to hear from you!
Central Intelligence Agency, 2013. The World Factbook: FieldListing - Pipelines. [Online] Available at: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/pipelines/
J.M. Duell, J. W. M. K., 2008. Analysis of a carboncomposite overwrap pipeline repair system. International Journal of PressureVessels and Piping, 85(11), pp. 782-788.
Koch, G., 2017. Cost of corrosion. In: Trends in Oil and GasCorrosion Research and Technologies. s.l.:Woodhead Publishing, pp. 3-30.
K.S. Lim, S. A. N. N. N. Y., 2016. An Overview of CorrodedPipe Repair Techniques. International Journal of Chemical, Molecular, Nuclear,Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, 10(1).
Reza Pourazizi, M. M.-B. j. S., 2020. Investigation ofdifferent failure modes in oil and natural gas pipeline steels. EngineeringFailure Analysis, 109(104400).
United States Department of Transport, 2007. Corrosion costsand preventative strategies in the United States, s.l.: United StatesDepartment of Transport.
W. S. Sum, K. H. L. L. P. D. T. K. T. N. A. Y. L. L. &.P. F., 2016. Design, testing and field deployment of a composite clamp forpipeline repairs,. Plastics, Rubber and Composites, Volume 45:2, pp. 81-94.
