PETRONAS has developed a new pipeline repair technology called PIPEASSURE that can be applied underwater to repair pipelines damaged by corrosion or degradation. PIPEASSURE uses an epoxy-based composite material that is wrapped around pipelines and adheres strongly even in wet environments. It provides a minimally invasive repair method and extends pipeline lifespans with minimal downtime, saving oil and gas companies millions in lost revenue compared to traditional repair methods like underwater welding. Testing shows PIPEASSURE adheres much stronger than competing technologies and can withstand underwater conditions for 5 years.
2. The Challenge
Oil and gas pipelines deteriorate over time due to a
range of structural and operational issues including
manufacturing defects or degradation caused by
exposure to the harsh marine environment.
Current methods of pipeline repair include
underwater welding, which carries considerable
safety risks. The need to shut down production
for extended periods can cost oil and gas
companies millions in lost revenue.
The Solution
PETRONAS have patented a new technology that
can revolutionize the repair, rehabilitation and
maintenance of oil and gas pipelines:
PIPEASSURE.
The PIPEASSURE technology is an adhesive
composite material that can be wrapped around
pipelines and similar structures to protect and
repair sections damaged by corrosion and other
forms of degradation, even in a wet environment.
The product is highly durable and resistant to
moisture, capable of withstanding the conditions
that subsea pipelines are exposed to.
Its properties include a high glass transition
temperature and strong mechanical adhesion
with the ability to be applied with minimal
interruption, which allows it to be used for
efficient pipeline repairs in a cost effective
manner while avoiding lengthy pipeline
shutdowns.
The technology is able to restore and provides
compromised pipelines with an increased
lifespan, enabling installation of a replacement
pipeline section to be scheduled at their own
convenience, with minimum downtime.
4. Application
PIPEASSURE is suitable for application on both
onshore and offshore pipelines.
Its broad range of applications includes pressurised
vessels or piping and pipelines operating at elevated
temperatures.
The material comprised of an epoxy-based resin system
impregnated into a glass fabric, which is then cured to
form a fibre reinforced composite (FRP).
This FRP material has demonstrated optimal adhesion to
submersed steel substrates and the ability to be prepared
and cured in sea water at a range of temperatures.
Benefits
The innovative PIPEASSURE technology will enable
restoration of damaged pipelines efficiently,
cost-effectively and with minimal production
downtime with the following benefits:
Adheres effectively to steel structures, even in
a wet environment
Is highly durable under prolonged exposure
to hydrocarbons and high temperatures
Designed to withstand underwater condition
for 5 years
Extends pipeline life (e.g. thin-walled
pipelines)
No hot work required as it eliminates the
need for underwater welding, increasing the
safety and convenience of pipeline repair
Has a high glass transition temperature
(thermal softening point)
Is specially designed to repel water due to
its hydrophobic properties thus creating a
corrosive free environment by avoiding
moisture layer from being trapped at the
laminate-substrate interface and providing
superior mechanical interlocking between
the bonded surfaces
Is flexible and lightweight, allowing for
application to structures of various shapes
and sizes
Minimal or no shut down is required
Curable underwater
& capable of withstanding
wet environment
5. Competitive Advantages
Composite application in oil and gas industry is
governed by strict international standards, namely the
ISO TS 24817 and ASME PCC-2. These standards
provide guidelines for qualification and design,
installation, testing and inspection of composite
wrapping products.
As composite wrapping is considered a bonded repair,
its performance is measured in terms of its bonding or
adhesion strength to the substrate to complete a repair
system. Testing is conducted on a range of structures
used by the industry in field environment and operating
conditions.
Performance is measured in terms of transverse
adhesion strength (strength against work done
perpendicular to the axial of repair) and lap shear
adhesion strength (strength against work done
planar to the axial of repair).
For PIPEASSURE, the transverse adhesion strength
is 10.0 MPa and lap shear adhesion strength is
16.5 MPa, far greater than its competitors, which is
more than 3 times the adhesion requirement of
3.45 MPa set forth in PTS 30.48.00.31-P.
1 As tested in PETRONAS; Tested as per ASME PCC2 requirement
PIPEASSURE Performance: Benchmark
PROPERTIES Competitor A Competitor B Competitor C Competitor D PIPEASSURE
Chemical System
Epoxy/Wet PU/Prepreg PU/Prepreg
Epoxy/Wet
Epoxy/Prepreg
lay up lay up
Tensile Strength (MPa)
Tensile Modulus (GPa)
Various glass specifications ranging from C to E
E-Glass
Specifications
Transverse Adhesion
Strength (MPa)
3.5 3.7 2.9 1.2 10.0
Lap Shear Adhesion Reading too Reading too
Strength (MPa)
6.2
low low
0.6 16.5
Tg Temp (C) 122 (90)1
80 122 55 130
Pot life at 30C (min) 30-60 15 15 30 60
90% Full Strength Cure
Time at 30C (days) 7 3 3 7 4
Hardness (Shore D) 80 80 85 70 80
Salt Spray (unscribed) Passed 4,500 hrs
6. Qualification & Certification
Certifications obtained in compliance with ISO TS 24817 standard from DNV Australia
Materials Properties (out-of-water)
Materials Properties (in-water)
Adhesion Properties (out-of-water)
Adhesion Properties (in-water)
Dielectric
Cathodic Disbondment
Weathering Tests
Type A: Wall Loss (out-of-water)
Type A: Wall Loss (in-water), including unrepaired specimens
Type B: Leak (out-of-water)
Type B: Leak (in-water)
Environmental and Safety
The PIPEASSURE technology overcomes
some of the significant health and safety
concerns associated with the repair of subsea
pipelines, through:
A reduction of organic pollutants in the
marine environment as a result of improved
pipeline repair and maintenance methods
Eliminating the need for underwater welding,
creating a less hazardous method of
pipeline repair.
7. www.iossb.com.my
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