Fiber-reinforced polymer pipes

Figure 3.10 Different layers comprising the wall of the honeycomb-FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) pipe.

Figure 3.16 (a) A corroded oval-shaped corrugated metal pipe culvert requiring repair and (b) a custom-made honeycomb-FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) pipe can match the shape of the culvert to minimize the loss of flow. 

The initial evaluation showed that utilizing fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) for pipelines is a feasible alternative to steel pipelines with regard to performance and cost [35]. From the cost analysis, an FRP pipe is quite attractive, especially in the regional or distributed service. Currently, spoolable piping manufacturers could install a composite pipeline for serving a 100,000 population for a cost of 250,000-500,000/mi. (does not include the cost for right-of-way), which is well below the DOE s capital cost target in 2017 of 800,000/mi. [35]. From this estimate and cost analyses, it is seen that FRP pipe economics is very attractive, especially for the distribution service. 

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GRP) pipe is used for the transport of water and wastewater in pressure and non-pressure systems. This composite is composed of glass fiber and PP, PE, or PVC resins. These pipes are lightweight, corrosion resistant, and straightforward to install and have a long and effective service life and low maintenance costs. These features make GFR POCs, a strong candidate for piping applications in environments with acidic soil [51]. 

Processing techniques used for basalt fibers are similar to the traditional techniques used for glass fibers (fabric, filament, staples, glass fiber-reinforced polymer [GFRP]). Thanks to their excellent properties, basalt fibers are employable in heat-resistant as weU as alkaline-resistant products (containers, pipes, GFRP, materials for thermal insulation). 

Advanced fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for the manufacture and rehabilitation of pipes and tanks in the oil... 

Abstract There is strong evidence that the oil and gas industry has become increasingly interested in using pipes and risers made of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials. Moreover, oil and gas exploration nowadays has to be conducted in much deeper water depths (500-1500 m md deeper), thus requiring more resilient and lighter materials. In this section various applications of FRP in relation to pipes and risers are discussed to familiarise the reader with various FRP and hybrid pipes. 

Key words fiber-reinforced polymer composites, pipes, risers, bonded joints, composite repair systems. 

In this section various applications of fiber-reinforced polymer composites in relation to pipes and risers, as well as the other applications relevant to the petrochemical and oil and gas industries, will be discussed. The discussion will primarily cover the structural components that are essentially load-bearing components (such as actual pipes and risers). 

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) pipes... 

The fifth and final section opens with a chapter on design of plastic parts then presents applications plastics in buildings and construction, infrastructure applications of fiber-reinforced polymer composites, the plastic piping industry in North America, and PET use in blow-molded rigid packaging. 

Many large-diameter pipelines owned by public utilities, power generation facilities, and industrial sites are located in areas where any excavation is challenging or undesirable. For these types of limited access pipes, and especially in cases where targeted repairs of distressed pipes are to take place, the use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) lining becomes the most cost-effective and efficient repair or upgrade solution. 

In many cases, the replacement of the deteriorated pipe with a new one is cost prohibitive and a time-consuming effort that cannot be easily accommodated. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) products offer solutions that can often be installed in a trenchless manner that requires little or no digging of the pipe. The high-tensile strength, lightweight, and noncorroding attributes of FRP make these materials a viable repair system for steel pipes. 

Figure 3.7 Preparation of test pipe (a) 16-in pipes with 24-in gap, (b) applying resin to fiber-reinforced polymer laminate, (c) wrapping it around a packer, (d) inserting packer into the pipe and guiding it to position, (e) inflating packer, and (f) finished sample.

Figure 3.17 Comparison of 36-in diameter carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) pipe with honeycomb-FRP pipe (a) samples, (b) test setup, and (c) load versus deflection.

Earrag, K., June 2011. Testing of PipeMedic Fiber Reinforced Polymer for Rehabilitation of Steel Pipes. Final Report. Gas Technology Institute, 16 pp. 

Time-dependent probability analysis of fiber-reinforced polymer rehabilitated pipes... 

Figure 5.4 Failure probability of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP)-composite pipe rehabilitation versus time.

Figure 5.8 Failure probability versus average thickness of fiber-reinforced polymer-rehabilitated pipe.

Finite element analysis (FEA) of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rehabilitation of cracked steel and application to pipe repair... 

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