Leaked Pipeline Reinforced with Composite Wrapping Under Cyclic Operation Loading

• Published in: Journal of failure analysis and prevention Vol. 23; no. 2; pp. 592 - 600
• Main Authors: Yusof, Zulkifli, Rejab, M. R. M., Ma, Quanjin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Materials Park Springer Nature B.V 01-04-2023
• Subjects: Composite wrapping; Displacement; Finite element method; Gas pipelines; Internal pressure
• ISSN: 1547-7029; 1864-1245
• DOI: 10.1007/s11668-023-01640-9

The wide use of composite wrapping in oil and gas industries has become a critical concern by asset owners on whether it can withstand internal pressure and flow, especially for composite wrapping installed at leaked pipelines. Over time, the cyclic operation and sudden pressure changes due to plant trips may pose a threat to the integrity of the composite wrapping. Therefore, it is imperative to determine whether composite wrapping can be deemed a permanent solution for addressing pipeline leaks. To this end, this study evaluates composite wrapping specimens installed at select oil and gas plants through finite element analysis, subsequently corroborated by actual observations at the plant. From the study, the analysis reveals that the stress exerted on the composite wrapping was minimal and did not significantly impact its displacement. The displacement was negligible, measuring less than 0.01 mm, indicating that no significant impact occurred. This result aligns with the actual conditions at the site, where no significant displacement, swelling, or damage to the composite wrapping was observed around the defect area. In light of these findings, it is safe to conclude that composite wrapping can be employed as a permanent repair solution for leaked pipelines.