State-of-the-Art Assessment of Today’s Composite Repair Technologies

Abstract

For almost 30 years composite repair technologies have been used to reinforce high pressure gas and liquid pipeline transmission systems around the world. The backbone of this research has been full-scale testing, aimed at evaluating the reinforcement of anomalies including, corrosion, dents, vintage girth welds, and wrinkle bends. Also included have been the assessment of reinforced pipe geometries including welded branch connections, elbows, and tees. Organizations sponsoring these research efforts have included the Pipeline Research Council International, regulatory agencies, pipeline operators, and composite repair manufacturers. Many of these efforts have involved Joint Industry Programs; to date more than 15 different industry-sponsored programs and independent research efforts have been conducted involving more than 1,000 full-scale destructive tests. The aim of this paper is to provide for the pipeline industry an updated perspective on research associated with composite repair technologies. Because of the continuous advance in both composite technology and research programs to evaluate their effectiveness, it is essential that updated information be provided to industry to minimize the likelihood for conducting research efforts that have already been addressed. To provide readers with useful information, the authors will include multiple case studies that include the reinforcement of dents, wrinkle bends, welded branch connections, and planar defects.