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Rehabilitation of Existing 49 CFR 195 Pipeline Using Steel-Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe

Rapidly aging oil and gas infrastructure is forcing operators to seek creative ways to maintain pipeline integrity with minimal capital investment and interruption to production. Rising material costs, excessive installation times, and numerous permitting challenges limit the feasibility and profitability of full replacement methods. Composite flexible steel-reinforced pipe products offer unique solutions to these challenging scenarios. Long package lengths, high tensile capabilities, and unbonded, flexible designs offer an ideal solution for the rapid rehabilitation of these dilapidated systems. In many applications, steel-reinforced spoolable composites require minimal disturbance to existing infrastructure and, in some cases, can be installed at lengths exceeding one mile. Relying upon its own inherent strength and mechanical properties, flexible steel pipe uses the existing infrastructure as a conduit and does not rely on the integrity of the host pipe for future operation. Equipped with a high-density polyethylene inner layer, composite steel pipes also offer greater flow characteristics than new steel alternatives, minimizing the effects of most diameter reductions. This paper highlights the successful rehabilitation of a 49 CFR 195 regulated steel line in southern Louisiana. The status of the pipeline after one year of operation is detailed, providing updates to product integrity, results of scheduled material testing, and economic benefits realized by the Operator. The pipeline traverses a navigable waterway and rehabilitation using steel-reinforced thermoplastic pipe was approved by both state and federal pipeline safety administrations. Upon completion, the rehabilitated system restored crude transmission while also reducing overall operating risk. Use of the flexible steel pipe allowed the operator to utilize a dual-containment design and implement real-time continuous annulus monitoring on multiple interfaces, effectively reducing risk to the environment and residents.

Product Number: 51324-20909-SG
Author: David Gregory; Shawn Poworoznik
Publication Date: 2024
$40.00
$40.00
$40.00