Non-metallic pipe systems for use in oil and gas

• Published in: Plastics, Rubber and Composites Vol. 40; no. 10; pp. 465 - 480
• Main Authors: Gibson, A G, Linden, J M, Elder, D, Leong, K H
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: London, England Taylor & Francis 01.12.2011; SAGE Publications; Maney
• Subjects: Application fields; Applied sciences; Composite; Crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Failure; Flexible; Fuels; Gas industry; Gas transmission and distribution. Ships. Pipelines. Distribution networks. Compressors stations; Natural gas; Pipe; Pipework; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; Repair; Risers; Rupture tests; Spoolable; Technology of polymers; Thermoplastic resins; Transportation and distribution of crude oils and liquid petroleum products. Ships. Pipelines. Terminals. Service stations; Unbonded; Unbonded; Spoolable; Flexible; Composite; Repair; Thermoplastics; Fiber reinforced material; Mechanical properties; Gas industry; Pipe; Experimental study; Mineral fiber; Composite material; Thermosetting resin; Pipeline; Corrosion resistance; Oil industry; Manufacturing; Glass fiber; Fracture mode
• ISSN: 1465-8011; 1743-2898
• DOI: 10.1179/1743289811Y.0000000006

This paper relates to the expanding use of non-metallic materials in piping for the transport of oilfield fluids, onshore and offshore. Qualification processes for thermoplastic and composite pipework all involve long term stress rupture tests to establish a relationship between pressure and time to failure. These qualification tests are needed to account for particular long term failure process that occur in non-metallics, and are essential to the successful application of these materials. Uses of both thermoplastics and composites in several types of pipework are discussed. These include fibreglass pipe, spoolable thermosets, reinforced thermoplastic pipe, flexible risers, rigid risers and, finally, repair and rehabilitation.