Composite materials are a recognized means for repairing and reinforcing high pressure gas and liquid transmission pipelines. PRCI has sponsored multiple research projects since 2007 aimed at evaluating various aspects of composite repair technology in a range of operating environments. In spite of the widespread use and general acceptance of composite repair system by the energy pipeline industry, the industry does not have a definitive standard for providing guidance on using composite repair systems. The PRCI Composite Repair Research Roadmap prepared by a cross section of member operators has identified the absence of a composite repair guidance document as a key gap in the current body of knowledge. The objective of this project is to fill that gap by the development of a prescriptive technical guidance document based on engineering principles, experience, and applicable codes and standards.
When completed, this guideline will provide pipeline operators with a tool for evaluating existing and future composite repair systems. The absence of such a document presents challenges for pipeline operators to evaluate the competing composite repair technologies, objectively. Because not all composite repair systems perform equally, and field failures have occurred, it is essential that minimum acceptance criteria be established. This includes design validation for the repair system itself, but will also include establishing quality control measures focused on manufacturing, handling, and installation.