ISO/ASME compliant composite pipe repair system - "Belzona SuperWrap II"

Belzona's Senior Technical Service Engineer, Yusuke Nishi, details the properties and testing process behind Belzona's compliant pipe wrap system, Belzona SuperWrap II. The compliant repair solution is designed to restore the strength of holed, weakened and corroded pipe and tank walls

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Abstract

In the past, the repair of deteriorated pipework involved the welding of plates and sleeves, the use of bespoke clamps or the partial replacement of the faulty section. In recent years, however, the use of polymeric composite materials for the repair of pipes has gained worldwide support and interest. The main reasons for this are: the composite repair can be based on engineered structural calculations in accordance with internationally recognised standards; unlike welding, it is a safe cold process that can be carried out in areas where hot work is prohibited; it can be carried out at lower cost and provide long repair life sufficient to be taken as a permanent repair.

This paper describes Belzona SuperWrap II, including details of various tests conducted on the system to comply with both ISO 248171 and ASME PCC-2 (Article 401)², the two major international standards for composite pipe repair.

Introduction

Pipelines, especially those of large diameter, can efficiently transport large volumes of liquids and gases over long distances. Operating over long distances through various landscapes, environments and conditions, pipelines can be subject to internal and external effects from numerous factors. Differences in height cause internal pressure fluctuations, while changes in temperature cause the pipe material to expand and contract; from these behaviours, pipelines are subjected to physical loads such as bending, shear, torsion and fatigue. At the same time, the inner walls of the pipes can be exposed to corrosion and chemical attack, depending on the chemicals involved in the media. Similarly, under conditions of inadequate protection, pipes are also subject to external corrosion.