Proactive Upgrade of Steel Pipelines during Scheduled Plant Outages

Unlike other types of pipelines which degrade segmentally, thus facilitating targeted inspection and repair solutions, steel pipes typically deteriorate continuously due to wall thickness loss caused by corrosion throughout the length of the pipeline. When faced with continuous corrosion of their buried steel pipelines, steel pipeline owners seek solutions which can address these pipelines during scheduled plant outages. The use of cathodic protection systems has been shown to be an effective solution for halting further corrosion on metallic pipelines. However, cathodic protection cannot restore lost integrity on a pipe in which the corrosion has already caused structural deterioration and it is not always feasible due to access constraints and other activities adjacent to the pipeline. Bends in the pipelines and other buried utilities create challenges for replacement of the pipelines and rehabilitation options such as slip lining which can only address straight segments of pipes and require dig pits. This paper highlights the experience of a power plant owner who has utilized carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite (fiber wrap) lining of their steel pipelines as both an emergency repair option an as a method of proactive pipeline structural upgrade. Readers will learn useful information regarding the use of Fiber Wrap liners for steel pipelines in power generation stations during scheduled outages. Specific steps for planning the project will be shared along with lessons learned during both emergency and planned Fiber Wrap installations.