Carbon steel pipelines, carrying saturated inorganic brine ranging from − 20°C to 60°C (−4°F to 140°F), were developing leaks well before a year of service. Even though brine temperatures normally were controlled to change gradually, extreme changes in brine temperature could take place within a matter of seconds. Copper-nickel piping was the only metallic material found to resist the corrosive nature of the brine stream. However, copper-nickel piping is very expensive. An alternative, low cost material was needed.

Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) piping made with epoxy vinyl ester resins and modified from standard manufacturing practices in order to handle rapid temperature changes was used for an immediate cost savings of $70,000. The FRP piping has provided maintenance free service for three years. Custom fabricated FRP pipe, up to twelve inches in diameter, is approximately 1.5 to 2 times the cost of carbon steel pipe installed. As the pipe diameter increases the cost difference decreases.

Subject
Barriers, Metallic piping, Materials, Piping, Laminates, Thermal shock, Thermal expansion, Carbon steel pipes, Fiber reinforced plastic, Epoxy vinyl ester, Brines, Corrosion resistance, Resins
Keywords:
Fiberglass reinforced plastic, FRP, epoxy vinyl ester resin, thermal shock, pipe, piping, saturated inorganic brine
© 2004 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
2004
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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