Bahrain
Pipe Details
- A 711-mm (28-inch) carbon steel pipeline that was transporting crude oil was damaged by an explosion
- 343 mm by 114 mm (13.5 by 4.5 inch) hole needed repair
- 10 bar (145 psi) Operating Pressure
Summary
- An explosion caused a 343 mm by 114 mm (13.5 by 4.5 inch) hole in a 711-mm (28-inch) carbon steel pipeline transporting crude oil
- 26 layers of carbon fiber were applied over 3 m (9.8 ft)
- 12 technicians completed the repair in less than 30 hours
- No hot work was required
- No negative environmental impact
- No need to completely shut down the refinery
In emergency situations, companies rely on dependable partners and proven solutions. When a refinery in Bahrain experienced line damage from an explosion, the immediate response following damage assessment was to contact CSNRI for support.
The explosion had created a 343 mm by 114 mm (13.5 by 4.5 inch) hole in a 711-mm (28-inch) carbon steel pipeline that was transporting crude oil under 10 bar (145 psi) pressure, and the wall of the pipe was bent inward in an irregular shape. This pipe was crucial to operations because it was the only pipeline delivering crude to the refinery. Without this line, the refinery would have had to completely stop production.
Fortunately, a local CSNRI distributor had the materials on hand to promptly deliver a repair designed by the CSNRI engineering team.
As soon as the composite system was designed, the distributor dispatched a team of 12 trained technicians to the refinery. Crude flow through the line was stopped while the team plugged the hole and began preparing the surface of the pipe for the composite repair, which was carried out with about 50% of the crude oil remaining in the line.
The repair designed for the pipeline was a DiamondWrap® system, which is made with a bidirectional weave of carbon fiber and a 100% solids epoxy that form a composite system that is stronger than steel. The structural system forms a pipe around a pipe, and each successive wrap increases the pressure rating. The bidirectional weave of the carbon fiber provides strength in both the hoop and axial directions, a design that practically eliminates creep, ensuring that there is no reduction in strength over time. This application was on a straight run of pipe, but because of its low profile, DiamondWrap® can be installed on tees and elbows and is ideal for confined spaces and irregular surfaces that require structural reinforcement or leak containment.
Technicians installed 26 layers of DiamondWrap® over a 3-meter (9.8-ft) length of pipe. Working continuously, the team was able to complete the repair in 16 hours, working through the night to finish the installation as quickly as possible to restore the line integrity so refinery operations could recommence.
Work was completed in less than 30 hours from the incident that caused the damage, and the pipe was back in service within 48 hours.
This repair prevented a complete refinery shutdown and allowed the refinery owner to complete the repair without any environmental pollution.