Composite pipes
Composite pipe is a kind of high-strength, durable and lightweight plastic pipe, which is made of a variety of high-performance composite materials. This type of pipe mainly consists of an inner plastic tube and a reinforcing cover of fiber reinforced composite material. The combination of the two provides a pipe with excellent strength, stiffness and pressure resistance. Due to their characteristics, composite pipes can be used in a wide range of applications in the oil and gas, water and waste water, industrial and domestic markets.
The fiber reinforced composite material used to form the composite pipe is comprised of high-strength aramid, carbon or glass fibers that are embedded in a matrix of polymer resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene or ethylene vinyl acetate. The fibers are aligned in a specific direction to optimize the structural performance of the pipe. The resins are formulated to provide the desired temperature, pressure and chemical resistance characteristics.
The weight savings achieved with composite pipes make them attractive for a variety of applications, including underground and overhead, directional drilling, and pipe jacking. Composite pipes are typically much lighter than the metal pipes they are replacing, making them easier and less expensive to ship, handle and install. In addition, they can be designed to have wall thicknesses up to 1/2” thick, giving them a stiffness similar to that of metal pipes.
The chemical compatibility and superior corrosion resistance of composite materials also make them attractive for many applications. Composite pipes can be used in applications where metal pipe would corrode, such as higher temperatures, acidic or caustic environments, or abrasive fluids. The pipe’s superior corrosion resistance can also extend the life of the pipe, potentially reducing future maintenance and replacement costs.
Composite pipes also have excellent flow characteristics, due to their smooth inner surfaces and lack of corrosion. Smooth inner walls reduce friction, allowing for higher flow rates and less pressure loss than traditional metal pipes. The lack of corrosion prevents build-up of sediments or rust, which would block the flow or reduce its velocity.
In addition to their corrosion resistance, durability and cost advantages, composite pipes also offer a higher level of fire resistance than traditional metallic pipes, because composite materials burn at lower temperatures than metals. This increased fire safety can reduce insurance premiums, or even eliminate the need for fire protection in some cases.
The wide range of advantages that composite pipes offer make them a more attractive alternative to traditional metallic pipelines, and they are becoming more widely used in a variety of applications around the globe. The lightweight pipes can be produced quickly, reducing the time and cost of installation. Composite pipes also have excellent durability, are more tolerant of temperature extremes, and have superior corrosion and chemical resistance. With these advantages, composite pipes have become an attractive choice in many applications.
