Computerised simulation of composite pipe connections for hydrogen service

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Although Smartflow have extensive expertse in the niche industry of pipe end connections and can back it up with physical pipe testing, some clients do request more scientific answers. As different materials are used to form these metal connections into polymer pipes, the characteristics of these 'raw' metals can change. This could include mechanical and corrosion resistant properties. A combined scientific analysis and physical material testing project will help us attract large opportunities as Hydrogen and CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) pipeline demand grows the composite pipeline industry. Smartflow end connections incorporate a sharp serrated steel fitting that is inserted into the composite pipe, and then 'swaged' out to 'bite' into the polymer liner to produce a permanent connection. We know that this system works as we have done it a number of times, but for Smartflow to proactively target these companies rather than through referrals it would benefit hugely to have a technical supporting document that is independant and 'shareable' not associated with a specific client.Smartflow believe that by undertaking some analysis work independently with a Research Institute like Astute, this will allow us to share the critical data that our clients would want. Each pipe manufacturer has a slightly different composition, but the theory of modelling our serrated fittings 'swaged' into a composite pipe and then testing computationally would give confidence in our design capabilities. Whilst we would always need to design a system bespoke to our clients, we could use this modelling approach as a first step, before verifying the results with physical burst testing.