Replacement of existing metal insert with composite materials

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A considerable amount of time and effort has been put towards making oil pipelines more reliable and ultimately safer for the environment. These pipelines operate in extremely harsh environments and carry hazardous (and corrosive) materials. This type of service requires materials that are tough and resilient. Composite materials are good candidates for this type of application as they are non-corrosive, light weight, and strong. The objective of this research project is to investigate the potential for composite materials to replace an existing metallic part in an oil and gas pipeline application. The current solution utilizes a ferrous material, which is susceptible to corrosion. If an acceptable solution can be developed with composite materials, the corrosion issues will be overcome and the part will become more reliable and require less in-field inspection. There is also a potential for the cost per piece to be reduced depending on the material and process selection. Shawcore Ltd. currently manufactures piping products for the oil and gas industry from composite materials and has some in-house development facilities and expertise. The facilities and expertise will dove-tail quite nicely into those at the Composite Research Network (CRN), at the University of British Columbia. With the two parties working together, a highly successful outcome is expected from this project followed with a long term relationship.