Sustainable multi-material polymers for new generation of low carbon footprint pipelines

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Steel pipes have traditionally been used for the transportation of fluids at high-temperatures and extreme pressures. However, corrosion problems and associated pipe failures have motivated a drive to reinforced polymeric pipe. Compared to steel pipes, reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) offer several advantages including flexibility and recyclability hence low carbon footprint, ease of transportation due to lower specific mass and spoolability, increased durability, lower installation and operational cost. In this context the primary objective is to develop a new class of multi-material structured or blended liners which achieve the required performance for the targeted temperature and pressure ratings while being lower in cost compared to liners constructed as a single layer engineering thermoplastic. To this end, the multi-material structured or blended liners will aim to take advantage of the recyclability, low cost of commodity thermoplastic polymers in combination with more addition of high-performance thermoplastics for their structural integrity and improved fluid permeation resistance. The technical outcome will be developing this next generation linepipe product would be retained in Canada, which represents the value-added knowledge that would allow to make future strategic decisions in terms of the commercialization or licensing of potential novel low carbon footprint piping technologies for the industry around the world. The economic benefits to Canada will be the value-added knowledge, technology retention and market leadership in manufacturing with a special focus on the key energy sector. It is anticipated that the contributions from the R&D completed by this collaboration will result in the introduction of novel low carbon footprint Linepipe technology that can also be utilized for a variety of future piping system developments. Moreover, new revenue streams for Canadian-based companies in the manufacturing and transportation field may become possible with the implementation of such technology with piping construction projects around the globe. The social impact from the project outcome can also be substantial to the overall well-being of the industry in Canada. The manufacturing of novel low carbon footprint pipeline solutions will provide growth opportunities for the sector. The employment of additional workforce is likely to occur to assist with the implementation and further development following this project. Moreover, a positive response from piping operators to a product at the cutting edge of technology and cost would increase the demand for product offerings which would further induce job creation in order to satisfy the growing production needs. More importantly, the envisioned composite design of the pipeline would contribute to protecting the environment. This will be achieved by limiting the use of metallic components in the pipeline, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the manufacturing of these products and eliminating long term corrosion of the pipeline. The proposed multi-material design of the liner will serve to limit and possibly prevent the permeation of fluids which will reduce the overall greenhouse emission and extend the service life and lower the failure rate of the pipeline by protecting the structural integrity of the product.