Why composite materials are a must-have solution for the repair of marine structural materials？

Why composite materials are a must-have solution for the repair of marine structural materials？

Composite materials are an effective solution for repairing pipe internal and external corrosion, dents, erosion and other defects because it requires no downtime or costly material replacement. However, just as no two repair methods are the same, no one repair solution will solve all problems. Fiberglass Composites repairs are most effective when certain conditions are met, which is important when considering how composites may be applied in offshore environments.

Why are composite materials better suited for marine environments?

Composite materials are an excellent choice for offshore applications as they can be installed quickly, reduce or completely avoid service downtime, provide structural reinforcement and corrosion protection, and can be installed on challenging piping geometries such as bends, diameter pipes and flanges. They are also lighter than traditional repair methods (i.e. steel casing), which is ideal for offshore structures.

In what situations do composites provide a better restoration solution than traditional restoration options?

High performance composites are the obvious choice in certain repair scenarios, such as repairs on or around elbows, reducers or flanges. Complex geometries can render traditional clamps and steel casings ineffective. Because composites are flexible in application and lock into the necessary shape after curing, they can provide more comprehensive coverage than sleeves or clamps. However, pipe geometry is not the only determining factor. If the associated benefits of composites, such as avoiding service downtime, are critical to the project, then composites may be a better repair option.

What factors should be considered when selecting a composite repair design?

Once it has been decided that composite repair is the most suitable solution, the next step is to select the correct and suitable system for the specific situation. The correct system depends on several factors including, but not limited to, the curing temperature required for the resin, the properties to be repaired, and the geographic location of the pipe. If you are repairing corrosion, you will want to understand the different challenges and impacts associated with internal and external corrosion, and how this can determine the selection of the correct composite repair system.

How does curing temperature affect composite repairs in offshore applications?

Composite repair processes require high curing temperatures and may require curing ovens or radiant heaters, which you may want to avoid in offshore environments. Therefore, composites that cure at ambient temperatures may be the best option at sea.

However, not all ambient temperatures are created equal. Offshore structures located in the Arctic will have much lower ambient temperatures and composite repairs installed in the region may require additional heating. In this case, tools such as heating blankets can be used to achieve the desired curing temperature.

How is composite repair of internal corrosion different than external corrosion?

A foreign research report pointed out that the corrosion failure per mile of offshore natural gas pipelines is more than that of land gas pipelines, and 97% of the failures are caused by internal corrosion. Therefore, the need for proper repair and mitigation of internal corrosion is clearly important for offshore operations.

While repair of external corrosion structurally strengthens the pipeline and provides a corrosion barrier against further deterioration, internal corrosion is more complex. Composite materials are not as directly used for internal corrosion as they are for external corrosion. However, composite materials can still be used effectively to provide durable internal corrosion repair. For example, CF-500 BD carbon fiber and 210 HT saturated resin is an excellent choice for repairing internally corroded or through-wall failed pipes as it provides permanent repair, long-term structural reinforcement and cures at ambient temperatures

#Composite materia#Fiberglass Composites#High performance composites#Carbon fiber