Structural Materials-aided Advanced Renewal Technology for REPAIR (SMART REPAIR)

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Program:
REPAIR
Award:
$5,000,000
Location:
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
09/30/2020 - 12/31/2023
Website:

Technology Description:

More than 60,000 miles of cast iron and bare steel gas distribution pipelines are still in service. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and its partners will develop a cost-effective and efficient smart structural coating deposition system and advanced high-end technology tools to inspect and rehabilitate gas distribution pipelines. The team will build on ORNL’s success in developing low-cost carbon fibers, composites, smart polymer materials, and non-destructive evaluation methods by leveraging the expertise of partners on coating deposition and robotic inspection tools for smart repair of gas pipes. The polymer composite coating materials provide structural strength and facile processability with smart functionalities. Integrated robotic technologies for coating deposition and non-destructive multiscale interrogation of the pipe enable delivery of the complete solution.

Potential Impact:

If successful, ORNL’s solution would eliminate the highest pipe rehabilitation costs, excavation and restoration, by repairing pipes without their removal.

Security:

REPAIR projects should improve the sustainability of domestic natural gas distribution by economically rehabilitating legacy pipes.

Environment:

REPAIR will produce 3D maps and data management/visualization tools that integrate geospatial data for leak testing, integrity/inspection data, coating deposition data, and locations of pipes and adjacent underground infrastructure.

Economy:

REPAIR program innovations will accelerate legacy pipeline replacement while reducing cost to utilities and gas customers.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Jack Lewnard
Project Contact:
Dr. Tomonori Saito
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
saitot@ornl.gov

Partners

Diakont Advanced Technologies,Inc.
University of Tennessee

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Release Date:
02/18/2020