Testing and Analysis of Pipeline Encapsulation Technologies

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Program:
REPAIR
Award:
$6,921,555
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
02/01/2021 - 10/31/2024

Technology Description:

The University of Colorado Boulder will lead a multi-institutional team, including Cornell University, Gas Technology Institute, and University of Southern Queensland, to develop a data-driven framework of laboratory testing and modeling. This framework will enable the gas industry to better evaluate products to rehabilitate cast iron and steel natural gas pipes and enhance their performance and longevity. The objective is to validate a 50-year design life for innovative pipe-in-pipe (PIP) systems by developing numerical, analytical, and physical testing protocols. The process will merge attributes of each approach to deliver a comprehensive framework for PIP technologies composed of a variety of materials and deposition methods. CU Boulder’s framework characterizes failure modes and establishes performance criteria for PIP rehabilitation technologies to support recommendations for PIP material properties suitable for acceptable design-life performance.

Potential Impact:

REPAIR seeks to 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 renewal while reducing cost to utilities and gas customers.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Jack Lewnard
Project Contact:
Prof. Brad Wham
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
brad.wham@colorado.edu

Partners

Cornell University
University of Southern Queensland
Gas Technology Institute

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Release Date:
02/18/2020