Pipeline corrosion costs the O&G industry $1.43 billion annually to fix. The figure rises even more amid increased recovery efforts from older fields using metal pipes. However, the stronger mechanical properties of composite pipes compared to unreinforced alternatives have made them a popular choice in marine, petrochemical, O&G, and many other sectors worldwide.
The upsurge in thermoplastic usage primarily results from significant potential cost reduction capabilities. Made using a variety of different thermoplastics, including glass-reinforced plastics (GRP), fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP), Polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), composite pipes offer many benefits over metallic systems.
Advancements in composite materials have enabled them to become a viable alternative to metal for many applications. In contrast, steel and metal pipes come with liabilities. Their hot fusions and welds, multiple connections, short stick lengths, associated cooldown times, and higher inspection and maintenance requirements translate into higher costs and longer installation times. This implies an increased need for scheduled downtimes, resulting in increased expenditure.
Such shutdowns can be mitigated with composite pipes as they remove potential concerns related to erosion and corrosion or the need for cathodic protection or corrosion inhibitors. Reinforced plastic pipes are also stronger than their unreinforced counterparts and can resist harsh environments and withstand pressure without maintenance or performance issues. Their lightweight properties also result in lower transportation and installation costs.
CNPS fiberglass piping systems are designed to counter many problems cost-effectively. The pipe manufacturers engineer modern solutions from many high-performance materials with distinct characteristics. The result is superior glass-reinforced plastic pipes that are flexible, reliable, sturdy, and easy to maintain and install.
#1- Composite Pipes Have Lower Installation Time and Cost
Spool-ability, fewer connections, and longer lengths are the keys to quick composite pipe installation. Since the pipelines at CNPS are light and flexible, they’re easy to unspool. You can also get longer runs with fewer connections in significantly less time than unreinforced pipes.
Each mile of steel or other unreinforced pipes requires up to 260 connections. The same distance of reinforced spooled pipe needs under 15 connections. This is important because every connection takes time.
For instance, steel connections can take up to an hour to fuse, then additional time to cool before more sticks can be fused. Moreover, they require welding, pressure testing, and weld inspections, which further take several hours depending on the quality of the weld.
Meanwhile, CNPS fiberglass pipelines don’t require electrofusion or welding. The connections are swaged and take fewer hours to fuse the same mile of the pipe. Since they’re incredibly flexible, the composite pipes also take less time to install. Although composite pipes are more expensive than metal or steel in the short run, the cost is offset by the longer lifespan and numerous other benefits they boast.
#2- Composite Pipes are Erosion and Corrosion Resistant
Over time, the petrochemical industry began recognizing the vulnerabilities of steel piping systems. The susceptibility to corrosion became even more evident with the popularity of water injection techniques in hydrocarbon extraction. Our GRE, GRP, RTP, and FRP piping systems are engineered to provide abrasion and corrosion-free operations.
Our composite pipes are sturdy and made according to the latest API specifications to withstand harsh and corrosive drilling requirements. They boast a superior internal fluid performance and demonstrate outstanding strength to withstand corrosive chemicals. They’re made with co-extruded layers that provide better chemical resistance and prevent permeation.
The inner surface of FRP pipes is smoother than steel, which lowers head loss in pressure applications. It improves the hydraulic properties and reduces pump rating or pumping costs as well.
#3- Composite Pipes Can Withstand Better Pressures
Reinforced pipes are widely used throughout the gas and oil exploration and extraction applications both below and above ground where pressures and temperatures are high. Even if unreinforced pipes had the structural capacity to withstand the pressure, energy and power are still going to be one of the biggest costs on the site.
The same results can be achieved without pumps, which results in substantial savings in upfront energy, operational, and maintenance costs. They’re designed to withstand pressures up to 1000 psi and to much higher temperatures in harsh environments.
Not only are our piping systems designed to stand up to some of the harshest conditions in diverse environments, but they can be customized by our experts to exceed your expectations and meet your specifications cost-effectively.
Contact CNPS to Learn More
For mining to be successful, companies are trying to find the right balance to reduce labor and equipment costs. They’re dedicated to developing new solutions and finding equipment alternatives that perform better than their traditional counterparts but at lower costs.
CNPS offers significant cost savings with its range of non-metallic pipes, such as GRE, GRP, RTP, and FRP piping systems, GRE casing solutions, mud logging equipment, OCTG products, and geological field supplies.
Our China-based company has the experience and technology to deliver turnkey solutions for oil and gas, water, industrial, and marine & offshore. Our team possesses unrivaled precision capabilities and industry know-how to help assist companies in all concerned sectors with diverse challenges.
Reach out to learn more about our top-quality and safe mud logging units, geological tools and equipment, and fiberglass piping systems that will provide the opportunity to boost savings and enhance safety during operations.
