The O&G, marine, petrochemical, and similar industries struggle to improve profit margins due to the grim reality of metallic pipes requiring frequent maintenance due to high temperatures, pressure, corrosion, and wear and tear. Steel pipes not only cost four times more than the initial investment, but their maintenance is also costly.
This implies the choice of material used for hydrocarbon pipelines and gas and oil transportation can significantly impact lead time, operating costs, ease of installation, ownership costs, compliance, maintenance costs, and much more.
Although fiberglass pipes have been widely used for natural gas and petroleum transportation, more advanced reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTP) are available now. They’re made of glass fiber or aramid fiber in the thermoplastic matrix.
Fiberglass pipes have gained popularity as they can not only withstand extreme conditions but are also not susceptible to common problems other glass fiber products are prone to. Here are a few things the China-based RTP pipe manufacturers want you to know.
Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipes 101
RTP pipes are reinforced by high-strength materials that are reliable and spoolable. They provide reliable solutions for transporting refined fuels, hydrocarbons, and chemicals because of their exceptional paraffin buildup, chemical resistance, and weight-to-strength ratio. The reinforcement adds to the reliability of the pipe.
They were first developed in long lengths back in 1998. The concept and design were based on LLRTP (Long-Length Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipes), and most pipes today are still a modified version of the thermoplastic pipes that were first produced in the 1960s.
They’ve successfully replaced steel in many applications due to their durability and versatility. RTP pipes are the next generation in high-pressure pipelines as they’re scaling, corrosion, and maintenance-free and consist of an abrasion-resistant outer jacket, making them suitable for a broad range of applications. They coined the term Flexible Composite Pipes (FCP) in 2020 to include various versions of reinforcement pipes under one umbrella.
Properties of Fiberglass Composite Pipes, AKA Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipes
These pipes are composed of many layers to prevent permeability. The piping systems available at CNPS are completely bonded to form a powerful unit. They boast many unique features versus metallic pipelines in corrosion resistance, installation speed, reliability, re-usability, and flexibility. Their solutions meet ISO and API standards and promote safe operations.
Benefits of Reinforced Thermoplastic Fiberglass Over Traditional Pipes in O&G Pipeline Construction
#1- Ability to Withstand High Temperatures and Pressure
Reinforced thermoplastic pipes are perfectly suited for oil and gas operations because of their greater material strength and higher permeability. These pipelines can resist higher temperatures and pressures without being damaged. Resistance can be added with resin to make the pipes withstand up to 3000 degrees Celsius. Static conductivity can also be obtained by adding graphite or carbon fibers.
#2- Extended Lifetime
The corrosion-resistant properties of reinforced thermoplastic make them more durable and reliable than their steel counterparts. They withstand CO2, H2S, and salt corrosion as well. It contributes to the entire system’s extensive lifespan without additional costs. Adding a Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) layer further adds resistance to harsh chemicals and bacteria, making it a superior choice for extremely harsh, abrasive, or corrosive environments.
#3- Lower Cost and Easier Installation
RTP’s installation process requires fewer resources and is comparatively less time-consuming than other options as they allow streamlining operations while minimizing hazards and safety issues. Their spoolability reduces downtime and installation costs, while their flexibility solves the issue of challenging terrains. Many fittings and coupling options are also available in various types to connect to the common infrastructure of the oilfield.
#4- Conductive to Electricity
When electrical conductivity and cost savings are both important, it’s possible to add conductive reinforced fillers or fibers during pipe fabrication. The composite structure of pipes allows designing them to match various project requirements cost-effectively. High-quality RTP pipes don’t conduct electricity, which is why they offer better electrical properties than metallic pipes.
#5- Low Total Ownership Cost and Ease of Maintenance
RTPs are resistant to paraffin buildup. They’re also easy to inspect and maintain. The abrasion-free material reduces product failures and leakage concerns. Fewer joints are required, and customization is easy for matching diverse applications. Selected properties can be added to minimize the cost of ownership and maintenance. CNPS uses state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to ensure top-notch quality during manufacturing.
#6- Lightweight
The weight of these pipes is almost 33% less than the weight of their0 metallic counterparts and 12% less than concrete pipes. It means significantly lower handling, shipping, site installation, and transportation costs.
#7- Excellent Pressure Absorbers
These pipes are designed to absorb up to 37% of surge pressure, making them excellent for high-pressure applications. There’s also no need to increase the pressure class to benefit from this property.
Once GRE pipes are installed properly, they’re virtually maintenance-free. Their strength-to-weight and fatigue endurance ratio offers additional benefits associated with designing lightweight pipes and reducing replacement costs or downtime. The smooth inner surface leads to minimal friction loss throughout the lifecycle of these pipes.
RTP systems also offer a unique combination of mechanical and thermal resistance because they’re made with a combination of high-performance elements. When weathering is a concern, UV inhibitors can be added to enhance efficiency.
These pipes also offer extraordinary hydraulic features to enhance the flow volume. Low friction results in less energy required for pumping, which leads to lower operational costs. The pipes also boast a long service life and are resistant to surge pressure. Their ability to withstand harsh environments makes them perfect for use in chemical plants, desalination plants, oil and gas exploration, and many other applications.
Since different applications require pipes with particular technical characteristics for improved efficiency, set a consultation with experts at CNPS to discuss your needs before browsing their collection of RTP pipes for sale.
As one of the leading fiberglass pipe suppliers in town, we offer a range of services, including GRE, GRP, RTP, and FRP fiberglass pipeline systems, pipe installation, and GRE casing solutions.
The China-based company also offers geology supplies and mud-logging solutions for surface logging service providers. Give them a call to learn more about our non-metallic solutions, alloy OCTG products, and composite pipes designed using the latest technologies to meet the rigorous demands of diverse industrial applications.