Composite repair is a hand-applied fiberglass solution that bonds with high strength epoxy to repair damaged pipe and structures without performing hot work.
No quality or strength is sacrificed in using this relatively easy-to-apply technology, and because there’s no hot work involved, you can drive cost-efficiency by not requiring a shutdown.
In this article, I’m going to share with you 4 reasons to choose Composite Repair and how you can use this technology to perform repairs at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement and without interrupting operations.
1. Choose Your Lifespan
As mentioned, Composite Repair uses lightweight materials in the form of fiberglass cloth and high strength epoxy to extend the life of your pipe.
There are different types of cloths and epoxies used, and the types used for your situation are custom engineered based on what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a “bandaid” fix that will extend the life until your next turnaround when you can do the full replacement, composites can do that.
If you’re looking for a permanent solution that will last 20 years and eliminate the requirement to replace that pipe altogether, composites can do that as well.
The duration you’re looking for will affect the cost of the product, providing you flexibility on what you want to pay based on the life you’re looking to get.
2. Custom Engineered
Even though Composite Repairs are relatively simple compared to a full pipe replacement, they are completely custom engineered. This is not a situation where you have a one size fits all product where we go to your facility and wrap the pipe a few times and leave.
A full analysis and conversation occurs before the work. What are the pressure and temperature requirements, for example?
Different epoxies will be used based on this analysis. That being said, composites can withstand up to 3600 psi and have a temperature range of -75 to +220 degrees celsius.
Whatever the conditions of your facility, a custom engineered option can be developed to make the repair work for you.
3. Strengthen Your Structures
While repairing pipe with composite holds value in keeping operations going and reducing cost, the cloth and epoxies used can also be used to repair other corroded steel structures.
Caissons and risers are a couple of examples where this technology can be used to extend lifespan. Roofs, floors, and even decks can be repaired.
You can use this technology to improve safety at your facility by making these types of repairs, hot work free.
4. No Hot Work
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly – because there are no sparks involved, you don’t need to perform hot work.
You save a ton of costs in terms of keeping product moving and not shutting down. What could be a huge problem is reduced to a minor repair done relatively quickly.
Something else to consider – you eliminate all of the associated safety risks that come from hot work.
There’s also extra personnel and numerous safety meetings and testing that don’t need to be done. This drives huge cost efficiency, requires considerably less time investment, and keeps workers safe.
The Popularity Is Growing
Composite Repair has officially been approved by a pressure authority for use in Alberta, and we hope to see other provinces follow the example.
The ability to repair damaged pipe without impacting your facility is such a huge cost saving strategy that we are excited to see this technology explode.
Plus, you eliminate safety risks. This is something you can’t necessarily attach a dollar value to, but knowing that workers are going to be safe is something I personally get excited about.
When you are ready to learn more about this technology to repair pipe without interrupting operations or sacrificing quality while driving cost efficiency and safety, visit this page.
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