Elevating Pipe Wrap Standards for Enhanced System Safety and Compliance
We know you want to keep your system safe, and viable and have better pipe wrap standards. We also understand that you have the highest standards for maintenance and repair to stay compliant.
This is why Innovator Industrial Services works hand-in-hand with the Canadian authorities to ensure all of our solutions are compliant with approved codes and standards. We also get as many installation procedures tested and pre-approved so you’re not left waiting on a lengthy review process at a time when you need it most.
However, despite all of our efforts to stay ahead of the system, there’s one leak prevention and structural repair solution that has no standard to meet in all pressure jurisdictions across Canada: composite repair.
Struggles Surrounding Composite Pipe Repair
Composite pipe repair is a very common process that is an excellent solution for preventing leaks in corroded pipes. It provides enough stability to allow users to continue with their normal operations until a scheduled shutdown. You can even create a permanent repair which is a huge benefit from both a cost and scheduling standpoint.
Unfortunately, improper wrap application causes more harm than good. These can result in leaks that are costly and time-consuming to repair.
“Each composite wrap repair system is designed specifically for that application,” explains Mike Brown, Execution Manager at Innovator. “We take into account the percentage of wall loss, size of the defect, and pipe surface condition. Without this level of detail, it’s easy to mess this up.”
“Currently, composite wrap repair is not recognized by all local safety authorities across Canada. After years of work, we got it there in Alberta and Saskatchewan, explains Don Cooper, Innovator’s CEO. But for some jurisdictions there is still no specific standard to meet,” Cooper says. The responsibility is with the installer. And without the proper training and engineering background, you can run into numerous issues.
Setting Standards
Because we are attempting to overcome these struggles, Innovator continues to petition for establishing a composite wrap repair standard with all Canadian Safety Authorities.
We’ve done all of the work; supported creating industry groups, completed extensive testing, and created a comprehensive catalog that has been submitted to various regulatory agencies. Now we are working together towards setting this precedent in the industry,” Brown says.
What does this catalog entail? As Cooper explains, “What we’ve done for the catalog is set up failure scenarios to simulate what we expect to encounter in the field. For each pipe size and fitting (tees and elbows), we’ve put together a repair recommendation based on various levels of wall loss.”
By anticipating as many failure scenarios as possible, Innovator can then pre-design the composite wrap procedures for each one. This gives our customers the peace of mind that the installation will be done safely, correctly, and cost-effectively.
And it’s not just a good move for our customers. We feel it’s beneficial for the Safety Authority and the entire industry. If standardization goes into effect everywhere, pipe wrap repairs will require a Canadian Registration Number (CRN) or similar approval. “This gives the regulatory agencies the criteria they need to inspect it and make sure it meets a standard,” Brown says. It also gives companies a way to hold contractors accountable and have confidence in the repairs they receive.
Watch for updates as Innovator continues working with pressure authorities outside of Alberta and Saskatchewan to gain approval for this new standard. If you are a facility owner chief inspector or senior integrity engineer in parts of Canada without composite legislative approvals, reach out to us and we can work together to make it so.
Innovator Industrial Services brings the latest technology to your site. To learn how Innovator can solve your pipeline inspection and maintenance challenges, contact us by email at info@innovatorind.com, by phone at (855) 436-4666, or on our website.
