High-Temperature Pipe Reinforcement With In-Situ Epoxy Composite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reinforcing high-pressure, high-temperature pipes are difficult and expensive, and existing composite materials used for repairs often have low heat resistance, making them unsuitable for high-temperature applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a curable epoxy resin composition and a curing agent to form a cured composite material with a glass transition temperature of at least 250°F (121.1°C), which is applied to the inner or outer surface of the pipe, incorporating a reinforcing material such as carbon fibers, to provide structural reinforcement suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional composite materials are used for pipe repair, then the repair can be applied in situ, but the heat resistance is insufficient for high-temperature applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the epoxy resin system, specifically using a modified epoxy resin with aromatic glycidyl ether groups and selecting curing agents with higher thermal stability (such as cyclic amines like DDS, TDDM, or aromatic diamines like TDA). This compositional parameter change raises the glass transition temperature from typical values to above 250°F, enabling high-temperature service while maintaining the in-situ repair application method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining specifically selected epoxy resin components with reinforcing materials (carbon fiber, aramid, fiberglass, or steel mesh) and high-thermal-stability curing agents. This composite approach achieves both the applicability for in-situ repair and the required heat resistance by synergistically combining materials with complementary properties
2Reliability
If the pipe is taken offline for replacement, then the piping can be replaced with new high-temperature resistant pipe, but the process downtime increases and financial losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary reinforcement of the existing pipe structure with a high-temperature resistant composite material that can be applied in-situ before the pipe reaches failure conditions. This preliminary strengthening extends the service life of the existing pipe, allowing it to continue operating in high-temperature service without requiring premature replacement or shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the high-temperature resistance property from the entire pipe replacement process and applies it selectively as a surface composite material on the existing pipe. This allows the beneficial high-temperature resistance to be obtained without extracting the pipe from service for replacement, thereby eliminating the associated downtime and financial losses
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for in-situ reinforcement of pipes, enabling them to withstand temperatures up to 600°F (315.6°C) and pressures up to 500 PSI (3447.4 kPa) without requiring pipe downtime, thus reducing maintenance costs and extending pipe lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
combining a curable epoxy resin composition and a curing agent, thereby forming an epoxy reaction mixture; allowing the epoxy reaction mixture to cure in situ, thereby forming a cured composite material
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods for reinforcing a high-temperature, high pressure pipe. In one embodiment, a reinforcing material (e.g., carbon fiber) and an epoxy resin composition are applied to an inner or outer surface of a pipe. The epoxy resin composition is cured in situ, thereby forming a cured composite material attached to the inner or outer surface of the pipe. The cured composite material comprises a cured epoxy resin composition having a Tg of at least about 250° F. (121.1° C.).