Crack management has become a major focus for many gas and liquid transmission pipeline operators. Failures associated with crack-like features have been a concern for both pipe operators and regulatory agencies. As a result, pipeline operators are excavating large numbers of features for not only in-line inspection (ILI) validation purposes, but also to make repairs. Additionally, ILI technologies have advanced significantly in recent years and are identifying an increasing number of features with greater levels of accuracy. With increased data generation, operators are faced with an unprecedented amount of information that requires response prioritization. Because of high levels of conservatism associated with today’s assessment methods, pipeline operators are spending a significant amount of capital excavating crack-like features. There is a need for improved assessment methods that integrates testing simulated / synthetic crack-like features. This paper will provide details on a study funded to systematically generate crack-like features in pipeline materials with the application of cyclic internal pressure loading. Synthetic crack-like features were generated in 12.75-inch × 0.250-inch, Grade X42 pipe material using electronic discharge machining (EDM) to form notches. Notch depths were 10% of the nominal wall thickness and ranged from 1-inch to 3-inches in length. The pipe samples were then pressure cycled to achieve microcracking at the base of each notch. Initial stages of the program involved sectioning features to quantify crack growth levels. Once a systematic process for growing cracks from EDM starter notches had been validated, testing involved cyclic pressure fatigue to failure and burst testing. The advantage with the crack generation methodology used in this study was the ability to generate sharp, crack-like features without altering the microstructure of the pipe material in the vicinity of the feature. Programs such as the one presented in this paper are useful for both generating features in pipeline materials and quantifying behavior of pipeline materials subjected to cyclic pressure and burst loading.

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A study was conducted to evaluate two composite repair technologies used to reinforce severe corrosion and thru-wall leaking defects in thin-walled pipe materials; conditions where the welding of conventional Type B steel sleeves cannot be conducted. This program involved the reinforcement of simulated 85% corrosion defects in 6.625-inch × 0.157-inch, Grade X52 pipe materials subjected to cyclic pressure and burst testing. The test matrix also included repaired pipe samples with thru-wall defects that were pressurized using nitrogen gas and buried for 90 days. The program was comprehensive in that it evaluated the following elements involving a total of 81 reinforced corrosion defects. • Corrosion features with a depth of 85% of the pipe’s nominal wall thickness in thin-walled pipe material (i.e., 0.157 inches, or 4 mm). • Thru-wall defects having a diameter of 0.125 inches (3 mm). • Repairs made with leaking defects having 100 psig (690 kPa) internal pressure. • Strain gage measurement made in non-leaking 85% corrosion defects; it should be noted that the remaining “15%” ligament was 0.024 inches (0.6 mm); to the author’s knowledge, no high-pressure testing has ever been conducted on such a thin remaining wall. • Long-term 90-day test that included pressurization with nitrogen gas, followed by relatively aggressive pressure cycling up to 80% SMYS followed by burst testing. This is the first comprehensive study conducted by a major transmission pipeline operator evaluating the performance of competing composite technologies used to reinforce severe corrosion features with thru-wall defects. The reinforcement of leaks has not been accepted by regulatory bodies such as the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), or the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). A goal of the current study is to validate composite repair technologies as a precursor to regulatory approval. The results of this study indicate that viable composite repair technologies exist with capabilities to reinforce leaks in pipelines that experience operating conditions typical for gas transmission systems (i.e., minimal pressure cycling).