Enhancing Aging Natural Gas

Pipelines with Trenchless Repairs

Tri Tien
Camminhtri.tien@usq.edu.au
Supervisors: Allan Manalo

1 Introduction
In this study, we explore trenchless, internal replacement pipe repair
technologies as a versatile solution for rehabilitating aging natural gas pipelines.
Our focus is on assessing the impact of adhesion between the host pipe and the
structural internal replacement pipe repair system under four point bending
deflection loading. By utilising experimental, numerical, and analytical techniques,
we aim to provide a thorough understanding of the factors contributing to the
system's performance. The findings offer new insights into developing trenchless
repair techniques to enhance system performance and extend service life. Image courtesy of Warren Environmental

Three-Phased Engineering Approach

Four-point Bending Analytical Validation Numerical Modelling Using Adhesive Debonding Mechanism Experimental Validation

Elastic section modulus Applied moment Theoretical stress Introducing a thin

𝜋 𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑖4 𝑃 𝑀 film of adhesive
𝑆= 𝑀= 𝑥 𝜎=
32𝐷𝑜 2 𝑆 with debonding
mechanism

Load Numerical Analytical Deflection Numerical Analytical Stress

Deflection Deflection Error Stress Stress Error
(%)
mm (inch) mm (inch) % MPa (psi) MPa (psi)
kN (kip)
16 (4) 0.175 (0.00689) 0.178 (0.007) 1.742 3.375 (489.5) 3.645 (528.7) 7.413
31 (7) 0.350 (0.01380) 0.356 (0.014) 1.567 6.764 (981.1) 7.291 (1057.4) 7.224
47 (11) 0.526 (0.02069) 0.534 (0.021) 1.592 10.144 (1471.3) 10.936 (1586.1) 7.242
63 (14) 0.701 (0.02758) 0.712 (0.028) 1.614 13.522 (1961.3) 14.581 (2114.9) 7.263
79 (18) 0.875 (0.03447) 0.890 (0.035) 1.636 16.899 (2450.9) 18.227 (2643.6) 7.286
94 (21) 1.050 (0.04135) 1.068 (0.042) 1.657 20.276 (2940.8) 21.873 (3172.3) 7.301
110 (25) 1.225 (0.04822) 1.246 (0.049) 1.693 23.653 (3430.5) 25.517 (3701.0) 7.305
126 (28) 1.400 (0.05510) 1.424 (0.056) 1.721 27.029 (3920.2) 29.163 (4229.7) 7.317
142 (32) 1.573 (0.06194) 1.602 (0.063) 1.798 30.404 (4409.7) 32.808 (4758.5) 7.327
157 (35) 1.747 (0.06877) 1.780 (0.070) 1.860 33.769 (4897.7) 36.454 (5287.2) 7.365
COV (%) 5.529 0.772

Accurate Debonding & Failure Prediction

Highly Accurate Deflection Performance Stress Concentration and Fatigue Life Prediction Debonding Mode and Catastrophic Failure Prediction
Position (inch) 5 MPa 20 MPa 40 MPa
Displacement (inch) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 30 4275
80 18

25 Shear Strength 20 Mpa (Benchmark)

70 16
Shear Strength 5 Mpa
3275
Shear Strength 40 Mpa
14 20
60
Normal Stress (MPa)

Debonding modes in the adhesive layer of a 0.5-inch discontinuous IRP system at a maximum load of 71.172 kN (16 kip) (true scale)
Normal Stress (psi)

12
50 2275 40 MPa
15 5 MPa 20 MPa
Force (kip)
Force (kN)

10
40 The stress data is extracted
10
8 along the invert line 1275
30
6 5

20 275
4
0 Debonding modes in the adhesive layer of a 6-inch discontinuous IRP system at a maximum load of 56.937 kN (12.8 kip) (true scale)
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
10 2
-5 -725
Position (mm)
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Displacement (mm)

Invert 1.7450 inch - FEA Invert 23.3005 inch - FEA

Invert 1.7450 inch - FEA (Debonding) Invert 23.3005 inch - FEA (Debonding)
Invert 1.706 in - Experiment Invert 23.5615 in - Experiment

Load Locations Deflection, mm (inch) Difference

FEA (Debonding) Experiment
kN (kip) (%)
Shear Strength 5 20 40
21.35 (4.8) 1.7065 inch 0.897 (0.035) 0.975 (0.038) 8
MPa
23.3005 inch 0.526 (0.021) 0.617 (0.024) 15
Maximum Normal Stress 22.905 (3.322) 24.922 (3.615) 24.922 (3.615)
69.09 (15.5) 1.7065 inch 4.992 (0.197) 4.925 (0.194) 1
MPa (ksi)
23.3005 inch 2.622 (0.103) 2.855 (0.112) 8 Buckling failure in the IRP layer of a 6-inch discontinuous IRP system employing the adhesive shear
Predicted life cycles to failure 3,421,786 1,267,786 1,267,786
strength of 5 MPa at a maximum load of 56.937 kN (12.8 kip) (magnified 4.5 times).

4 Conclusion or Future Directions

The present work offers a comprehensive investigation into the performance of the Internal Replacement Pipe
(IRP) system under deflection loading with the key findings: 1/ Numerical approach with adhesive shear strength
improves accuracy; 2/ Discontinuous IRP benefits from controlled debonding, thicker layers; 3/ Continuous IRP
unaffected by adhesive strength or surface prep; 4/ Optimised bonding strength enhances fatigue life; excess is
detrimental.
The validated numerical method and insights can benefit future pipe in pipe research, aiding design and
maintenance of trenchless IRP technology for more efficient pipelines.