The use of fiber reinforced polymeric composites in pipelines: A review

Abstract

In operation, pipelines are increasingly used worldwide to meet higher transportation demands for strategic fluids while optimizing costs. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite is used in many pipeline industries of water, oil, and gas transportation since they could resist corrosion and have lighter weight to high strength ratios. FRP composite pipes are getting cheaper in installation costs, favored in various applications. FRP has good mechanical properties, which improve stiffness, strength, pressure capacity, durability, cost-benefit, and environmental footprint when combined with other materials. This paper covers different FRP composites' applications in pipelines and their development over time. It reviews the pipelines based on the transported fluid and reviews the developed composite pipelines and the repaired conventional pipelines against corrosion or leaking using different FRP types. The review includes the most common way to employ FRP composites in different pipeline applications. Different designs and applications of FRP composites in pipelines towards achieving enhanced properties are summarized and compared. Future challenges and research directions are discussed in detail.