Repair of B31.1 Fiber Reinforced Polymer Piping System Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Abstract

This paper describes the use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) for the repair of leaking Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) pipe. The existing piping system, which is used for slurry transport, consisted of straight pipe, reducers, and elbows connected by bell and spigot joints. The piping system was evaluated for pressure, deadweight, and fluid thrust loads in accordance with B31.1 Power Piping Code and ASME BPVC Section III, Code Case N-155. The pipe leaks and joint repairs were in accordance with ASME PCC-2 and ASME BPVC, Section III, Code Case N-155. The CFRP repair was done with Aegion TYFO® Fibrwrap® carbon fiber reinforced fiber wrap (TYFO SCH-41-2X) saturated with epoxy. The repair uses the unidirectional carbon fiber installed in layers 90° to each layer. The circumferential layers are used for hoop pressure stress while the axial layers restrain axial pressure, deadweight, and fluid thrust loadings on the pipe.