Pipeline Repair Systems
Pipelines are critical components of modern infrastructure, transporting water, wastewater, oil, gas, and industrial fluids across vast distances. Many of these pipelines are aging and suffer from corrosion, cracks, joint failures, or structural deterioration. Traditional repair methods often require extensive excavation, shutdown of the pipeline, or replacement of long sections of pipe—leading to high costs and significant service disruptions.
QuakeWrap® has developed a range of advanced Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) repair systems that provide efficient, long-lasting solutions for restoring the structural capacity of pipelines. These systems can often be installed with minimal disruption to operations and offer excellent corrosion resistance, lightweight handling, and rapid installation.
Depending on the pipe material, level of damage, and accessibility of the pipeline, QuakeWrap® offers several proven technologies for pipeline rehabilitation.
Wet Layup FRP System
The wet layup FRP system is one of the most versatile and widely used techniques for strengthening pipelines. In this method, high-strength carbon or glass fiber fabrics are saturated with epoxy resin and wrapped around the exterior of the pipe.
Once cured, the composite wrap forms a strong structural shell that restores strength and protects the pipe from further corrosion. Multiple layers can be applied to achieve the required structural capacity.
This solution is particularly effective for:
- Corroded steel pipelines
- Localized wall thinning
- External corrosion protection
- Reinforcement of welded joints and fittings
The wet layup system is lightweight, adaptable to irregular geometries, and can be installed quickly in the field without the need for heavy equipment.
StifPipe®
StifPipe® is a patented composite pipe system developed by QuakeWrap® for the structural rehabilitation of deteriorated pipelines. It consists of lightweight FRP pipes manufactured using resin infusion technology and designed to be installed inside existing pipelines.
After installation, the annular space between the host pipe and the StifPipe® liner is filled with grout or resin, creating a composite system that restores or exceeds the structural capacity of the original pipeline.
Key advantages include:
- Structural renewal of severely deteriorated pipelines
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Lightweight components for easy installation
- Long service life with minimal maintenance
StifPipe® has been successfully used for rehabilitation of municipal and industrial pipelines where traditional replacement would be costly or disruptive.
InfinitPipe®
InfinitPipe® is a continuous FRP pipe system designed for trenchless rehabilitation of pipelines. The system allows long lengths of composite pipe to be manufactured and installed inside existing pipelines, creating a new structural pipeline within the old one.
The flexible nature of InfinitPipe® enables installation through existing access points while minimizing excavation and service disruption.
Benefits of InfinitPipe® include:
- Continuous structural liner for long pipeline segments
- Excellent resistance to corrosion and chemical attack
- Reduced installation time compared with pipe replacement
- Minimal excavation and environmental disturbance
This system is particularly suitable for rehabilitation of water, wastewater, and industrial pipelines where maintaining service continuity is important.
SuperLaminate™ for Internal Spot Repair
While many pipeline rehabilitation systems address long sections of pipe, pipelines often suffer from localized defectssuch as corrosion pits, cracks, or mechanical damage.
QuakeWrap® offers SuperLaminate™, a high-strength composite laminate designed for internal spot repair of oil and gas transmission pipelines. The laminate panels are installed inside the pipeline to reinforce the damaged section and restore structural integrity without replacing the pipe.
Key features include:
- High-strength carbon fiber composite construction
- Targeted repair of localized damage
- Rapid installation with minimal disruption
- Suitable for high-pressure oil and gas pipelines
SuperLaminate™ provides pipeline operators with a reliable and cost-effective method to address localized damage while extending the service life of critical infrastructure.
This project has been featured on the USDOT’s website as a model successful technology developed though the SBIR Program.