Manufacturing Composite Structures (September 1995)

Innovative Joining/Fitting Technology for Advanced Composite Piping Systems

Sponsor: EDO Specialty Plastics (formerly Specialty Plastics, Inc.)

• Project Performance Period: 9/20/1995 - 9/19/1998
• Total project (est.): $2,463,293.00
• Requested ATP funds: $1,817,984.00

The cost of offshore oil and gas production could be reduced significantly if even a portion of the heavier metal pipelines could be replaced with lighter weight pipe made of composite materials. Indeed, an estimated $250,000 per meter of water depth, or $150 million per offshore platform, could be saved if composite pipes were employed to access deep-water reserves. But use of these lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials has been impeded by the absence of adequate methods for joining pipe segments and manufacturing fittings. Specialty Plastics Inc. proposes to combine innovative design concepts with intelligent" manufacturing processes to develop joining and fitting technologies that also satisfy mechanical and safety requirements. Design concepts to be considered include integral flanges (ribs or rims used to attach two components) that eliminate joints between the pipe and the flange and enhanced chemical bonding between adhesives and composites. The company also will develop new processes for manufacturing pipe fittings that increase production rates, reduce costs, and enhance component properties. The ATP funding will provide key high-risk technology needed to develop costly deep-water platforms and exploit domestic reserves in the Gulf of Mexico, which could help reduce the nation's $1 billion-per-week spending on imported oil. Also, the use of composite pipes in a range of industries could reduce the $20 billion spent annually in the United States to combat corrosion. Strategic alliances include the U.S. Coast Guard (Washington, DC), the American Bureau of Shipping (New Orleans, LA), Amoco (Naperville, IL), Shell (New Orleans, LA and Houston, TX), and ARCO (Plano, TX). Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA) is a subcontractor that adds expertise in intelligent manufacturing of composites.

For project information:

Richard H. Lea, (504) 752-2705

ATP Project Manager

H. Felix Wu, (301) 975-4685
felix.wu@nist.gov