26
Internal
Pipe Repair System--Foster-Miller, Inc., 350 Second Avenue,
Waltham, MA 02451-1196;
781-684-4224
Mr.
James Carter, Principal Investigator, jcarter@foster-miller.com
Mr.
Ross Olander, Business Official, sdorsey@foster-miller.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-02ER83432
Amount:
$99,929
Pipe
and/or joint leakage is a critical problem for both the transmission and
distribution of natural gas. Most
distribution and some transmission systems are located in densely populated
urban settings, and these pipeline defects would jeopardize the safety of the
surrounding public if left unrepaired. Although
external repairs are practical, many collateral costs (associated with traffic
control and disruption, public and worker safety, waste disposal, and pavement
restoration) result in an annual cost of over $150 million to the gas industry.
This project will develop an internal pipe repair system that seals leaks
in pipes and joints from the inside of the pipe.
The concept consists of a self-expanding, narrow band of composite
material that is circumferentially aligned with the pipe defect and confines a
bead of sealant between itself and the pipe wall.
Phase I will (1) demonstrate the feasibility of a self-expanding sealing
band combined with an expanding foam sealant to stop leakage through the pipe
wall and/or joint; and
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits
as described by the awardee: Gas
leakage results in unsafe operating conditions for working crews, the general
public, and the end consumer. In
addition, unaccounted-for gas (including gas leaks) results in millions of
dollars in lost revenue for the gas utilities annually.
The internal repair system should greatly reduce the cost for repairing
gas main leaks in both transmission and distribution pipelines located in urban
settings. Use on water and sewer
lines also would be expected.