Pipelines improve performance with composite materials

Pipelines transport oil, gas and other materials vital to the function of society. It’s important to keep the contents of the pipes contained not only because it’s expensive to lose material to leaks, but because leaks can damage the environment. One of the biggest threats to the integrity of modern pipelines is corrosion.

Corrosion causes an estimated $300 billion worth of damage every year. This is a common problem in all industries, but it’s especially common in the oil and gas industry due to the oxidation of pipes containing iron. Fortunately, these industries can prevent this problem with composite materials.

The benefits of using composites in pipelines

Composites can be used to produce strong and durable pipelines on land and under the sea.  Materials like vinyl ester resins and fiberglass-reinforced plastics have strength and flexibility that rivals that of metals, but they surpass the performance of metal with their corrosion-resistant properties.

Using composites in the construction of pipelines offers many benefits, including:

• Composites can reinforce metals — If your business operates an existing metallic pipeline, you can reinforce it with composite materials. Epoxy coating helps protect metal from corrosive materials in the environment.

• Composites stand strong on their own — If you don’t have existing metal pipes or if you’re looking for alternatives, you should consider composite pipes. They last much longer than metallic pipelines, which helps reduce costs in maintenance and repairs. This can save your business a lot over the years.

• Composites improve safety — Composite materials are safer to use since they can prevent the corrosion that causes leaks in pipelines. This helps protect the environment, wildlife and human beings from any damage from exposure to oil and gas.

Composites One is the leading composite materials distributor in North America

If your business uses pipelines or tanks for the transportation and storage of corrosive materials, you’ll need corrosion-resistant containers. In many cases, composites are the best option for retaining the strength of metal while resisting corrosion from gas, oil and environmental elements.

At Composites One, we distribute thousands of composite materials from our 41 distribution centers across the United States and Canada. If you’re looking for corrosion-resistant materials for your business’s next pipeline, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more about composites like vinyl ester resins and fiber-reinforced plastics.