Failure analysis using finite element method of defective pipelines reinforced with composite repair system

The composite repair in the petroleum industry is currently limited to 50 bar and therefore, it is required to qualify its suitability and application for higher pressure as this is limiting the application within the industry. A Finite Element Analysis is carried out to qualify the use of the composite repair wrapping on a defected pipeline operating at high pressure. The investigation involves studying the impact of the composite wrapping's geometrical properties such as the fiber orientations, the repair length and the repair thickness on the failure pressure. The results of this study have shown that the repair can be effective provided that the appropriate repair parameters of thickness, length and fiber-orientations are observed. The study has also revealed that the repair thickness and fiber-orientation have the most significant impact on the repair effectiveness.