PR-473-144506-R01 State of the Art Alternatives to Steel Pipelines

This report is a literature review of several non-metallic material systems often used as alter-natives to steel pipelines. The pipeline systems reviewed are high density polyethylene (HDPE), fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), flexible composite and thermoplastic liners. This report is not intended to be a detailed guide or design manual on the use of the referenced materials for pipeline applications, rather an overall evaluation on the current state of these systems. Significant industry literature and documentation already exists on the design, manufacturing, installation, and operation of these pipelines. This information currently resides in pipe manufacturer’s manuals and various industry standards and guides published by organizations such as ASTM International (ASTM), American Petroleum Institute (API) American Water Works Association (AWWA), and International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In Canada, the oil and gas industry pipeline code, CSA Z662-2015 (Canadian Standards Association, 2015). Users should frequently consult the manufacturers of the pipe products in use or under consideration for use for clarification and suggestions regarding the best practices, considerations and applications of the materials in question. In addition, pipeline operators should be aware of the applicable regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions they are operating within.