Lessons Learned

from Natural Gas STAR Partners

Composite Wrap for Non-Leaking Pipeline

Defects
Executive Summary

Technology Background

Composite wrap is a permanent, cost-effective pipeline

repair technology, suitable for non-leaking defects such as
pits, dents, gouges, and external corrosion. Composite
wrap can be performed on an operating pipeline without
taking it out of service. This repair technique is quick and
generally less costly than other repair options, and it
permanently restores the pressure-containing capability of
the pipe when properly installed.

Non-leaking pipeline defects such as corrosion, dents,

gouges, pits, and cracks can cause pipelines to rupture.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT), there are three primary methods of repair for nonleaking defects on steel pipelines:

Composite wrap can serve as an alternative to the

traditional pipeline repair practices such as pipeline
replacement or the installation of full-encirclement steel
split sleeves. Compared to these traditional practices,
composite wrap repairs are generally less expensive, time
consuming, and labor intensive. In the case of pipeline
replacement, composite wrap repair has additional
advantages of avoiding customer service interruptions and
eliminating methane emissions associated with the
venting of the damaged pipeline.
Using composite wrap as an alternative to pipeline
replacement often saves enough gas to pay back repair
costs immediately. One Natural Gas STAR partner
reported completing 2 to 65 composite wrap repairs per
year on pipelines 10'' and larger, saving 526 thousand
cubic feet (Mcf) to 27,500 Mcf of natural gas per repair.
Between 1993 and 1999, this partner saved 106,133 Mcf by
choosing composite wrap over pipeline replacement.

Cut out damaged segment and replace with new pipe.

Install a full-encirclement steel split sleeve over the
damaged area.
Install a composite sleeve over the damaged area.
Both the pipeline replacement and steel sleeve installation
procedures are expensive, time-consuming, and laborintensive. Pipeline replacement requires that the affected
portion of the line be shutdown, often resulting in service
interruption. The gas in the line is then purged, the
affected segment is cutout, and a new segment of pipeline
is welded into place. Steel sleeves are typically used to
repair leaking or weakened pipe without shutdowns. The
damaged pipeline is excavated, the pipe exterior is
cleaned, and the stainless steel split sleeve is bolted or
welded into place.
Use of composite wrap as an alternative to pipeline
replacement can reduce safety risks, decrease pipeline
downtime, save gas for sale, and decrease methane
emissions to the atmosphere. Composite wrap systems

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Method for
Reducing Natural
Gas Losses

Volume of
Natural Gas
Savings (Mcf/yr)

Composite Wrap
Repaira

3,960

Value of Natural Gas Savings

($/yr)
$3 per Mcf

$5 per Mcf

$7 per Mcf

$11,880

$19,800

$27,720

Payback (Months)

Implementation
Cost ($)b

$5,648

$3 per Mcf

$5 per Mcf

$7 per Mcf

General Assumptions:
a Repair of a 6 defect on a 24 diameter pipeline operated at 350 psig with 10 miles between shut-off valves.
b Includes labor, equipment and materials, and indirect costs. Note that cost of pipeline replacement for this example is $39,534, including cost of purge gas (nitrogen at $8/Mcf). See Exhibit 5 for more details.

Composite Wrap for Non-Leaking Pipeline Defects

(Contd)

allow pipeline repair without shutting down gas flow,

purging the pipeline, or cutting into the pipe. Composite
wrap systems operate by transferring the hoop stress from
the defect through a high
compressive
strength
filler to a composite Two Classes of Full-Encirclement
sleeve, which is wrapped Sleeves
around and bonded to Type A: Steel Sleeves are not welded
the pipe. Composite wrap around the circumference to parent
sleeves are considered pipe.
Type A full-encirclement Type B: Steel sleeves are welded
repairs (see the Text around the circumference.
Box).

Composite Wrap Variations

Many variations of composite wrap systems are available.
Composite wrap systems use different materials for wraps
and adhesives, and some systems use epoxy polymers and
curing agents. Examples include Clock Spring,
StrongBack, Armor Plate, and PermaWrapTM. Each has
certain advantages:
Clock Spring is a three-part system in which the
sleeve itself is composed of glass fibers and polyester
resin.
The StrongBack system is water activated, and can
be applied to wet surfaces.
Armor Plate produces varieties of wrap systems
that can be used in a wide range of conditions
including high or low pressure, high or sub freezing
temperature, and under water.

PermaWrapTM (manufactured by WrapMaster, Inc.)

has a feature to allow detection of a previous wrap by
a smart pig, so operators will not have to uncover
pipeline segments that have already been repaired.
Most manufacturers offer installation videos, training
assistance, and pipe defect analysis software. Composite
wrap technologies are advancing rapidly, and partners are
encouraged to look for the best system for their needs once
they decide to repair a non-leaking pipeline using
composite wrap. For a partial list of manufacturers, see
the References section at the end of this study.

Clock Spring Repair

As noted above, there are several variations of composite
wrap repair systems. One that has been used for many
years by several Natural Gas STAR partners is the Clock
Spring system.1 This section will expand on the
materials, installation technique, and special
considerations of this system.
The composite structure. The composite wrap laminate
layers are nominally 0.062 thick and have a glass fiber
content ranging from 60 to 70 percent by weight. One wrap
will cover a one-foot length of pipe. The composite wrap is
wound 8 times around the pipe creating a thickness of
reinforcing material. The length of the spiral strip varies
for each pipe diameter. Clock Spring composite wrap is
available for pipelines between 4" and 56" in diameter.
Adhesive. The two-part adhesive is an epoxy methyl
methacrylate, which is used to hold the repair in place.

Exhibit 1: Clock Spring Composite Wrap

A Clock Spring composite wrap
consists of three parts:

1. A high-strength, unidirectional
composite structure of glass fibers
and a polymer base;

2. A fast curing, high-performance,

two-part adhesive system; and
3. A high compressive-strength,
load-transferring filler compound.
Clock Spring Company L.P.

Composite Wrap for Non-Leaking Pipeline Defects

(Contd)

Load transfer (filler). In pipeline repair, the composite

wrap works by sharing the hoop load carried by the pipe
wall. This load is efficiently transferred to the composite
by the filler. The external defect is filled with the highcompressive strength filler material to prevent the
weakened pipe wall from further yield. The filler material
is a methacrylate with a compressive strength exceeding
800 psi.

While the Clock Spring repair can be made at full

line pressure, manufacturers recommend that line
pressure be reduced during repair. Reducing the
pressure reduces the stress on the defect during
repair. As the repaired area expands during
repressuring, the hoop strain transfers from the steel
to the composite wrap, resulting in a greater load
transfer.

Installation. Training is required to ensure proper

installation of a composite wrap system. For the Clock
Spring composite wrap system, the pipeline
rehabilitation process includes the following steps:

At least 2 of wrap must extend beyond the damage

on either side of the defect for the Clock Spring
system to adhere to the parent pipe. Therefore, a
single 12 sleeve can be used to repair a defect up to
8 long. For damage longer than 8, multiple
composite wrap sleeves are butted adjacent to each
other to cover the length of the damage (a gap can
remain between butt joints). In the U.S., up to 15
Clock Spring sleeves have been butted side-by-side
to repair defects on pipelines between 16 and 30
diameter at 800 to 900 psi.

1. Filling the external defect with the filler material.

2. Winding eight layers of composite sleeve around the
pipe with adhesive applied between the layers.
3. Tightening the composite wrap sleeve onto the pipe
with a tension strap.
4. Allowing the adhesive to cure for about two hours.
5. Coating the repaired pipe to prevent corrosion or
ultraviolet radiation damage (depending on whether
the pipe is buried or not).
6. Reburying the pipeline (if applicable).
Once installed, the filler, adhesive, and composite bond
together to form a permanent repair that the
manufacturer estimates will last at least 50 years. In some
situations, the entire project, from excavation to reburial,
can be completed in as little as 4 hours. A trained twoperson crew can complete an installation in as little as 30
minutes, excluding curing time.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Using composite wrap as an alternative to pipeline
replacement can yield significant economic and
environmental benefits:
Avoidance of costs associated with ensuring
uninterrupted service during a repair, such as
installing bypasses or temporary service lines.
No methane is vented to the atmosphere. Using
composite wraps eliminates the income lost through
natural gas losses.

There are several important points to keep in mind when

installing a Clock Spring system:

Easier and faster installation without the need for

special equipment or highly skilled labor, such as
welders. A single composite wrap can be installed by
a trained two-person crew within 30 minutes. Curing
time is approximately 2 hours.

The maximum operating temperature for the

standard Clock Spring system is 130oF under worst
-case conditions of fully saturated soil.

Ability to perform repairs at full line pressure,

although vendors recommend reducing line pressure
for repair.

Internal gas temperatures up to 180oF can be

accommodated in a modified version of the Clock
Spring system.
If the Clock Spring system is used above ground, a
protective coating is required due to the UV
sensitivity of the material.

Decision Process
Using the five steps discussed below, partners can
determine the methane savings and economics of choosing
composite wrap over pipeline replacement. The cost
analysis for composite wrap in Step 2 is also useful for

Composite Wrap for Non-Leaking Pipeline Defects

(Contd)

comparison with steel sleeve repairs, if sleeving is your

corporate practice.

Step 1: Determine suitable application.

Typical non-leaking defects suitable for composite wrap
repair include dents, gouges, and external corrosion.
Defects of up to 80 percent loss of wall thickness can be
repaired with composite wrap. There are no pressure
limits on the use of composite wrap. Composite wrap can
also be used to repair internal corrosion on a temporary
basis. If the source of corrosion is eliminated, the repair
can be deemed permanent.
When considering the use of composite wrap, important
decision factors include the depth and length of wall loss or
deformation, yield strength, defect depth, defect axial
length, pipeline diameter, wall thickness, and pipeline
operating pressure. While detailed field measurements are
needed to make a final decision as to whether composite
wraps will restore the pipe to American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standards, software
programs such as GRIWrap can be useful in determining
the suitability of composite wrap for a given repair job.
Composite wrap may be an ideal choice for non-leaking
defects when repair is urgently required, must be
completed quickly, and no backup gas supply is available.
If it is determined that composite wrap repairs are not
applicable and that cut-and-replace pipeline repair will be
performed, partners should consider other techniques
recommended by the Natural Gas STAR Program to
reduce the methane emissions from a pipeline undergoing
repairs. See Lessons Learned Study Using Pipeline Pump
-Down Techniques to Lower Gas Line Pressure Before
Maintenance.

Step 2: Calculate cost for composite wrap repair

The cost of composite wrap repair can range greatly
depending on the length of the defect and the pipeline
diameter. The primary costs for installing a composite
wrap sleeve are labor costs, equipment and materials, and
indirect costs such as permits and inspection services.
According to vendors contacted for this study, a two-person
crew can install a single Clock Spring composite wrap in
Five Steps for Evaluating Composite Wrap Repair
1. Determine suitable application;
2. Calculate cost for composite wrap repair;
3. Estimate natural gas savings;
4. Calculate cost of pipeline replacement; and
5. Evaluate the economics

Methane Content of Natural Gas

The average methane content of natural gas varies by natural gas
industry sector. The Natural Gas STAR Program assumes the
following methane content of natural gas when estimating
methane savings for Partner Reported Opportunities.
Production

79 %

Processing

87 %

Transmission and Distribution

94 %

hour. As a rough estimate, assume 2 hours per person

per composite wrap ( hour per installation plus 2 hours
curing time). For a more comprehensive estimate of the
duration of repair, include the time required for
excavation, installation of composite wrap, adhesive curing
time, drying time for coatings, and pipeline reburial. One
partner reports using an estimate of 16 hours from
excavation to reburial for repairs requiring up to 4
composite wraps. Estimates should also include direct
costs for consumable repair materials (e.g., composite wrap
kit and coatings) and indirect costs such as inspection
services and permits.
Clock Spring composite wrap kits contain many of the
items needed to conduct the repairs, including the sleeve,
the adhesive, the filler, a roller applicator, and application
brushes. Cost may range from $535 for a 4 pipeline kit to
nearly $2,477 for a 56 pipeline kit. Some additional
equipment, such as a cinch bar and strap, and a spool
feeder, will also have to be purchased. This equipment,
however, can be used for multiple repairs and the costs can
be spread over the lifetime of the equipment. For more
information on composite wrap kits, please refer to the
Appendix.
Kits from other manufacturers will contain different
equipment. Although this study does not compare the
economics of all of the available composite wrap systems,
the marketplace is quite competitive. The following
economic analysis incorporates cost information provided
by Clock Spring. Partners are encouraged to search for
the composite wrap system that best meets their needs,
and to use the methodology described in this Lessons
Learned study to perform their own economic analysis.
Exhibit 2 shows the most common labor and equipment
costs used in estimating the cost of a composite wrap
repair. One-time costs for training and purchasing
reusable equipment are excluded as they are assumed to
be similar or less than their equivalent costs for a pipeline
replacement project.
4

Composite Wrap for Non-Leaking Pipeline Defects

(Contd)

Exhibit 2: Calculating the Cost for Installing a Composite Wrap

Given: To repair a 6" non-leaking defect on a 24" pipeline, operating at 350 psig, assume 16 hours to complete
project1 using the following labor categories2. Assume costs for engineering management and planning to be
25% of field labor.
Clabor = cost of labor
Hourly rate of field labor category
Operator = $46/hr
Pipeliner = $42/hr
Apprentice = $28/hr
Cequip = cost of equipment
Cost of individual equipment
Composite Wrap Kit = $1,087 for 1 kit
Backhoe = $45/hr
Sandblasting Equipment = $12/hr
Pipeline coatings (5% composite kit) = $54
Cindirect = indirect costs such as field inspection crew, permits, etc. (Assume 50% of total equipment and la
bor cost3)
(1) Calculate Cost of Labor
Clabor = Engineering management cost + Field labor cost
Field Labor Cost = hourly rate * time required to complete work
= ($46 + $42 + $28) * 16
= $1,856
Engineering management cost = 0.25 * $1,856 = $464
Clabor = $464 + $1,856 = $2,320
(2) Calculate Cost of Equipment
Cequip = Cost of consumable materials (Composite wrap kit and coatings) + Cost of renting/using equip
ment on-site
= $1,087 + $54 + ($45 * 16) + ($12 * 16)
= $2,053
(3) Calculate Indirect Costs
Cindirect = Cost of permits, inspection services, right-of-way related expenses
= 0.5 * (Clabor + Cequip) = 0.5 * ($2,320 + $2,053)
= $2,186
(4) Calculate Total Cost of Repair
Total Cost of Repair = Clabor + Cequip + Cindirect
= $2,320 + $2,053 + $2,186
= $6,559
Partner supplied information.
Quick, P. Economics of Pipeline Repair, The Southern Gas Association Transmission Operating Conference, New Orleans, LA, July 2001.
3 Derived from Boreman, David. J. et.al. Repair Technologies for Gas Transmission Pipelines, Pipeline and Gas Journal, March 2000.
1
2

Composite Wrap for Non-Leaking Pipeline Defects

(Contd)

Please note that these labor rates may not be applicable to

all types of composite wrap repair. Partners should consult
the composite wrap manufacturers before finalizing cost
estimates.

Step 3: Calculate natural gas savings.

Composite wrap repair is not used to address active
natural gas leaks. The amount of gas saved is the amount
of gas that would have been vented had a pipeline
replacement strategy been implemented. Replacement
requires the shutdown of pipeline and isolation of the
damaged portion of pipe with the use of shut-off valves.
The distance between shut-off valves is prescribed by DOT
regulations and can be up to 10 miles in remote locations.
Natural gas in the isolated pipeline segment is generally
vented to the atmosphere.
As shown in Exhibit 3, the volume of gas that would be
saved by using composite wrap instead of pipeline
replacement can be calculated through the use of a simple
formula that takes into account the pipeline pressure,
length of the isolated section, and the cross sectional area.

Step 4: Calculate cost of pipeline replacement.

Calculate cost of pipeline replacement. Costs associated
with pipeline replacement can be grouped into three
categories:

Exhibit 3: Calculating Natural Gas Savings with

Composite Wrap Repair
Given: A pipeline company performs a composite wrap
repair on a 24" pipeline, operating at 350 psig, with 10
miles between shut-off valves.
D

= Inside diameter of pipeline (inches)

= Length of pipeline between shut-off valves (feet)

P = Pipeline pressure (psia for low pressure1, psig for

high pressure)
Pnatural gas

= Current natural gas market price ($7/Mcf)

Vnatural gas

= Volume of natural gas emissions

(1) Calculate Volume of Natural Gas Emissions

Natural Gas Savings with Composite wrap = Natural
Gas Emissions avoided from Pipe Replacement
Vnatural gas = Volume of natural gas savings with composite
wrap for line under pressure
Vnatural gas =

0.372 D 2 P
1,000

Purge procedures.

0.372 2 4 2 3 50

Labor and equipment costs.

52,800
1,000

1,000

Nelson Price Indexes

In order to account for inflation in equipment and
operating & maintenance costs, Nelson-Farrar
Quarterly Cost Indexes (available in the first issue of
each quarter in the Oil and Gas Journal) are used to
update costs in the Lessons Learned documents.

L
1,000

= 3,690 Mcf
(2) Calculate Value of Natural Gas Savings
Value of Natural Gas Savings with Composite wrap =
Vnatural gas * Pnatural gas

The Refinery Operation Index is used to revise

operating costs while the Machinery: Oilfield Itemized
Refining Cost Index is used to update equipment
costs.

= 3,960 Mcf * $7/Mcf

To use these indexes in the future, simply look up the

most current Nelson-Farrar index number, divide by
the February 2006 Nelson-Farrar index number, and,
finally multiply by the appropriate costs in the Lessons
Learned.

Source: Pipeline Rules of Thumb Handbook, 5th Edition,

2002.

= $27,720

1 Pipeline

pressure of 50 psi or less is considered low pressure.

Composite Wrap for Non-Leaking Pipeline Defects

(Contd)

Additional indirect expenses associated with pipeline

replacement, such as the cost of advertising if gas
service is to be shutdown, relighting customer pilots,
inspection services, and permits.
After pipeline replacement, there is a need to purge a
repaired segment before bringing it back on-line, requiring
the purchase and use of inert gases, such as nitrogen.
Exhibit 4 shows how to calculate costs from purge
procedures, by multiplying the volume of required purge
gas by the gas price.
Exhibit 5 shows how to calculate the labor and equipment
costs of a pipe replacement project. In general, the costs
associated with pipeline replacement are usually higher
than those associated with composite wrap repair.

Exhibit 4: Calculating Purge Procedure Cost for

Pipeline Replacement
Given: Assume a 24" pipeline case operating at 350 psig,
with shut-off valves 10 miles apart.
D = Inside diameter of pipeline (inches)
L = Length of pipeline between shut-off valves (feet)
Vp = Volume of the pipeline segment
Ppgas = Current purge gas market price ($/Mcf)

Exhibit 5: Calculating Labor, Equipment, and Indi

rect Costs for Pipeline Replacement
Given: A pipeline company has detected a 6" non-leaking
defect on a 24" diameter pipeline operating at 350 psig. The
shut-off valves are 10 miles apart. Replace 72" of pipeline1.
Assume a 40-hour job2 and the following labor and equip
ment classes and hourly rates3. Assume costs for engineer
ing management and planning to be 25% of field labor.
Hourly Rate of each Labor
Category
Welder = $47/hr
Operator = $46/hr
Pipeliner = $42/hr
Apprentice = $28/hr

Cost of Equipment
Crane/Boom Truck = $45/hr
Welding Rig = $25/hr
Backhoe = $45/hr
Steel Pipe4 = $62/ft
Coatings5 = $375

(1) Calculate Cost of Labor

Cost of Field Labor = ($47 + $46 + $42 + $28)/hr * 40 hr
= $6,520
Engineering Management Cost = 0.25 * $6,520 = $1,630
Total Labor Cost, Clabor = $6,520 + $1,630 = $8,150
(2) Calculate Cost of Equipment

(1) Calculate Volume of Purge Gas

Total Equipment and Material Cost, Cequip

= ($45 + $25 + $45)/hr * 40 hr + $62/ft * 6ft + $375
= $5,303

Vpgas

(3) Calculate Indirect Cost

Vpgas = Volume of purge gas

= Volume of purge gas1 used during pipeline

replacement procedure
= Vp * 1.2 (restoring line + 20% wasted)

Indirect Cost = cost of permits, inspection services, right-of

way related expenses6
Cindirect = (Assume 40% of total equipment and labor cost)

PD2 L
3.14 242 52,800
1.2
1.2
=
4 1441,000
4 1441,000

= 0.4 * (Clabor + Cequip) = $5,381

(4) Calculate Total Cost
Total Cost = Clabor + Cequip + CIndirect = $18,835

= 199 Mcf
(2) Calculate Cost of Purge Gas
Purge Gas Cost = Vpgas * Ppgas
= 199 Mcf * $8/Mcf
= $1,5921
1

Inert gas assumed to be nitrogen at $8/Mcf.

1
Replace at least three times the pipe diameter. Information based on partner reported
information.
2
Time required to replace pipeline from excavation to reburial. Based on partner reported information. Assumes 1 work-week (5 days, 8 hours/day). Excludes overtime.
3
Quick, P. "Economics of Pipeline Repair," The Southern Gas Association Transmission Operating Conference, New Orleans, LA, July 2001.
4
Assumes $62/foot. Partner reported information.
5
Basis: Oil and Gas Journal, "Composite Wrap Approved for U.S. Gas-Pipeline Repairs", Oct 9, 1995. Used three times the cost listed for a 2-foot split sleeve.
6
Derived from Boreman, David. J. et.al. "Repair Technologies for Gas Transmission
Pipelines," Pipeline and Gas Journal, March 2000.

Composite Wrap for Non-Leaking Pipeline Defects

(Contd)

Step 5: Evaluate the Economics.

The comparison shown in Exhibit 6 examines the cost of
replacing a segment of damaged pipeline and the cost of
repairing the defect with composite wrap for two scenarios.
In both cases, the defect has been found on a 24" pipeline
at 350 psig. The only difference is the length of the defect;
in the first case, it is 6" long, and in the second, 234" long.
Site excavation and reburying the pipeline are activities
common to both repair options. To simplify the analysis,
the costs for such common activities are assumed equal
and are excluded.
The remaining costs for labor and materials are unique to
each repair option. Exhibit 6 lists major costs for each
repair. A crane or boom truck is unique to pipeline
replacement and is included in the basic analysis.
Once the replacement segment is aligned and welded in
place, there is typically a 24-hour wait before it can be
tested to ensure the welds are secure. The analysis in
Exhibit 6 assumes that the testing is completed within the
specified period.
This analysis shows that composite wrap repair results in
significant natural gas, nitrogen, and labor savings. The
cost of the composite wrap kits is low for the first scenario,
as only one repair kit is needed for the 6" defect. In the 6"
defect case, natural gas savings alone cover the cost of
composite wrap repair, and the payback is immediate.
For the 234 defect case, 20 composite wrap kits are butted
together and equipment costs increase approximately 20
fold over the short defect case, while they increase by a
factor of 2 for pipeline replacement. Natural gas savings
and lower labor costs in the composite repair are offset by
high materials coststhis results in more comparable
costs for both repair options.
It is important to note that in some circumstances (i.e.,
certain long defects), pipeline replacement is the most costeffective repair option, despite the gas losses. Some
Natural Gas STAR partners, however, have chosen
composite wrap over pipeline replacement in these
circumstances, underscoring that cost is not the only factor
that influences the selected repair option. As the following
case study from a Natural Gas STAR partner illustrates,
urgency of repair, availability of a back-up gas supply, and
speed of repair influence the final decision.

Exhibit 6: Comparison of Pipeline Replacement

and Composite Wrap Economics
Given: 24 diameter pipeline at 350 psig1 with 10 miles between shut-off
valves.
6 Defect

234 Defect

Composite
Pipeline
Composite
Wrap Repair Replacement Wrap Repair

Pipeline
Replacement

Natural Gas
Lost (Mcf)

3,960

3960

Purge Gas
(Mcf)

199

199

Number of
Composite
Wrap Kits

202

Cost of
Natural Gas
Lost

$0

$27,720

$0

$27,720

Cost of
Purge Gas4

$0

$1,592

$0

$1,592

Labor 4

$2,320

$5,850

$4,640

$8,775

Equipment
and
Materials

$1,142

$3,520

$22,833

$6,950

Indirect
Costs

$2,186

$3,748

$13,736

$6,290

Total Cost
of Repair

$5,648

$42,430

$41,209

$51,327

Most
Economical
Option

1. Equivalent to the reduced pressure at which composite wrap repair would be

performed.
2. Based on the number of composite wraps side-by-side less 2" needed on each
end of the first and last sleeve to adhere the composite wrap to the parent pipe.
3. Assume natural gas at $7/Mcf.
4. Assume nitrogen at $8/Mcf.
5. Pipeline Replacement: Assume 40 hours (no overtime) to complete 6" project, 60
hours (no overtime) for 234" project. Composite Wrap Repair: Assume 16 hour to
complete 6" project and 32 hour to complete 234" project. Labor rates as shown in
Exhibits 1 and 4. Labor for the pipeline replacement excludes operator, as as
sumption made that operator's primary role would be related to excavation and
reburial. No similar adjustments made for labor categories for composite wrap.
6. Excludes cost of backhoe and sandblasting equipment shown in Exhibits 1 and
4. For 234" defect, assume 39 ft of replacement pipeline (double the length of
defect).

Composite Wrap for Non-Leaking Pipeline Defects

(Contd)

Partner Experience
One Natural Gas STAR partner reported completing more
than 300 composite wrap repairs of non-leaking defects on
transmission lines larger than 10" since 1995. In one
situation, the partner repaired a 20" defect on a pipe by
butting together two composite wrap sleeves. Since the
damaged pipe was near a creek bed, not having to open the
pipeline (as would have been the case with a segment
replacement), prevented any water exposure to the
pipeline interior and avoided all the attendant
complications. Two trained personnel installed the
composite wrap and reburied the pipeline in four hours.
The entire repair, from excavation to reburial, was
completed in two days, and the line was never out of
service.
For this partner, cost is often a secondary consideration in
selecting composite wrap over pipeline replacement.
Primary considerations include:
Can the repair be completed without taking the
pipeline out of service? This is important in areas
where there is no back-up gas source.
How quickly can the repair be completed? Composite
wrap repair usually requires two days, while five to
seven days are common for pipeline replacement.
Can the repair be completed safely? Operators are
always concerned when repairs such as composite
wrap or steel sleeves are performed on a live
pipeline. Composite wrap presents no additional
safety concerns compared to steel sleeve repair.

Lessons Learned
Composite wrap repair can cost-effectively eliminate
methane emissions associated with repairing certain nonleaking defects on pipelines. Partners offer the following
lessons learned:
Composite wrap repair can be used for permanent
repair of non-leaking defects on pipelines and
temporary repair of defects caused by internal
corrosion.
Composite wrap repair results in methane emissions
reductions as it eliminates the need to shutdown
damaged pipeline and vent natural gas to the
atmosphere prior to repair.

Natural gas savings may be sufficient to cover the

costs of composite wrap repair and result in
immediate payback.
Composite wrap may be an ideal choice for nonleaking defects when repair is urgently required,
must be completed quickly, and no back-up gas
supply is available.
During repair, the pipeline can usually operate at
pressures at least half of full pressure, which avoids
potential service interruptions, revenue losses, and
vented gas costs.
The light weight of the composite wrap material
makes it relatively easy to install. Two lower-skilled
technicians can complete a repair in a few hours
without welding, cutting, or special handling
equipment.
Composite wrap eliminates costly delays for
specifying and procuring metal sleeves or pipe
segments to repair the pipeline.
Composite wrap restores the pipe's original pressure
capabilities and improves its resistance to further
structural deterioration.
Tests of segments repaired with composite wrap
indicate continuous cathodic protection.
Many companies now supply composite wrap
systems, each with its own advantages, so it is
important to shop around.
Record methane emissions reductions achieved
through this approach and include reductions in
Natural Gas STAR Program reports if your
companys prior policy was to replace sections of
damaged pipeline.

References
Armor Plate, Inc., <www.armorplateonline.com>.
ASME B31G, Manual for Determining Remaining Strength of Corroded
Pipelines: Supplement To B31 Code-Pressure Piping, 1991.
Boreman, J. David, et al., Repair Technologies for Gas Transmission
Pipelines, Pipeline and Gas Journal, March 2000.
Columbia Gas Transmission and Columbia Gulf Transmission, personal
contact.
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(Contd)

EPA Partnership, Columbia Energy Reports Significant Reduction in

Methane Emissions, November 2000.
Furrow, M. L., U.S. Department of Transportation, personal contact.
Gas Research Institute, Summary of Validation of Clock Spring for
Permanent Repair of Pipeline Corrosion Defects, GRI-98/0227.
Leewis, Dr. Keith, Gas Technology Institute, personal contact.
McAllister, E.W., Pipeline Rules of Thumb Handbook, 5th Edition, 2002.
Mohitpour, M. et al., Pipeline Rehab Responding to Regulatory Pressures,
Technological Advances, Oil and Gas Journal, January 20, 2003.
Oil and Gas Journal, Composite Wrap Approved for U.S. Gas-Pipeline
Repairs, October 9, 1995.
Quick, Porter, Economics of Pipeline Repair, The Southern Gas
Association Transmission Operating Conference, New Orleans,
Louisiana, July 2001.
The Clock Spring Company L.P., <www.clockspring.com>. The
StrongBack Corporation, <www.strongbackcorp.com>. Tingley, Kevin,
U.S. EPA Natural Gas STAR Program, personal contact.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Lessons Learned: Using Pipeline
Pump-Down Techniques to Lower Gas Line Pressure Before
Maintenance (EPA430-B00-007, December 2000).
WrapMaster, Inc., <www.wrapm.com>.

10

Composite Wrap for Non-Leaking Pipeline Defects

(Contd)

United States
Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Radiation (6202J)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460
October 2006

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