Assessing the Condition of Pipes under Composite Wraps
Last chance to apply for Assessing the Condition of Pipe and Substrate under Composite Wraps Innovation Exchange Challenge
Innovate UK KTN’s Innovation Exchange programme is supporting Sellafield to identify innovative solutions to assess the condition of pipes and substrate underneath composite wraps.
Composite repair systems using composite wraps remain a constant repair option for industries requiring the repair and rehabilitation of piping systems. Sellafield’s site in Cumbria has a significant number of composite wraps already in use and plans to use them in future however, as it’s not possible to see through or under the composite materials, it is not possible to check:
• If the composite wrap has been installed correctly.
• If the composite integrity is present.
• If the bond between the composite and the substrate is still holding (for example, is there a leak?).
• The condition of the asset underneath (has the problem stopped, is it still progressing and is remedial work required).
Solutions to all the above would allow Sellafield to have confidence in the installation, performance and life of the repair. It is of particular importance to understand when a failure is about to occur.
Understanding the condition of these repairs will allow more extensive use of composite wraps as a means of repairing pipes across the site, saving both time and costs.
To meet the desired timescale and minimise risk, it is preferred that the proposed solution, or the key part(s) of the solution, has been previously demonstrated in an industrial environment (>TRL 6). The solution should be achievable within health and safety requirements and regulations.
Challenge closes: 25/11/2022