Finite-Element Analysis of the Installation Process of a Novel Corrosion Protective Kevlar-Reinforced Flexible Composite Liner

Abstract

Internal corrosion in pipelines is a persistent problem in the oil and gas industry. Available conventional rehabilitation techniques to stop corrosion losses and prolong the life of the pipeline use an internal lining system to isolate the corrosive medium from the host pipe’s inner surface. To overcome many of the shortcomings associated with conventional lining technologies, a Kevlar-reinforced flexible polymer composite liner has been recently developed. This flexible liner was installed in several stages and is of interest in understanding the mechanisms behind the installation process and, more specifically, in determining the forces and stresses at each stage of the installation process. Hence, the objective of the current study is to build a nonlinear finite element (FE) model to simulate the full installation process of this new liner. The FE model is further validated using physical tests, making it a reliable tool for simulating the entire installation process of this liner in an arbitrary pipeline network.