Case Study
In October 2024, the repair of a critical pipeline was executed at a major mining site operated in Latin America. The site had experienced a rupture at the Y-joint of a 24″ OD API 5L Grade B carbon steel pipeline. Due to the high operational demand and limited access during production cycles, the asset owner employed a temporary welded plate to control the leak until a permanent repair could be scheduled during a full shutdown. To ensure continued operation under safe conditions, the XCorr® composite repair system was selected to mechanically reinforce the compromised area.
Project Needs
- Restore structural integrity of ruptured pipe at a Y-joint to ensure continued operation.
- Maintain mechanical strength under mining-induced stress until the next scheduled shutdown.
- Avoid hot work, heavy equipment mobilization, or full pipeline replacement.
- Enable rapid field application in confined and remote mining environment.
Application Specifics
- High-vibration and high-pressure conditions in mining operations cause localized fatigue, especially at pipeline joints and geometric discontinuities.
- These areas are difficult to access and often unsuited for conventional repair due to logistical and safety constraints.
- Standard repair methods like pipe replacement or welded sleeves require long lead times, extensive mobilization, and operational shutdowns.
- The interruption of mining production for pipeline repairs reduces yields and operational profit.
Field-Applied Composite Wraps Stabilize A Ruptured Pipeline...
Provided Protection
Despite harsh operating conditions and geometrical complexity, the applied composite wrap demonstrated:
The system provided a fast, safe, and highly effective alternative to traditional repair strategies. By reinforcing the rupture zone with XCorr® 100 and eliminating leaks with Stop It® PSX, the asset owner avoided downtime and costly mobilization during the operational window.
