Case Study
During an offshore decommissioning project, 4” carbon steel natural gas pipelines displayed significant external corrosion, including wall loss and active pinhole leaks. These defects posed a critical barrier to the decommissioning sequences, specifically, the pipes could not be pressure-tested, pigged, flushed, or plugged until the leaks were resolved. Due to the widespread degradation, a temporary composite reinforcement was deemed the safest and most effective solution. To address the issue without introducing hot work or delays, InduMar’s Stop It® Pipe Repair System was selected for its rapid application, structural performance, and compliance with U.S. DOT and ASME standards.
Offshore Challenges
- Continuous exposure to seawater, salt spray, and humidity accelerates external corrosion and material degradation.
- Remote locations, limited deck space, and subsea installation make inspection, maintenance, and repair operations logistically complex.
- Offshore work often involves high-pressure systems, flammable materials, and unpredictable weather, demanding strict safety controls.
- Delays in offshore repairs or shutdowns can result in significant production losses and increased project costs.
Project Needs
- Reinforce thin-wall sections and seal pinhole leaks in corroded 4” steel natural gas lines.
- Enable pressurization for pigging and flushing operations required before line removal.
- Minimize offshore operational downtime and avoid hot work during the repair phase.
- Ensure mechanical integrity sufficient to meet decommissioning test protocols.
Stop It® Delivers a Rapid Repair Solution for Offshore Pipeline...
Provided Protection
The Stop It® composite wrap system allowed the offshore natural gas lines to be safely sealed and structurally rehabilitated. This enabled pressurization and testing for pigging, flushing, and plugging activities. The repair system restored pipeline integrity without requiring replacement sections or hot work, thus minimizing risk and cost. Stop It® provided a rapid cure, conformed to the corroded pipe geometry, and enabled a pressure- and temperature-tolerant seal resistant to further degradation during the decommissioning process.
