Experimental and Statistical Analyses of the Tribological and Weathering Behaviors of Pipeline Support Materials

Abstract Polymers such as Neoprene, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or Ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) polyethylene (PE) are typically used as an intermediary layer between the pipeline or piping structures and rigid ground supports. Neoprene is a commonly used support material but suffers from water accumulation problems and subsequent corrosion of the pipe surfaces in contact with it. Although alternative materials are available, there is a lack of comprehensive data on their friction behaviors with various pipe surface conditions, or their weathering behavior in common environmental conditions. Therefore, in this study friction experiments were conducted on various material/surface combinations, and weathering experiments were conducted on common support materials in relevant environmental conditions. Friction results show that material combinations with Neoprene have the highest static coefficient of friction (CoF), on average. In contrast, combinations with PTFE or in some cases UHMW-PE have the lowest static CoF behaviors, on average. The results of this study are important as inputs in pipeline structural design calculations and vibrational studies or dynamic loading simulations. Comparisons of the performance of various pipe support materials is also useful for high-level material selection and screening purposes.