Journey of GRE Pipelines Life Extension Testing and Challenges

Abstract Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) pipes have been extensively used by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) in pipeline application mainly for oil and water transportation. Though there is no corrosion threat on the GRE pipelines, the integrity of GRE lines may be affected by a number of in-service degradation mechanisms including physical and chemical aging. GRE pipes are designed using the regression curve as per ISO14692-Part 2. The design life of the GRE pipes is based on the log (stress) / log (time) curve established by the manufacturer. This curve is established on the basis of regression testing of 1000 hours test in accordance with ASTM D2992. Based on the established regression curve, the design life of the GRE pipes are up to 20 years. The same regression curve was used in establishing the required test pressure for the life extension study of this pipeline. Approaching end of design life it was a challenge for a company using a huge number of GRE pipelines since 2000. The study is to summarize the life extension journey of several GRE pipelines with different design data/manufacturers/joint type,…..etc. The study also summarize the challenges of getting GRE samples/de-oiling and operation side challenges.