Thu, 30 April, 2026
There is still time to join a new joint industry project (JIP) to investigate damage mechanisms and develop failure analysis protocols for reinforced thermoset resin (RTR) pipes.
RTR pipes have been employed in oil and gas operations for over 50 years, transporting hydrocarbons, water and harsh chemicals. The excellent corrosion resistance of the pipes and joints reduce the frequency of pipe inspection and maintenance requirements, creating significant cost savings across their operational lifetime, as well as reducing the need to replace pipework.
Despite these advantages, failures do sometimes still occur, creating a need to understand the causes in order to prevent future occurrences.
Understanding RTR Pipe Failure
Establishing the cause of pipe failure is important in being able to swiftly and cost-effectively resolve any issues. However, there are several potential intrinsic causes to be considered, from design issues to materials and / or manufacturing problems. In addition, failure could be caused by outside factors related to transportation, installation, commissioning and operation. Indeed, pipe failures can occur from a combination of causes including pipelines being pushed past their intended operational envelope.
Having an overview of the common causes of failure, as well as the failure mechanisms themselves, would help prevent misinformed actions, create a more streamlined investigative approach, and deliver both time and cost efficiencies for industry.
About the Project
This project will deliver a more streamlined investigative approach for failure investigations through an understanding of commonalities from past pipeline failures. This includes both RTR pipelines and non-metallic components used in RTR pipe and joint systems, such as adhesive bonds and elastomer O-rings. The project will also investigate RTR pipe failures that occurred adjacent to metallic fittings, such as valves and couplers, where the metallic component may have contributed to failure, although not failures of the metallic components themselves.
Project Outcomes
The project will review the current body of knowledge for failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) concerning RTR pipe and joint systems, including failure mechanisms and root causes. This will lead to the creation of a specification for information and documents required ahead of a failure investigation and a root-cause failure analysis (RCFA) method to link failure modes and potential root causes.
Project Sponsors will be able to provide specific details related to their own needs or concerns for investigation. The outcomes will include defining analytical methods and tests as well as a protocol to support failure investigations that efficiently resolve the root cause(s) for specific failure modes.
There is still time to join this JIP and have direct input into the direction and outcomes to suit your specific industrial needs.
You can find out more and express your interest in joining this exclusive project, here:
https://www.twi-global.com/what-we-do/research-and-technology/research-programmes/joint-industry-projects/understanding-the-damage-mechanisms-and-developing-failure-analysis-protocol-for-rtr-pipes