Fri, 29 May, 2026
TWI is launching a new joint industry project (JIP) to address challenges related to the long-term integrity of reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR) pipes, as used in industries such as oil and gas.
RTR Pipe Challenges
RTR pipes are increasingly being favoured for their strength, chemical resistance, and cost-efficient manufacturing. Despite these advantages, there remain some challenges related to inspection and lifecycle management.
The pipe joints have long been recognised as a leading source of potential system failure, but these are not the only aspects that can cause challenges for RTR pipeline inspection.
Because there is diversity in RTR materials, fabrication methods, and lay-ups, it is difficult to find a single non-destructive testing (NDT) method to reliably address all inspection scenarios across the system.
This situation is compounded by the relatively slow pace of advancement in NDT technologies for non-metallic composites, as compared to metallic pipelines, creating inconsistent outcomes, greater uncertainty in defect detection, and increased lifecycle costs for operators.
Solving these challenges around NDT inspection will provide benefits to help ensure the long-term integrity of RTR pipes in industry sectors including oil and gas.
About the Project
This new JIP will apply a systematic engineering approach to the evaluation of RTR materials and joint configurations under a range of specific environmental and operational conditions as encountered in both off- and onshore pipeline systems. The integrity of RTR joints and pipe systems will be characterised against different inspection methods to determine factors such as defect detectability, inspection capability, material response, and technique limitations across the full range of composite constructions and service environments.
The outcomes of this research and testing work will be assessed by TWI’s technical experts to generate the technical evidence base required to establish reliable and industry‑aligned best‑practice guidance.
Interested parties are invited to join this project as sponsors, allowing them access to outcomes and the opportunity to have input into the project parameters.
You can find out more about this project, and how you can join as a sponsor, here:
https://www.twi-global.com/what-we-do/research-and-technology/research-programmes/joint-industry-projects/non-metallic-inspections-and-best-practice-guide